School Bus Driver (West Hills) in Huntington, New York at Gersh Autism

For over 30 years, Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. Serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, our network of K-12 schools provides personalized education tailored to each student’s unique learning style. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services—speech, physical, occupational therapy, and more—along with vocational training for older students. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

At Gersh Autism, we are committed to helping individuals on the autism spectrum lead fulfilling, independent lives.

The Bus Driver is responsible for safely transporting students between all Gersh locations throughout New York, vocational programs, work sites, field trips, and other approved school-related activities. This position requires a strong understanding of student safety, transportation procedures, and the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. The Bus Driver must maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment while students are entering, riding in, and exiting the vehicle, while also communicating effectively with school staff regarding schedules, delays, attendance, and student needs. This position requires a safe driving record, the ability to meet all applicable New York State licensing and transportation requirements, and eligibility to be covered under the organization’s vehicle insurance policy. The Bus Driver will report to the designated supervisor as determined by the Gersh Organization.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Coordinate transportation schedules with the Vocational Coordinator to ensure timely student transportation.
• Safely transport students to and from vocational programs, work sites, field trips, and other approved school-related activities, as applicable.
• Comply with all applicable New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, safety standards, and vehicle inspection requirements.
• Conduct roll call and verify student attendance before departure and upon return when a BT/paraprofessional or other designated support staff member is not assigned.
• Confirm that all expected students have boarded and exited the vehicle safely and immediately report any attendance discrepancies to the appropriate school personnel.
• Ensure students are properly seated, secured, and supervised during transportation in accordance with organizational policies and applicable safety requirements.
• Operate assigned vehicles safely and in compliance with all applicable traffic laws, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations, and organizational transportation policies.
• Conduct required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and promptly report vehicle maintenance, mechanical issues, accidents, or safety concerns.
• Maintain communication with the school office and appropriate staff regarding transportation delays, route changes, emergencies, or other transportation related issues.
• Assist students with entering and exiting the vehicle and the proper use of safety equipment, as needed.
• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, accidents, or student injuries by notifying appropriate personnel and completing required incident documentation in accordance with organizational policy.
• Immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, unsafe conditions, or other reportable incidents in accordance with applicable laws and organizational policies.
• Complete all required documentation, transportation logs, incident reports, inspections, and other records accurately and within established timeframes.
• Maintain the cleanliness and general condition of assigned vehicles.
• Maintain effective communication with supervisors and other team members regarding transportation operations and student needs.
• Maintain confidentiality of student, employee, and organizational information in accordance with applicable privacy laws and organizational policies.
• Perform assigned duties in accordance with Gersh Autism policies, procedures, and established work standards.
• Demonstrate professionalism and uphold the mission, vision, and Core Values of Gersh Autism.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have a New York State Commercial Driver’s License (Class C, B, or A) with “P” Passenger and “S” School Bus endorsements and meet all applicable New York State Article 19-A driver requirements.
• Must pass a drug test and background check.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50–65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
• Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships

Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Schedule:

8:00AM-3:30PM (and once a week until 4PM for a team meeting)

Benefits:

Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k matching)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development