Bus Driver

Overview:

Empower Community School influences change in our community by forging collaboration between a diverse group of scholars, educators, families, and partners to educate the next generation of community leaders and advocates. Our personalized approach to learning supports the academic, social, and emotional development of each scholar and prepares them to excel in every endeavor with the courage and ability to advocate for themselves and the community.

Empower unapologetically believes:

Every student can learn and grow in rigorous academic settings with the appropriate support.
Schools are a place for equitable collaboration between educators, scholars, families, and the broader community.
Empathy, interpersonal skills, and social-emotional development are the foundation of a positive culture.
Technology can be an educational equalizer when used for personalized learning, content creation, and community connections.

Reports To: Director of Operations

Job Goal: To provide safe and efficient transportation for students.

Responsibilities:

Demonstrates support for the school system and its vision, mission, goals, and priorities
Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the bus and completes and submits forms as required; reports mechanical failures to the proper authority.
Picks up and discharges students at authorized stops in accordance with assigned route and schedule.
Maintains and uses communications and/or surveillance equipment on buses according to school system regulations.
Maintains cooperative and appropriate relationships with administrators, peers, students, parents, community members, and other employees.
Performs duties in a courteous, professional manner.
Reports all accidents immediately to the transportation office and other appropriate officials; follows school system procedures related to accidents and post-accident activities.
Adheres to all traffic laws and driving safety rules
Properly cares for tools, equipment, and material resources of the school system
Maintains order and discipline while on the bus; reports students with disciplinary problems to the proper authority
Transports students on field trips and outings, athletic events, and other extracurricular or co-curricular events (evenings, nights, or other times) as assigned
Demonstrates initiative in identifying potential problems and/or opportunities for improvement in areas of responsibility
Responds to inquiries and requests in a timely and positive manner
Prepares for and assists students in evacuating the bus when necessary; participates in emergency evacuation drills as required
Attends scheduled professional development, meetings, and training
Prepares, maintains, and submits required reports, records, and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner
Maintains confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters in accordance with state and federal law
Adheres to local Board policies, administrative procedures, and other like directives, as well as state, federal, and local laws
Performs other job-related duties as assigned by Supervisor(s)

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or equivalent
Possess and maintain a valid Alabama bus driver license (ABL) and commercial driver’s license (CDL) with P/S endorsement
Maintain a current Alabama School Bus Physical or ALDOT Health Card as required by state law or the Alabama State Department of Education
Possess and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record including the ability to remain insurable under school system insurance requirements
Ability to pass a drug test in accordance with applicable law
Proficient in written and verbal communication skills
Ability to operate a school vehicle over an assigned route according to a defined time schedule, which may require driving during pre-daylight and dusk periods
Ability to lift objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds and to exert up to fifty (50) pounds of force
Physical, mental, and emotional ability and stamina to perform all duties and responsibilities as specified by state and federal regulations, including but not limited to pre-trip inspections, post-trip inspections, and bus evacuations
Ability to be punctual and in regular attendance
Ability to meet suitability criteria under the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 and Act No. 2002-457
Such Alternatives to the above qualifications as state, federal, and local law and the Board may require

Professional Culture

Commit to doing and being their best, and to growing their skills as professionals and as individuals.
Attend all professional development meetings and opportunities that may exceed the regular school day hours of 7:30a-4:30p.
Urgently and courageously takes actions in the best interest of students, even if they are new or unfamiliar.
Meet all professional obligations and proactively communicate when changes come up
Exhibit a high level of honest and humble self-reflection owning good and bad outcomes
Effectively respond to and implement constructive feedback.
Communicate effectively with colleagues and contribute to a positive staff culture.
Collaborate with all staff members to ensure that all students have consistent and well-coordinated support.
Complete other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned. Empower Schools of Alabama reserves the right to amend the job description as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Empower Schools of Alabama considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination and as required by law, Empower Schools of Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law, in providing education services, activities, and programs.