Student Transportation Specialist, OPT - at NYC Public Schools Queens, NY

Overview Student Transportation Specialist, OPT - 25618 job at NYC Public Schools. Queens, NY. Position Summary: The Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) is dedicated to providing the students of New York City with safe, clean, dependable, efficient, cost-effective, and prompt transportation. OPT is responsible for supporting the educational process by providing services that are essential for the children's education but occur outside of the classroom. Under the oversight of the OPT, the Student Transportation Specialist assists in ensuring that children are transported to schools safely and efficiently. The Student Transportation Specialist will coordinate and monitor the transportation of eligible students through contracted carriers by State and local law. The Student Transportation Specialist will be responsible for assigning bus routes for school-aged students to and from school within a specified geographic location and will address busing service issues and assist parents, students, and administrators in providing yellow school bus service to students. Role: The Student Transportation Specialist role will provide support for the NYCPS’s Student Transportation Information and Data Enterprise System (STRIDES) initiative, which includes, but is not limited to: Real-time bus tracking and student boarding information, implemented through an inexpensive, GPS-enabled tablet running the “Bus Driver App” (a customized version of the Via Driver App), which provides drivers with turn-by-turn navigation and digitally records student boarding and alighting. Real-time, sophisticated notification system connecting all stakeholders (parents/caregivers and students via app and/or text, and NYCPS and school administrators through a dedicated web-based console). The system will provide automated updates on real-time bus location, student boarding and alighting, route changes, vehicle delays, etc. It will also allow NYCPS administrators to initiate notifications and seamlessly communicate with drivers, parents/caregivers, and students. Automated and dynamic vehicle routing, optimized for traffic conditions and last-minute changes to advance and improve the student transportation experience. Modernization of OPT systems Performs related work. Reports to: Chief of Staff, Office of Pupil Transportation Direct Reports: N/A Key Relationships: Relationships will be fostered with OPT administration, school bus transportation providers, school-based administration, and representatives from the Office of School Health, Special Education Office, Committees on Preschool Special Education, and the Office of Students in Temporary Housing, as well as community-based organizations (CBOs), contracted vendors and parents. Responsibilities Supports schools in the delivery of high-quality transportation services and support to families. Provides information and guidance to parents/guardians of students about transportation accommodations associated with student placement. Coordinates contact with various offices within the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) and school bus transportation providers, as well as with outside agencies and CBOs, regarding transportation accommodation requests. Performs difficult and responsible support operations in transportation services for general education and special education students. Collaborates with OPT managers, school bus transportation providers, schools, and other interested parties in responding to school inquiries regarding yellow bus and MetroCard services. Assists in the routing and scheduling of contracted vehicles and personnel to ensure that adequate transportation services are provided for general and special education students in public and non-public schools. Organizes and schedules the timely establishment of bus routes for all eligible pupils. Determines student eligibility for reduced fare passes on contracted vehicles or public transportation. Directs the designation of specific routes and modes of transportation to be utilized by individual students. Prepares detailed and comprehensive reports for the Deputy Senior Executive Director, or their designee, and other stakeholders, e.g., statistics concerning the number of pupils served and resources required. Ensures effective communication among vendor personnel, the OPT, NYCPS, and families regarding daily transportation issues as they arise. Reviews the location of students, length of ride, and special needs of students. Uses routing software to develop and maintain a computerized school bus routing and scheduling database. Updates and maintains a student database to generate information on schedules, stops, runs, and routes. Manages communication between the district Committees on Special Education, both School Age and Pre-school, schools, and the OPT regarding students approved for transportation services. Ensures that schools, CPSEs, and CSEs enter data promptly and accurately. Fosters collaboration and process integration across the OPT and with special education personnel. Ensures that schools submit appropriate documentation on a timely basis for the transportation needs of Special Education, General Education, and Pre-K/EI students. Prepares comprehensive reports on surveys and studies and provides recommendations to improve the efficiency of contracted operations. Conducts route inspections and observations. Reviews and handles Suspension Exceptions. Responds to inquiries and concerns from parents, schools, and school bus transportation providers. Qualification Requirements A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or High school graduation or equivalent and six (6) years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least one (1) year of experience as described in “1” above. Plus In addition to meeting the minimum requirements, individuals must have two additional years of the experience described in "1" above. Preferred Knowledge of the NYCPS’s general rules, regulations, and organizational structure. Familiarity with OPT’s transportation policies, procedures, and operational systems. Excellent computer skills and demonstrable experience with all basic Microsoft Office applications. Knowledge and experience with Microsoft SharePoint. Success in an indirect management role within large organizations. Knowledge and understanding of overall organizational strategy. Ability to prepare written reports and presentations clearly and concisely. Excellent communication skills necessary to positively interact with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to make critical analyses in determining courses of action. Experience as a persuasive and persistent advocate for customer needs. Salary $72,114 - $85,000 Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary. Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding. New York City Residency is NOT Required * We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DOE Non- Discrimination Policy The Department of Education of the City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy. Public Service Loan Forgiveness As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at #J-18808-Ljbffr