School Bus Driver (2 Posts)

Reports to: Transport Officer

Job Purpose: To drive any vehicle allocated in a careful, lawful manner with special reference to the persons and equipment being carried.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Transport children, including those with mobility problems or severe/moderate learning difficulties to and from school or other authorised locations.
• Assist children, including those with mobility problems in and out of the vehicle.
• Ensure the good behaviour of children on the bus where practicable and report any behaviour incidents to the Transport Officer or designated person.
• Operate lifts and ramps on vehicles as required and ensure that wheelchairs are properly clamped down and secured.
• Provide minor first aid to passengers and ensure that any injured child receives medical attention as quickly as possible.
• Complete and submit the relevant personal injury report/accident report forms to the Transport Officer without delay.
• Direct School Bus escorts where employed, in assisting with the above duties.
• Transport meals from, and return empty containers to School Meals Kitchens and assist generally at schools as required.
• Ensure, as far as possible, that scheduled timings are observed and keep a detailed record of journeys, fuel issues, oil, servicing and repair work on the vehicle log/mileage sheet.
• Carry out daily routine vehicle maintenance including checking fuel, oil and water levels, tyre pressures and topping up as required.
• Complete defect report book and submit to engineer.
• Comply with the EEC drivers’ hours and records regulations including the use of vehicle tachographs and submission of daily tachograph charts.
• Ensure the safe custody of all spare parts, tools, articles, equipment or other goods carried in the vehicle or under immediate control.
• Wash the allocated vehicle as and when necessary and ensure that the interior is kept clean and tidy.
• Comply with the provisions contained in the Education Authority’s official Drivers’ Manual.

General Conditions:

• Carry out all duties to comply with the Health and Safety at Work (NI) order 1978; Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements; Codes of Practice.
• Carry out all duties in the working conditions normally inherent in the particular job.
• Complete all necessary paperwork.
• Carry out duties for jobs up to and including those in the same grade, provided such duties are within the competence of the employee.

Essential Criteria:

• Professional Membership: Hold a full Category D licence. Hold a driver qualification card (DQC). Hold a valid Digital Tachograph card (Candidates MUST have a valid Digital Tachograph card prior to commencement of employment).
• Experience: Evidence of experience of driving a bus (i.e. 17 seat vehicle and above).
• Skills & Abilities: Proven ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Other: Willingness to undertake job‑related training and necessary certifications to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Additional Essential Criteria – Interview:

• Demonstrable competence in driving a bus safely to meet the standards and requirements set out for Category D.
• PSV licence holder in line with the Highway Code.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective team‑working skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Proven ability to work successfully to deadlines.
• Ability to communicate and take instruction in the English language.
• Practical test prior to interview.
• Evidence of how experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in using safety and mobility aids relating to wheelchair‑accessible vehicles.
• Evidence that personal values align with those of the EA, including commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.