Bus Monitor

Bend-La Pine Schools

Bend, Oregon 97703

Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of a position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.

Position Title:              School Bus Monitor

Department:                Transportation

Reports to:                  Transportation Director

JOB DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, the School Bus Monitor assists the Special Programs Bus Driver in providing safe and punctual transportation.  The Bus Monitor observes, interacts and monitors behavior of children. Interacts with parents and staff to promote the well-being and safety of the children while being transported to and from school.  This individual’s attention is intended to address specific student needs that cannot be managed from the driver’s seat.  Performs activities involved in the safe boarding, transporting and exiting of passengers.   The School Bus Monitor works under the supervision of the Transportation Director, or designee.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK:

The School Bus Monitor is responsible for the safety of the children on the school bus, specifically pertaining to student behavior while on the bus, securements, monitoring medical concerns and equipment relating or assigned to the individual children onboard.  The School Bus Driver is responsible for the transportation equipment, including all securements, the CDL safety checks and overall school bus maintenance.  The School Bus Monitor will be trained on proper securement of all equipment and assist the driver.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrates effective management of student behavior in a school bus environment.
• Ensure that all passengers are in appropriate safety securement systems and seatbelts.
• Understands the needs and requirements of the special education students riding the school bus based on the IEPs and ensure proper care during the transportation process.
• Collaborate with the bus driver to ensure that each child is delivered to the care of a responsible adult (authorized list) upon leaving the bus.
• Prepares for and assists with emergency evacuations.  Handles emergency situations calmly and quickly.
• Reports incidents, which affect the safety of students.
• Attends scheduled meetings and safety programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

School Bus Monitors have a considerable amount of contact with students and are required to maintain discipline on the bus in order to ensure the safety of students.  Exposure to inclement weather and the hazards associated with vehicular travel are routine for this position. The School Bus Monitor must be able to work with physically, emotionally, and mentally disabled students of varying ages in a stress-free, mature, and positive manner. The employee must also be able to lift, carry or otherwise assist students on and off the bus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Proper procedures to follow in case of an emergency.
• Operation of all bus safety equipment.
• Filing and record keeping systems.
• Student behavior and methods to assure proper conduct.
• Safety practices.
• Evacuation procedures.
• Medical protocols for students as outlined in the IEP.
• Must be able to drag 125 pounds 30 feet in 30 seconds.

Skills & Abilities:

Possess the physical ability to regularly attend work and fulfill the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to physically assist in evacuating students from a bus in case of emergency.
• Read, understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Accurately transfer, record and convey information, and materials as required by the position.
• Communicate clearly and appropriately in speech and in writing in accordance with educational standards.
• Promote the success of special education programs and the students served by these programs.
• Maintain patient, positive, persistent attitude and a warm, accepting personality toward persons with disabilities and their families.
• Ability to learn how to deal with bodily fluid spills.
• Adhere to the district requirements for a drug-free workplace.
• Abide by confidentiality requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or equivalent.  The position requires general knowledge of technical procedures. Knowledge of School District practices or policies is necessary.  Job proficiency can be acquired in six to twelve months.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING:

• Must have current first aid and CPR within 120 days of hire.
• Must maintain current first aid card at all times.
• Must maintain an average of 8 classroom training hours per year or 32 hours in 4 years

Expectations of Professional Conduct:

Employees of Bend-La Pine Schools are expected to adhere to all Bend-La Pine Schools policies and regulations, ensuring compliance with established procedures and expectations. They are to prioritize the well-being of students, aligning their conduct with the core values of public education and the mission, vision, and goals of Bend-La Pine Schools. This entails maintaining consistent and punctual attendance while adhering to site and/or district protocols for reporting absences.

Professionalism extends to personal presentation, with employees expected to maintain attire and grooming appropriate to their roles. While carrying out everyday tasks independently, it's essential to maintain professionalism in how you communicate, both verbally and nonverbally, with students, parents/guardians, the public, and colleagues. This includes valuing and respecting cultural and background differences. Employees of Bend-La Pine Schools are entrusted with fostering a respectful working and learning environment, upholding confidentiality regarding student, staff, and district information at all times.

The statements herein reflect the general nature and level of work expected in this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. 

Employees may be assigned additional duties as needed to support district operations, provide coverage, and ensure the effective functioning of the organization. This may include location changes to the assignment in order to address developing district needs.