Summary Transportation Assistants are responsible for assisting bus drivers in providing on-going and emergency support to special needs students (both ambulatory and non-ambulatory) while riding, loading, or unloading the school bus to ensure the safety of all passengers on special needs buses. Essential Duties • Assists the driver with loading and unloading students to include using a mechanical lift to load and off-load wheel chairs • Assists drivers with seating to include securing wheel chairs, mobility chairs, child restraint systems, and other types of equipment as required by students to ensure safe delivery of students • Assists the driver in developing and formulating emergency response procedures and assists in emergency evacuation situations • Maintains constant surveillance of fragile, medically classified students who ride special needs buses; Maintains knowledge of each student’s individual needs • Reports unsafe acts or conditions which require the attention of the bus driver • Manages student behavior in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia and the policies of the state and local board of education • Communicates effectively with school staff, parents, and the public • Attends all required safety meetings and trainings • Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator Required Education None required Certification/Licensure Must successfully complete School Bus Aide training and other mandated training as required by student need Must successfully complete a pre-employment physical Have or be able to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification preferred Experience Qualifications None required; Previous experience working with students with disabilities preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities • Must be able to follow written and oral instructions quickly and accurately • Must be able to handle sensitive and confidential information • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal both with students and adults • Knowledge and understanding of the proper use of different types of child restraint systems used for transporting students with special needs is a plus Working Conditions • Extreme weather conditions to include heat, cold, wet and/or humid conditions • Potential exposure to air-borne and blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases, chemical irritants, combustible materials, and electrical materials Physical Demands • Must be able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds regularly, and occasionally team lift and/or move a student with disabilities • May require lifting, bending kneeling, reaching, stooping or crouching • Requires ability to move and control an adult-sized wheelchair • Typically sitting, standing, walking