A Van, Taxi, Shuttle Driver drives vehicles to transport small groups of passengers, or provides paying customers with transportation to a specific location. May transport passengers between a small number of predetermined locations, such as a hotel shuttle that provides patrons with rides to the airport.
Candidates with sensory loss/dual sensory loss are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as permitted by federal laws. Information related to disability is not required, and if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB's efforts to create opportunities for disabled individuals. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.
POSITION
Bus Guide, Substitute Pool
LOCATION
Talladega, AL
ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world's most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state's largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB's three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential. Our employees are among the organization's most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.
ABOUT THE ROLE
At the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB), our employees are our most valuable resource. As a Bus Guide, you will play an integral role on our campus-wide Transportation team, partnering with the Bus Driver to provide a safe, secure, and supportive environment for our students and clients. You will provide essential assistance tailored to passengers with sensory differences maintaining a disciplined and orderly environment, securing students in safety seats, and assisting with personal care needs. This rewarding position is vital to ensuring those we serve travel safely.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma or equivalent Must meet suitability/background requirements for employment
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Student Care & Passenger Assistance Provide Specialized Support:
Assist students and clients with sensory differences (deaf, blind, low vision, hard of hearing, and deafblind) safely board, ride, and exit the bus.
Administer Personal Care:
Attend to the immediate physical and medical needs of passengers, which may include administering prescribed medications, assisting with diapering/toileting, and addressing personal hygiene needs during transit.
Ensure Secure Seating:
Properly secure students in age- and size-appropriate safety restraint systems, including car seats, booster seats, and specialized harnesses.
Operate Accessibility Equipment:
Safely operate wheelchair lifts and deploy required securement systems (tie-downs and lap/shoulder belts) for passengers utilizing mobility devices.
Communication & Administration Facilitate Safe Hand-offs:
Coordinate closely with school staff, residential personnel, and parents/guardians to ensure students are safely transitioned to and from the bus at all designated stops.
Document and Report:
Maintain accurate records regarding student attendance, behavioral incidents, medical interventions, or safety concerns, and report them promptly to the Transportation Director or school administrators.
Uphold Compliance:
Follow all established AIDB policies, state transportation guidelines, and safety procedures at all times.
Foster a calm, safe, and orderly environment on the bus by monitoring student behavior and enforcing AIDB passenger safety rules.
Manage Crises & Emergencies:
Remain calm and act decisively during high-stress scenarios, traffic delays, medical emergencies, or vehicle accidents, utilizing Managing Crisis Safely (MCS) protocols. Partner with
Driver:
Work collaboratively with the Bus Driver to eliminate driver distractions, allowing them to focus entirely on the safe operation of the vehicle.
Job Requirements and Certifications Accessibility Equipment:
Obtain certification for wheelchair lift operation and passenger securement within six (6) months of employment.
Crisis Prevention:
Successfully complete the Managing Crisis Safely (MCS) course within the first twelve (12) months of employment and maintain active certification throughout your tenure.
First Aid:
Complete CPR and First Aid training within the first twelve (12) months of employment and maintain active certification. Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.
