Transportation Program Manager– Special Needs

Transportation Department

Full-Time, Exempt

PG18

 

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK: Supports the department and school division training and development; to include immediate crisis/intervention support to situations as they arise. Responsible for oversight (leading, coaching, mentoring, etc.), of assigned Special Needs Drivers and Assistants, including Car Drivers. Develops reports as required. Works with the Assistant Director in the implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement programs in Transportation. Responsible for direct supervision and management of assigned special needs Transportation staff.? Provides department-level coaching and training on best practices with Special Needs Drivers, Special Needs Assistants, and other staff. Provides training in de-escalation tactics in accordance with the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). Completes independent analyses of data in carrying out these projects and synthesizes this information for inclusion in reports for the Superintendent and School Board. Performs complex analysis of trend data and related services across all administrative and functional areas of transportation operations.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for oversight (leading, coaching, mentoring, etc., of assigned Lead Drivers, SPED Drivers, and Assistants, including Car Drivers;
• Makes routine visits to County schools, building relationships with appropriate Office Associates, Athletic Directors, and School Administrators;
• Coordinates with Special Needs staff and/or assists the Driver Supervisor in assigning drivers for the CBIP (Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Program) program and work-study; in addition to other exceptional transportation needs;
• Responsible for maintaining, tracking, and procurement of all department special needs equipment;
• Serves as subject matter expert to Area Transportation Supervisors, Lead Drivers, special needs drivers, and assistants regarding special needs students; including communications with parents/school staff;
• Provides coaching, mentoring, and training as needed, to Transportation staff;
• Acts on behalf of the director in conducting project-related activities;
• Works with the director in the implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement programs in Transportation related to special needs transportation;
• Implements various data collection processes to support analyses of continuous quality improvement and customer service. Analyzes this information for use in department improvement plans;
• Trains, supervises, and evaluates direct reports; Provides feedback to other department supervisors as needed for performance evaluations;
• Evaluates, implements, and adopts new equipment and SPED process;
• In collaboration with the Training Specialist, trains department personnel as needed and provides technical support as required.
• Coordinates with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Special Needs pupil transportation as required, responsible for compliance with VDOE Special Needs transportation regulations;
• Monitors, evaluates, and makes recommendations to ensure the ability of current resources required to adequately meet the changing needs of the department;
• Maintains records and files for use in a school crisis;
• Works with the Special Needs Routing Analyst, tactfully addresses parent concerns regarding special needs routing, bus stops, and bus stop supervision;
• Drives home-to-school as needed Performs related duties as required or assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of state and local laws and regulations regarding pupil transportation, compensation, OSHA; ability to collect and analyze data to recommend actions to be taken; ability to use microcomputer in the analysis of data; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and the ability to supervise the work of others; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels, with internal and external customers; management and organizational ability. Knowledge of procedures for maintaining all public and confidential school records, ensuring that personnel and student record-keeping procedures comply with State and Federal Law and District Policy. Must also possess the ability to use, or learn to use, a variety of computer software applications and programs such as Excel, Access, and Crystal Reports to analyze and communicate the potential impact of proposed changes to existing systems and programs.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Public Administration, information management, or a related field, in addition to three years of related experience. Supervisory experience preferred. Special Needs certifications, completion of substantial college level or other related training, and experience in implementing and managing Special Needs Pupil Transportation are desired. Certification as a Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Instructor is required or must be obtained within the probationary period. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required and must be obtained within 6-months of hire.

 

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS: In addition to periodic physical conditions equivalent to a bus driver, a combination of administrative and fieldwork. Frequent walking and some lifting of light objects. Regular use of a computer and the ability to operate a vehicle for meetings outside of the office and community. Occasional work outside normal duty hours may be necessary. Frequent contacts are made at all organizational levels (internally and externally) to achieve organizational goals and mission. Regular contact with citizens, highest appointed and elected officials, and others influential in the community. EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibility.