ACES Transportation is seeking a dedicated, dependable, and safety-focused Full-Time Special Education Driver to join our transportation team. This position plays a vital role in safely transporting students with special needs while providing exceptional customer service to students, families, and school staff.
Schedule
12-Month Position
Monday-Friday
7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
This is a full-time, 12-month position requiring year-round availability to support regular school transportation, Extended School Year (ESY), fleet operations, vehicle maintenance, snow removal, and other transportation department responsibilities.
Required Qualifications
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL PS) strongly preferred
- Must meet all Connecticut Public Service License (PSL) requirements, including all applicable endorsements and medical certification
- Valid Connecticut driver's license with a clean driving record
- Ability to pass all required background checks, drug/alcohol testing, and pre-employment screening
- Experience working with students with disabilities or special education populations is preferred
- Excellent communication, professionalism, and customer service skills
- Ability to work independently while functioning as part of a collaborative transportation team
Essential Responsibilities
- Safely transport students with special needs in accordance with all Connecticut laws, regulations, and ACES policies.
- Perform thorough pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and accurately complete required documentation.
- Assist students with boarding, exiting, and securing mobility devices and specialized safety equipment when required.
- Maintain a safe, clean, respectful, and positive environment for students during transportation.
- Communicate effectively with dispatch, school personnel, parents, and transportation supervisors.
- Follow all emergency procedures and accurately report accidents, incidents, or vehicle concerns.
Additional Duties
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Snow and ice removal from agency vehicles.
- Fueling vehicles and maintaining required fuel levels.
- Cleaning, detailing, washing, and sanitizing vehicle interiors and exteriors.
- Checking and maintaining fluid levels as directed.
- Reporting mechanical concerns and assisting with basic vehicle maintenance tasks.
- Assisting with fleet organization and vehicle movement within the transportation facility.
- Supporting vehicle inspections and inventory activities.
- Assisting with route coverage and other transportation assignments as needed.
- Maintaining transportation equipment, including child safety restraints, wheelchair securement systems, and vehicle emergency equipment.
- Performing other duties as assigned to support daily transportation operations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience transporting students with special education needs.
- Knowledge of wheelchair securement systems, adaptive equipment, and student behavior management strategies.
- Previous experience operating school buses, student transportation vehicles, or commercial passenger vehicles.