Head Start Bus Driver Surgoinsville - UETHDA

Position Summary/Objective

Must be dedicated to the Mission and Vision of UETHDA and Purpose of the Head Start Program. Must be willing to make decisions that are in the best interest of UETHDA and the Head Start Program.

Head Start Bus Drivers are an integral part of the communities they serve and are committed to safety and customer service and have genuine, caring attitudes for the children and families served. Under the general direction of the Transportation Coordinator, the Head Start Bus Driver is a team member in the Head Start classroom.

Capable of incorporating technology into daily activities to be safety oriented, efficient at performing tasks, capturing, and measuring data, making decisions, and communicating effectively.

Our Culture

The Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency has been a strong force in the community since 1964. Our mission can be summed up with “Helping People. Changing Lives.” We are looking for staff who are passionate about helping people and making a difference in their community.

The Purpose of the Head Start Program is to instill School Readiness in children and families. This is accomplished through providing high quality teaching and education experiences, superior health and nutrition guidance, establishing relationships and giving support to families in order to achieve self-sufficiency by providing guidance and assisting in setting goals, fostering growth and development through maintaining adequate classrooms and spaces, and continuously improving the operation of the Head Start program through measuring Program strengths and weaknesses in order to more effectively achieve the goal of School Readiness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Transports children to and from school in a safe and timely fashion.
• Inspects bus after each run to make sure no children are left on the bus.
• Follows all loading and unloading procedures.
• Completes and maintains all required documentation/paperwork.
• Abides by all state and federal laws, and practices safe driving habits at all times.
• Follows established bus routes to pick up and return Head Start children.
• Performs minor repairs and/or upkeep of the vehicle.
• Maintain daily transportation records and logs to be turned in on a bi/weekly and monthly basis to the Transportation Coordinator.
• Attend required trainings and meetings as directed.
• Assists in promoting social and emotional development of children and in maintaining classroom discipline using positive guidance techniques.
• Assists in organizing classroom maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment; teaches children safety precautions and procedures on the bus to assure the safe arrival of all Head Start Children to and from the center.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Works with the classroom team to arrange and maintain a safe, clean, and attractive classroom environment, as well as supervise and take part in daily classroom activities.
• Makes home visits as required, assists with parent meetings, and maintains positive communication with parents and community participants regarding program activities and objectives.
• Provides support services to families by working closely with teachers and component staff to keep them informed and to obtain assistance.

Leadership Competencies

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must pass a pre-employment and annual Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) physical and comply with annual and random alcohol and drug screenings. Also, must possess the physical ability to:

1. Have good hearing and at least 20/40 vision with or without glasses.
2. Get on and off the bus with children.
3. Get down on the floor with the children, sit on child-sized furniture, and monitor children, if necessary; and
4. To lift furniture, equipment, and children weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.

Breaks and Holidays:

• Paid Fall Break, Christmas Break, Spring Break and holidays 

Healthcare/Personal Benefits:

• 1 Day of Healthcare/Personal accrued per month worked

Additional Benefits:

• Healthcare through the State of Tennessee.  UETHDA pays 100% of the monthly premium for the Employee Only (estimated cost paid by UETHDA for the employee is $600 per month ($7,200 annually).  Additional insurance coverage is available but cost difference will be paid by the employee.
• Dental, Vision, Short-Term, Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance options are offered at 100% cost to the employee.
• Group Term Life Insurance for employee paid by UETHDA at 100% for coverage of 1.5 time the yearly wages
• Retirement Plan--Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS). Eligible employees are required to contribute 5% of yearly wages (pre-tax basis to the defined TCRS plan).  UETHDA contributes an amortized amount as determined by TCRS.  Employees are vested upon 5 years of eligible service.
• Additional 401(K) and 457 Savings Plan also available without employer match.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position and is paid hourly. Typically, this position will work 30 to 40 hours per week, approximately 44-46 weeks per school year with a summer lay off of approximately 6 to 8 weeks.  Employees are eligible to apply for unemployment during the temporary seasonal, summer lay-off period. Elected benefit coverage continues during temporary seasonal layoff period.  Working days are Monday through Friday with varying day shift hours depending on location.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• One year’s experience working with children.
• Ability to think and problem-solve creatively.
• Basic use of Microsoft Office Programs.
• Proficient written and verbal communication.
• Experience in working with culturally diverse clients.
• Must be at least 25 years of age.
• Pass a criminal background check (fingerprint)
• Must possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license with P & S endorsements.
• Must possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Must have a clean driving record.
• Valid Tennessee Driver's License/ Proof of auto insurance.
• Must meet all requirements outlined in the State of Tennessee DHS “Standards for Day Care Centers Serving Preschool Children.”

EOE Statement

UETHDA hires high quality staff from a variety of fields and education levels who have a passion for changing the lives of others. UETHDA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Current Pay Rate:  $16.89 hourly.