Transportation Instructor

Job Title: School Bus Driver/Transportation Instructor

Join the Berks County Intermediate Unit team as a School Bus Driver/Transportation Instructor and make a difference in the lives of children and families in Berks County.

Job Summary:

The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to assist with the operation of a training/safety program for all transportation employees. As a School Bus Driver/Transportation Instructor, you will train transportation employees on how to render safe, timely, and cost-efficient transportation services to schools served by the BCIU and Berks County schools.

Responsibilities:

• Train transportation employees on safe driving practices and procedures.
• Develop and implement training programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety.
• Document and report any incidents or concerns related to student safety.
• Provide maximum safety for students while on the bus and when loading and unloading.
• Complete all reports as required by policy, federal, state, and local laws and procedures of the Transportation Department.
• Attend all in-services, meetings, conferences, instructional sessions, tests, and examinations as required by state and local laws or as requested by the Program Administrator or the Assistant Program Administrator and/or his/her designee.

Qualifications:

• Hold and maintain a valid PA Commercial Driver's License with proper endorsements, to include Passenger (P), School Bus (S), and Air Brake (L).
• Hold, obtain, and maintain current, valid Red Cross First Aid Course and CPR Certificate.
• Pass the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania school bus driver's physical examination.
• Ability to identify geographic areas as required.
• Negative drug/alcohol screenings.
• High School Diploma and/or G.E.D. preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Recognize and respect confidentiality of information.
• Ability to work in harmony with students, parents, maintenance personnel, drivers, assistants, and school officials.
• Capability to deal with physical and behavioral characteristics of all students including students with disabilities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Certification as a school bus driver instructor or ability to obtain the same.
• Knowledge of school bus/van rules and regulations as promulgated by local, state, and federal authorities.
• Ability to develop training programs.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, and families.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Must have two (2) years driving experience as a licensed school bus driver.

Physical Demands:

• Sitting in driver's seat for extended periods.
• Standing for limited periods of time.
• Frequent bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, grasping using both hands to secure wheelchairs to bus floor, connect, disconnect.
• Some heavy lifting - up to 35 pounds.
• Frequent carrying - up to 35 pounds.
• Sometimes help move child if seizure occurs.
• Help load and unload disabled children and sometimes lift, handle wheelchairs, devices if applicable.
• Physical stamina to be exposed to all weather conditions.
• Operate a mechanical lift device for severely disabled students.

Work Environment:

• Inside the bus, sedentary except for aiding disabled students.
• Some outside exposure in loading and unloading students.

Temperament:

• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Must be courteous and able to deal effectively with people, especially students, parents, and teachers.
• Must be cooperative, congenial, service-oriented, and caring.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment in which occupant safety is the highest priority.

Cognitive Ability:

• Ability to follow written and verbal directions.
• Ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to read, write, and do simple computation.
• Ability to use correct grammar, sentence structure, and spelling.
• Ability to compose clear, concise sentences and paragraphs.
• Ability to organize operational setting to efficiently accomplish tasks.
• Ability to work independently and make work-related decisions.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in prioritizing tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Specific Skills:

• Ability to operate vehicle and its equipment efficiently and safely.
• Ability to write operating reports accurately.
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential information.

Position Specifications:

This is a part-time position, 12 months/year, with a salary of $26.13 per hour, established by the Intermediate Unit Board of Directors per the Transportation Compensation and Benefits Plan.

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