Transportation Assistant (2026)

Powhatan County Public Schools

Job Title: Transportation Assistant (Special Education)

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt             

Classification: Classified

Reports to: Director of Transportation

Summary:

Assists with the safety of special education students while loading, unloading and riding the school bus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. 

• Operates hydraulic-lift equipped buses for the purpose of loading and unloading of wheelchair confined students.
• Secures each student into his/her location with harnesses, seat belts, wheelchair locks or other safety equipment.
• Maintains discipline in keeping with the school division and Virginia state regulations.
• Instructs riders regarding being responsible passengers.
• Reports personal absences in time for the supervisor to secure a substitute assistant.
• Follows proper procedures in reporting complaints.
• Follows all Local, State, and Federal guidelines regarding drug testing.
• Obtains an annual physical examination certifying ability to perform duties as a bus driver assistant.  Physical form must be turned in to Director of Transportation prior to beginning first assigned route.
• Knows the physical and/or emotional needs of each student on the bus.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information and records.
• Is alert and exercises good judgment concerning emergencies, disabled vehicles and irregular special requests by parents of riders.
• Complies with dress code.
• Avoids the use of cell phone, except in the case of an emergency when bus radio is inoperable and there is a need to call the bus shop or police. 
• Refrains from smoking while in and around a school board vehicle at all times.
• Performs any other duties that may be assigned by the Superintendent, or designee.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years old.  Must complete an application package and meet all terms required for hire.  Must have qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, parents, teachers and administrators.

Education and/or Experience

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Ability to administer first aid when necessary.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of parents or public.

Reasoning/Other Abilities

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one-or two-step instructions.  Ability to handle situations with little to no supervision.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required include close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions and vibration.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.  

Evaluation

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of classified personnel.

Salary : $9,898 - $14,840