Bus Driver Floater Teacher Assistant

Why join UCS?

Since 1958, United Counseling Service (UCS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in our community. Through a wide range of programs, services, and educational opportunities, we strive to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Our team includes professionals from various fields, including administration, clinical services, nursing, education, case management, psychiatry, and direct support, working across 17 facilities throughout Bennington County.

As a proud affiliate of Vermont Care Partners—a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies—we deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services across Vermont. We are currently seeking compassionate, motivated team players to join us in making a positive impact and building a stronger community.

UCS Offers Generous Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career development opportunities
• Free clinical supervision towards licensure
• Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
• Award winning worksite wellness program
• An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
• Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.

Provides bus transportation for enrolled children in a safe and timely manner. Acts as a liaison between the program and parents by communicating effectively, as well as retrieving and disseminating documentation that goes back and forth between school and the parents. Under the direction of the teacher and education management, helps to create and maintain an atmosphere in the classroom in which children feel welcome, valued, comfortable and secure. In addition, assists teacher to involve parents in educational activities and participates actively in classroom activities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

TRANSPORTATION: Transports children to and from program daily, and field trips when scheduled. Assists in providing required pedestrian/safety trainings to parents, children, bus monitor, and staff within the first 30 days of school annually and as mandated by federal and state regulations. Conducts emergency evacuation drills at least three times per year, as scheduled. Maintains vehicle cleanliness daily and provides vehicle inspections and reports to facilities and transportation supervisor daily, weekly, and monthly as required. Ensures regulation binder is up to date at all times and stored meeting FERPA requirements.

RECORD KEEPING: Maintains records for each bus family as required, including all emergency contacts and procedures. Keeps record of contacts with parents by entering case notes into the Child Plus database and sharing information with appropriate staff. Maintains daily inspection logs for the bus, daily attendance logs for children, and all records pertaining to CDL. Produces timesheets and UCS facility / maintenance inspections and requests weekly and in an accurate and timely manner.

EDUCATION: The Floater Teacher Assistant cooperates with the teacher and/ or co-teacher to implement and engage in the schedule of daily activities, actively participate in activities, and help direct small and large groups of children, plan and support field trips and special projects, and prepare educational materials and classroom environment for daily activities. Uses active supervision and best practices for working with children ages 0-5 and ensures children are supervised at all times. Will observe, record, and report children’s behavior and play. Will help children with self-care routines and provide aid to children who experience difficulty or loss of control and intervene in situations where injury may result. Provides support to the Early Head Start program. Works cooperatively with Early Head Start Staff, Children, Families, and Partners.

CLASSROOM MAINTENANCE: Will help to clean and maintain educational supplies and equipment, monitor equipment and supplies and communicate with classroom staff about replacement or replenishment, and cooperate with the teacher and/ or co-teacher to maintain an orderly classroom environment. This includes assisting the teacher and children with clean-up at mealtime and after playtime, as well as inside and outside play, and while offsite.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT: Provides childcare during program after-hours parent events at minimum two shifts per year. During events, completes intake forms with parents and communicates effectively to assess needs of children. Helps parents to feel comfortable in their role as classroom helpers and involves parents in activities and projects. Also, the floater teacher assistant refers parent’s questions to the teacher and/ or co-teacher. To meet changing needs of families, it may be necessary to schedule meetings and family events after regular hours.

.
* In addition to the above, performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Complete one 3-credit early childhood or fundamentals course within first year of employment.
• Preferred: Child Development Associate (CDA) or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (AA), or be enrolled in a program leading to a CDA or AA within 2 years of employment start date.
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License with School Bus Driver and Passenger Endorsements.