Bus Attendant and Backup Bus Driver

Position Title: Bus Attendant and Backup Bus Driver
Location(s):

• Multiple Locations in Chicago

Reports To: Transportation Coordinator / School Principal
F.T.E.: 1.0 FTE | Regular Full Time
Salary: $42,029
Start Date: Spring 2025 or School Year 2025-2026

About Us:
At Distinctive Schools, every team member plays a role in creating a welcoming, engaging, and supportive environment where students can thrive. Our schools are built on curiosity, achievement, and belonging, and reliable transportation is an essential part of that experience. We’re looking for dedicated drivers who want to do more than just get students from point A to point B—you’ll be part of a team that helps students start and end their day feeling safe, valued, and ready to learn.

Position Overview:

Bus Attendant and Backup Bus Driver shares a commitment to ensuring that every child is transported safely and receives support to ensure their full potential. This role is responsible for maintaining student safety and order while supporting transportation operations across the Distinctive Schools network.

While day-to-day responsibilities may largely involve acting as a bus monitor, this role also includes serving as a backup driver when needed. Operating a commercial vehicle is a required—not optional—function of this role. Driving duties will be assigned in situations such as staff call-offs, emergencies, last-minute changes, or when additional coverage is needed for field trips, midday routes, or extracurricular events.

This role is expected to adapt quickly to school needs and route adjustments, maintain strong communication with the Regional Transportation Coordinator, and help ensure seamless transportation service across all campuses.

Key Responsibilities:

Bus Driving Duties

• Serve as a reserve driver for routes at any Distinctive Schools campus
• Drive students to and from school, field trips, or extracurricular events
• Transport students and staff to special events, such as field trips or sporting events
• Provide route coverage and transportation support across schools when needed
• Ensure safe vehicle operation and adherence to all traffic laws and regulations
• Conduct pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections and report maintenance needs
• Respond promptly to driving assignments resulting from:
• Driver absences or call-offs
• Emergencies or scheduling disruptions
• Last-minute coverage needs
• Must be reasonably expected to travel up to 100 miles and remain seated in a behind-the-wheel position for extended periods of time
• Maintain all required credentials (CDL, endorsements, etc.) and be route-ready
• Communicate regularly with the Transportation Coordinator regarding assignments and change

Attendant Duties

• Assist with loading and unloading students at school and at bus stops
• Step off the bus to safely guide students while boarding and exiting
• Verify students are on the correct bus
• Assign and re-assign seats as needed onboard the bus
• Ensure students are remaining seated as required for their safety
• Keep the aisle clear of obstructions
• Assist with evacuations, drills, and emergencies as needed
• Attend safety trainings and follow all transportation protocols
• Complete student conduct reports and document incidents as needed
• Work collaboratively with the Driver
• Check the bus THOROUGHLY to ensure NO students are left after EVERY run, trip, or route (AM, MIDDAY, PM)
• Clean the bus interior (i.e sweeping, mopping, sanitizing) on a daily basis
• Additional duties may be assigned

What We’re Looking For:

• Certifications: CDL A or B required with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, plus a School Bus Permit (SBP).

• Strong driving skills, a clean driving record, and the ability to pass a physical and DOT drug screening.

• A professional, reliable, and positive presence with students, families, and school staff.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Candidate must have HS Diploma or equivalent.

• Must possess the physical ability to do all required work of the position.

Why Join Us?

• 25+ Paid holidays & 10 days PTO annually (in addition to summer break for educators/campus positions)
• 12 weeks family paid leave
• Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 403b match
  • Fully match up to 3%
  • 50% match up to 5%
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement
• Gym and wellness discounts
• And more

Description Disclaimer: Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

EEO:

Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.

Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected] or call 773.828.4191