Job Details

JOB PURPOSE
Bus Attendants (monitors, aides, paraprofessionals, etc.) must be assigned on all school buses as required by the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Bus Attendants (monitors, aides, paraprofessionals, etc) must be physically and emotionally able to assist the bus operator in all activities required to safely transport the student with special needs. Charter Schools USA
Louisiana determines the selection criteria for bus attendants. Consideration must be given to annual physical examinations, pre-service and bi-annual in-service training, and transporting students with special needs. The Bus Attendant (monitors, aides, paraprofessionals, etc.) may be certified to drive commercially. In the event the bus attendant is certified to drive commercially, all minimum requirements for school bus operators must be followed.

SELECTION AND TRAINING OF BUS ATTENDANTS

1. An appropriate application process;
2. Written criteria for accepting and rejecting applicants;
3. Written notification to all applicants that driving records checks (if applicable),
   criminal record, and drug & alcohol screening will be conducted;
4. A check through both state and national criminal identification agencies, to determine if the applicant has a record of criminal conviction(s);
5. Reference checks and background checks performed on all attendants to include interactions with children, and/or any concerns working with children;
6. Physical examinations and drug & alcohol testing administered in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements; and
7. One or more personal interviews; and
8. A determination of educational attainment to demonstrate the applicant's ability to follow detailed, written instructions and be able to record and report data accurately.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Bus Attendant (monitors, aides, paras, etc) is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assists with the transportation of students at all times on and off the bus
• Assists special education and other students at all times while the bus is in transit
• Ensures that all protective safety devices are in use and are fastened properly
• Assists students on and off the bus at designated stops, when necessary, to assure safe entrances and exits to and from the bus
• Occupies a seat on the bus from which to easily assist the riders
• Attends meetings, programs, and in-service training as assigned.
• Maintains current required licenses and certificates.
• Notifies appropriate individuals of any delays in scheduled route(s).
• Assists with other routes when breakdown or other unusual circumstances occur as assigned.
• Provides timely electronic, written, and oral feedback to all levels.
• Professionally and positively represents the school, foundation, and/or CSUSA in every situation.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding student/ employee information.
• Ensures quality standards on policies and procedures are maintained.
• Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance at work.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Pre-Service and In-Service Training Program (Bulletin 119, Supplement 2020 edition)

1. Prior to transporting students, bus attendants (aka monitors, aides, paras, etc.) should be required to complete a pre-service training program that includes classroom and in-the-bus training in order to enable safe, efficient, and effective student transportation. Attendant training, with the exception of the driving components, should be the same as for the bus operator with respect to operations and student management. Training should include, but
   not limited to, the following topics:
   1. The bus and its equipment;
   2. Use of emergency exits;
   3. First aid, CPR (if required) and universal precautions;
   4. Safe loading and unloading of students at their stops and securement of passengers, as may be required (including when equipped with seat belts);
   5. Student management training and policy training, including state and federal regulations related to the transportation of students with disabilities, consistent with those required for school bus operators;
   6. Safety, welfare, and orderly conduct of passengers while in the bus;
   7. Handling emergency situations in accordance with generally accepted operating
      procedures;
   8. Effective communications with school staff, students, bus operators, parents, law enforcement officials, and the motoring public;
   9. Completion of required written reports;
   10. Requirements for reporting inappropriate behavior of other adults, including the bus operator;
   11. Checking at the end of the route and at the bus storage location to ensure that all students have disembarked from the bus;
   12. Confidentiality; and
   13. Other topics included in the bus attendant's manual/handbook and local policies
2. Employers of school bus operators should provide ongoing education for bus attendants.
3. Prior to transporting students with disabilities, the bus attendant should receive appropriate training in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

C. In-the-Bus Training

1. Familiarization with the bus and its equipment;
2. Procedures for performing pre-trip and post-trip inspections; and
3. Procedures for loading and unloading passengers, passenger securement, and emergency evacuation, as may be required.

D. Physical/Mental Preparedness
E. Evaluation
F. Bus Attendant, Special Education

**MAY PERFORM OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED**

DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

1. Proficient in general use of a computer, the use of email as a form of
   communication, and other job-specific equipment, software, and/or applications
2. Proven experience in a coordination role
3. Strong decision-making capabilities
4. Above-average communication, collaboration, and delegation skills
5. Strong working knowledge of operational procedures
6. Ability to read and interpret a map
7. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent
2. Appropriate First Aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training, and other required trainings
3. Meet all requirements found in Bulletin 119: Louisiana School Transportation Specifications and Procedures & Supplement, the Office of Motor Vehicles, and other appropriate entities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the responsibilities of this position, the work environment characteristics listed below are representative of the environment the employee will encounter:

• Indoors and outdoors
• Office Environment
• School Bus Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Travel within or outside of Louisiana.
• Light work: Exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to ten (10) pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects.
• Possesses the physical ability to adequately perform all job responsibilities
• Assists special education and other students in boarding and exiting the bus
• Assists wheelchair bound students while on the bus
• Assists students with seat buckles
• Lifts to assist physically-challenged students
• Pushes, pulls, and reaches when necessary
• Assists, restrains, and comforts physically-challenged students to ensure their safety while on the bus

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) salary and benefit policy. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by CSUSA.

FLSA OVERTIME CATEGORY
This job is non-exempt subject to the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

EVALUATION
Performance will be evaluated in accordance with CSUSA's policy.

DECLARATION
The CSUSA Human Resources Department retains the sole right and discretion to make changes to this job description. Any employee making changes unauthorized by the Human Resources Department will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.