School Bus Escort

Role Overview

This position involves supporting the safe transportation of children, including those with special needs, under the guidance of the bus driver. The primary responsibility is the welfare and safety of children during their journey to and from school or other approved locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist children, especially those with mobility challenges or moderate to severe learning difficulties, while boarding, traveling, and alighting the vehicle.
• Operate vehicle tail lifts and ramps as needed, ensuring secure clamping of wheelchairs and consistent use of harnesses when in transit.
• Attend to the physical, behavioral, and medical needs of pupils on board, including minor first aid and coordinating medical care swiftly when necessary.
• Serve as a communication link between the school and parents and provide relief drivers with necessary information regarding routes and pupil needs.
• Participate in summer school transport schemes and fully comply with the Education Authority’s official instructions for school bus escorts.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety legislation, legal regulations, and operating codes relevant to the role.
• Complete all required documentation and perform any other duties within the scope of the role and employee competency.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience working with children.
• Strong communication skills and ability to respond effectively to others.
• Willingness to participate in job-related training.

Additional Selection Criteria

• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and teamwork abilities.
• Competence in using initiative within established procedures.
• Demonstrated alignment with the values and ethos of the Education Authority, focusing on equality and service excellence.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with children who have special needs.
• Commitment to equality and removing barriers to learning.

Additional Information

• Applicants must provide evidence addressing all essential and desirable criteria on their application to be considered.
• Successful candidates will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background, which involves a fee payable by the candidate.
• The role reports to the Transport Officer and must follow the Health and Safety at Work (NI) order 1978 and relevant legal standards.
• This job description is subject to change and may include similar grade duties as assigned.
• The post promotes good relations and adherence to equality legislation as per Northern Ireland Act (1998) Section 75.