School Bus Driver

Job Title: Dual Employment TA/ Bus Driver

Reports To: Principal

Site: Benson Middle School

Term: 9 Months

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must meet the requirements for Highly Qualified Status through one of the following:
• Hold an Associate's or Bachelor's degree;
• Have completed at least 48 semester hours of college coursework; or
• Have successfully completed the Pathways to Teacher Assistant course and accompanying WorkKeys assessment.
• Must be at least 18 years of age with a minimum of six (6) months driving experience.
• Must meet all North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles requirements as outlined in the School Bus Driver Handbook.
• Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements and maintain a current Bus Driver's Pocket Card.
• Must pass all required DOT physicals, drug screenings, and alcohol testing requirements.
• Working knowledge of effective methods of working with children.
• Ability to solve minor problems and follow detailed written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and community members.

Job Goal

To support the instructional program and student learning environment while safely transporting students to and from school and school-related activities in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and district expectations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Teacher Assistant

Academic Assistance

• Provides group and individualized instruction as directed by the teacher.
• Demonstrates instructional activities and reinforces lessons introduced by the teacher.
• Assists students with assignments and keeps students on task.
• Checks and corrects student work while in progress.
• Encourages and reinforces student achievement and positive behavior.
• Reports student progress and concerns to the teacher.

Instructional Preparation and Support

• Assists with classroom setup, preparation of instructional materials, and visual aids.
• Duplicates and organizes classroom materials.
• Assists with classroom organization at the end of the instructional day.
• Serves as a testing proctor and assists with scoring and distributing instructional materials.
• Participates in workshops, staff development, and training opportunities.

Monitoring Student Behavior

• Supervises students in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, cafeterias, buses, and other school settings.
• Promotes student self-esteem, citizenship, social skills, and respect for others.
• Assists with behavior management using approved methods and procedures.
• Reconciles minor student conflicts and reports significant concerns to administration.
• Supports school discipline procedures and expectations.
• Serves as a positive role model and team player within the organization.

Bus Driver Responsibilities

• Safely operates a school bus or activity bus in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, policies, and regulations.
• Complies with all Johnston County Public Schools Transportation Services procedures and expectations.
• Follows assigned bus routes and schedules.
• Ensures the safety and supervision of students while boarding, riding, and exiting the bus.
• Maintains discipline and appropriate student behavior on the bus and reports infractions as required.
• Conducts required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and reports observable mechanical issues.
• Maintains responsibility for bus securement whenever the vehicle is unattended.
• Attends required transportation meetings, training, and safety updates.
• Reports all accidents, incidents, and concerns immediately in accordance with district procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Demonstrates knowledge of procedures and equipment required for transporting Exceptional Children students.
• Assumes responsibility during emergency situations, including bus evacuations.
• Refrains from the use of drugs or alcohol before or during operation of a school bus and complies with all district and DOT drug/alcohol testing requirements.
• Maintains professional relationships with students, parents, staff, and community members.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of instructional support practices and student supervision techniques.
• Knowledge of safe school bus operation practices and traffic laws.
• Knowledge of school bus safety standards and transportation procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both instructional and transportation settings.
• Ability to maintain accurate reports and records.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in a variety of situations.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic operational functions of standing, walking, sitting, reaching, lifting, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, grasping, and repetitive motion.
• Must be able to safely assist with emergency bus evacuations, including lifting or assisting students when necessary.
• Must possess adequate vision, hearing, hand-eye-foot coordination, and physical mobility necessary to safely operate a school bus and supervise students.
• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing with students, parents, staff, and community members.

Disclaimers

The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with Human Resources review and approval, at any time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Johnston County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment or promotion on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.