Bus Monitor

Bus Monitor

General Description: A bus monitor is responsible for supervising students on school buses and coordinating with bus drivers, ensuring a safe transport service for everyone. They are in charge of monitoring the students' behavior, assisting the students with mobility issues, maintaining order, and enforcing the safety rules and policies. There are also times when they must produce progress reports and coordinate with school administrators when addressing and resolving student conflicts or concerns.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the bus driver in maintaining discipline on the school bus; monitor and assist students while the bus is in operation.
• Assist the bus driver during unusual traffic conditions or hazardous conditions such as inclement weather.
• Act as a lookout when necessary when the bus is backing up.
• Consult with and assist the bus driver in documentation of student information, record keeping and completing routes.
• Assist the bus driver in assuring seat belts, harness, and wheelchair clamps are secured as required.
• Assist parents and school personnel with safe loading and unloading of students; coordinate seating of pre-kindergarten students as required by State of Transportation Guidelines.
• Assist handicapped children on and off the bus and escort children across the street upon return home; lift children as required; assure a responsible adult meets students leaving the bus.
• Communicate with families, school officials, staff and immediate supervisor concerning student background, medical problems and behavior as appropriate.
• Willingness to provide documented medications if needed for a child (after training).
• Maintain student attendance and record keeping tasks.
• Maintain current knowledge of emergency evacuation procedures and assist in bus drills.
• Perform other assigned duties.
• Maintain regular attendance and professional conduct at all times.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Able to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Willingness to accept guidance and suggestions.
• Maintain proper records and documentation.
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Understand and relate to children with special needs.
• Willingness to continue professional growth and development.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of safe practices and guidelines concerning school bus transportation.
• Knowledge of basic record-keeping techniques.
• Knowledge of students' IEPs, behavior plans, and medical needs.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of relevant policies and procedures mandated by the State of DE including suspected child abuse and/or neglect.
• Knowledge of how to communicate and provide information to supervisors, co-workers, and families by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Skills:

• Active listening - Giving full attention to what others are saying and taking the time to understand what is being said.
• Social perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Coordination & Flexibility Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions, and an openness to accepting new assignments and duties.
• Communicating - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Abilities:

• Ability to read, write, and communicate with others.
• Ability to keep proper documentation regarding students, seating arrangements, and more.
• Ability to understand and carry out both oral and written instructions in an independent manner.
• Ability to monitor a school bus safely and efficiently.
• Ability to utilize strategies that keep students calm and interacting safely while riding the bus.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and extreme caution while serving as a monitor.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties. Must be able to lift over 30 pounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, families, and school personnel.