Head Start Transportation Manager - Valdosta, United States - Coastal Plain Area EOA

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Transportation Manager PROGRAM: Head Start

CLASS: Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Head Start Director

JOB SUMMARY:

The Transportation Manager has primary responsibility for overseeing transportation services for the program and ensuring the safety of children and parents receiving Head Start services. To coordinate the functions of the transportation department: create routes, hire bus drivers, order busses and equipment, set and monitor policy, manage budget, coordinate routine maintenance, maintain related records, and ensure compliance with Head Start, state, and local guidelines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist staff in complying with Program goals and directives.
2. Recruit, interview, orient, coach and evaluate the performance of new transportation staff.
3. Provide Bus Drivers with current transportation information.
4. Provide an orientation of duties and responsibilities to all bus drivers annually.
5. Conduct annual road observation of all bus drivers (regular or substitute).
6. Investigate and assess incidents and accidents that create or may have created a risk to children or others, and issues accident reports to the Head Start Director in a timely basis. Go to the scene, document, and assess all vehicle accidents and incidents.
7. When a transportation or program procedure is violated by a staff member, follow and document progressive discipline procedures as necessary.
8. Establish fixed routes, create written route descriptions, adjust routes as necessary, and conduct safety reviews of all routes and stops are safe for children.
9. Oversee the acquisition, through purchase or lease of safe and appropriate vehicles, that comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations and the Final Rule'' vehicle requirements. Capable of developing bid specifications for appropriate vehicles.
10. Ensure that the Final Rule's training requirements, as well as any additional state and Program requirements, are met for transportation staff in a timely fashion.
11. Coordinate and oversee the drug and alcohol-testing program for drivers.
12. Maintain and update policies, procedures and handbooks per Federal/State regulations and agency directives and guidelines.
13. Design, provide and routinely assess driving, safety and other related training.
14. Maintain accurate and up-to-date staff, route, and vehicle records.
15. Coordinate or conduct transportation and pedestrian safety education for children and parents, as required by the Final Rule, on a timely basis.
16. Oversee preventive maintenance, vehicle repairs, state inspections, and record keeping.
17. Act as a substitute bus driver and provide transportation for field trips as needed.
18. Maintain the active list of qualified substitute drivers and monitors.
19. Assist in the development of an annual transportation budget and run the department within budgetary guidelines, assuring that expenditures are appropriate and within allowable reserves.
20. Ability to coordinate efficient routes with service and educational schedules. Strong oral/written communication and training skills.
21. Maintain and monitor records of, gas and oil expenditures, and routine maintenance in accordance with maintenance contract.
22. Develop and maintain a record keeping system that includes:
23. Individual mileage records for each vehicle.
24. A schedule of vehicle maintenance and costs for each vehicle.
25. A record of Bus Drivers' training and current driving status.
26. Ensure that safety equipment in agency vehicles is provided.
27. Perform ongoing monitoring of all Federal and State transportation regulations, including but not limited, ride-along, and pre and post trip inspections.
28. Coordinate field trip vehicle and driver assignments.
29. Coordinate and oversee the purchase of vehicle parts and supplies following Program guidelines.
30. Develop riding rules for children and oversee behavior management in collaboration with Education Service area.
31. Ability to communicate with parents, staff, co-workers and community parents and clearly convey a sincere willingness to be of service and/or be open to resolves the situation at hand.
32. Maintain accurate records/documentation of Bus Driver training, licensing, testing, physicals, driving records etc.
33. Complete monthly area board report and submit to the Head Start Receptionist in a timely manner.
34. Assess transportation and training needs and create plans to assure that both adequate transportation and qualified drivers are available to meet current agency needs.
35. Coordinate/arrange training for Bus Drivers/Bus Monitors as needed. Provide Assistant Director with all forms and information that is required.
36. Provide information and training to children and families around safety (open houses, parent meetings and classroom visits).
37. Ensure all safety equipment is in vehicles at all times.
38. Arrange for repairs, maintenance and annual inspections of all school buses and repairs and maintenance of other company vehicles in a timely manner as needed as provided by all bus drivers.
39. Arrange for back-up vehicles when necessary.
40. Conduct and attend meetings and training as appropriate.
41. Ensure that children with special needs receive specialized transportation services as necessary, and ensure staff receives training in transporting children with special needs.
42. Must be aware of current state and national safety developments in child transportation and recommend changes in the Program's transportation procedures when appropriate.
43. Monitor weather conditions and check roads in severe weather to assist Head Start Director in deciding whether or not to close the program or utilize alternate routes.
44. Serve as radio dispatcher when office staffs are unavailable.
45. Perform other duties as requested.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

1. Excellent driving record.
2. Valid GA CDL with School Bus/Passenger Endorsement
3. Current First Aid and CPR cards.
4. Pass criminal history background check.
5. Minimum three years' experience in child transportation services.
6. Minimum High School Diploma or GED with special advanced driving training.
7. Strong knowledge of school bus transportation systems, typically acquired by working a minimum of one year as a transportation manager or three years as a school bus driver combined with supervisory or management experience.
8. Knowledge and experience with automotive mechanical skills.
9. Working knowledge of state and local regulations governing the transportation of children to and from school.
10. Ability to coordinate efficient routes with service and educational schedules.
11. Strong oral/written communication and training skills.
12. Ability to utilize Microsoft office suite skills.
13. Basic organizational tasks are highly recommended.
14. Understanding of Early Childhood Education and age-appropriate behaviors of children ages three to five years, including at risk, special needs, gifted and culturally diverse populations.
15. Significant problem solving to ensure program and system compliance.
16. Physical capability, strength, and coordination adequate to operate a 20 and up passenger bus.
17. Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
18. Occasional kneeling, stooping, and bending.