Primary Purpose:

Responsible for substituting in roles for Transportation (Bus Driver) positions.  Drives a school bus to transport students and other authorized personnel to and from school or other designated locations. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Certification

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by employee.

Valid Texas driver’s license (A or B CDL) with passenger/school bus endorsements

Ability to complete required bus driver safety training and bus driver certification from TEA

Safe driving record verified by Texas Department of Public Safety (meets and maintains liability coverage eligibility)

Shall be subject to random testing for alcohol or controlled substance that violate law or federal regulations

Qualifying Rates            Starting Rate       After 30 days     After 60 days

                                      $75.00/day            $85.00/day          $95.00/day

Bachelor's Degree            $85.00/day            $95.00/day          $105.00/day

Long Term Assignment Incentive

A substitute is eligible for long term pay beginning on the 6th consecutive day in the same assignment.  A $10 bonus will added on the 5th day.  Long-term pay discontinues if the substitute is out for all or part of one day, resulting in a break in service of continuous days worked.  Substitutes who work all day on Friday will receive $5 added to their base pay for that day only.  

Required Experience:

• None  

Knowledge/Skills:

Must have and maintain driving record that is acceptable according to minimum standards adopted by DPS

Ability to pass; U.S. Department of Transportation alcohol and drug test an annual physical exam

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

Proficient map reading skills

Ability to communicate effectively with others

Knowledge of student discipline procedures

Ability to manage student behavior

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.  

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators  

Communication and Community Relations

The substitute promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following:  

• Be a positive role model for students, and support the mission of the District.
• Interacts effectively with students, staff, and parents.

Organization Climate

The bus driver fosters positive school morale through activities such as the following:  

• Reinforces excellence.
• Promotes a positive and caring climate.
• Uses effective communication skills.
• Becomes familiar with all routes to and from school campus.  

Vehicle Operations

The bus driver manages vehicle operations and responsibilities through activities such as the following:  

• Drives bus daily following assigned route and adhering to established schedules.
• Anticipates problems such as traffic, weather, road conditions, and schedule changes and make necessary adjustments to ensure student safety and reduce delays.
• Performs pre- and post-trip inspections according to specifications to ensure bus can be operated safely and notify supervisor of needed repairs Keep assigned bus clean and maintain appropriate level of fuel.
• Drives bus to and from extracurricular activities.
• Operates and monitors two-way radio equipment to communicate with the Department of Transportation and other drivers.
• Completes and maintains accurate, up-to-date and timely records and reports including but not limited to those related to bus mileage, gas and oil consumption, and the number of passengers transported.
• Reports all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, and mechanical failure problems and complete required corresponding reports.  

Student Management

The bus driver promotes positive student conduct through activities such as the following:  

• Takes student discipline referrals from assigned drivers to school principals.
• Instructs students on safe entering, exiting, and safe riding passenger rules and regulations.
• Supervises students while they board and leave bus and cross the street.
• Maintains discipline and use effective behavior management control over groups of students.
• Performs emergency evacuation of students on bus when situation warrants.  

Safety

The bus driver promotes safety through activities such as the following:  

• Inspects pre trip and past trip inspections bus by checking fuel, oil, water, tires, lights, brakes, and steering to ensure bus can be operated safely before driving.
• Supervises bus departures and loading areas at school where assigned.
• Observes all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses.
• Ensures proper condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flags, fuses, crow bar, and reflector.
• Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and promptly report conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor.
• Reports any hazardous conditions along scheduled route.  

Professional Growth and Development

The bus driver participates in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:  

• Attends any specified meetings or professional development to improve job performance.  

Equipment:

• Equipment varies as applicable to substitute position. 

• Operate school bus, two-way radio, safety equipment including but not limited to flares, reflective signs, and fire extinguisher, and other equipment applicable to the position.

Qualities of an Effective Substitute Bus Driver

The bus driver exhibits qualities such as the following:  

• Scheduled attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Uses effective communication skills with students, parents, and district personnel.
• Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting, climbing, etc.
• Commitment to working well with others and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, supervisors, school personnel, and the public.
• Adheres to all department procedures and maintains confidentiality.
• Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and report any conditions that are not correctable to supervisor immediately.
• Complies with district policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Complies with the standards of conduct as set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards.
• Follows general guidelines and instructions established by the department supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• None  

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, noise, and vehicle fumes; work around moving vehicles.
• Works prolonged or irregular and extended work hours to include holidays and weekends.
• Prolonged sitting; frequent standing and twisting; occasional kneeling/squatting, bending, stooping, and pushing and pulling.
• Prolonged driving; moderate walking; frequent climbing stairs, grasping/squeezing, wrist and shoulder flexion/extension, and reaching.
• Limited light lifting and carrying on a daily basis.
• Maintains emotional control under stress.
• District wide and statewide travel.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

 * The Substitute position is on an as-needed basis