Bus Rider

Child Start•Missoula, MT

About The Position

The Bus Rider supports the safe transportation and supervision of children, using bus safety rules and positive behavior strategies. The position works collaboratively with the transportation team, communicates with parents and guardians, maintains confidentiality, and attends required meetings and training. The Bus Rider may substitute as a bus driver when needed and is expected to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License within one year of hire if not already licensed; in-house training and an increased rate of pay are provided. The role also includes playground monitoring, handling empower packs, and other assigned duties. The work schedule is Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a 1.5-hour break, plus one Friday per month for 3–8 hours. Working conditions may include exposure to bodily fluids and communicable diseases, prolonged exposure to hot or cold temperatures, and travel on flights, highways, streets, and rural roads. The role may require lifting up to 50 pounds and working around machines and moving objects.

Requirements

Must be 18 years or older.
Must possess a valid Montana Driver’s License.
Must complete required health screenings, immunizations, and physical.
Must pass a comprehensive State and FBI fingerprint background check.
Must be able to pass random drug screening.
Ability to take direction and adapt to flexibility in job expectations.
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions; read, write, and count.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to prioritize, organize, identify and solve problems, and handle multiple tasks effectively.
Ability to perform duties in an active environment and move quickly to respond to children for safety purposes.
Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or crisis situation.
Ability to work and communicate effectively and appropriately with staff, children, parents, and the community.
Ability to kneel, stoop, bend, twist, push, pull, crawl, sit, and go up and down stairs daily.
Ability to operate office equipment as applicable.
Ability to work longer or irregular hours and around machines and moving objects.
Ability to work on ladders or scaffolds.
Ability to lift items up to 50 pounds.
High School Diploma or GED.
Obtain and maintain a current Commercial Driver’s License; if not current at hire, obtain one within one year.

Nice To Haves

Commercial Driver’s License.
Experience and training that provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the job duties.

Responsibilities

Ensure children are seated and secured with safety belts before the vehicle moves.
Assist children as they board and exit the bus.
Teach and reinforce bus safety rules, including danger zones, boarding and exiting procedures, and safe riding practices.
Use positive behavior strategies consistent with classroom expectations.
Assist with emergency evacuation drills according to current procedures.
Provide developmentally appropriate entertainment, such as songs, stories, and conversation.
Actively supervise children and communicate with the bus driver to ensure children are accounted for at all times.
Maintain a clean bus, including its interior, seats, windows, and floors.
Assist with bus maintenance and report needed repairs to the Operations Manager for approval.
Help the bus driver update run sheets and obtain current emergency contact information.
Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License within one year of hire if not already current, and maintain a current license.
Substitute as a bus driver when needed, following that position’s essential functions.
Work cooperatively with the Manager, other service-area staff, parents, and day care providers.
Help monitor the playground during recess and bring in and out the empower packs.
Attend and participate in required service-area and program-wide meetings and training.
Follow Head Start Performance Standards, state childcare licensing requirements, and Child Start Inc. standards, policies, and procedures.
Complete other duties as assigned.