Bus Escort

Location: Appointment is to the Cork ETB Scheme with initial placement confirmed at appointment. Cork ETB reserves the right to assign a staff member to any other location, as the service exigencies require. Hours: Circa 10 to 25 hours per week Purpose of Job: To assist student/s to and from home to school premise on a daily basis. Responsible to: School Principal or deputed officers of Cork ETB

Responsibilities & Duties:

The responsibilities and duties listed below are general in scope and are not meant to be exhaustive in relation to the work to be undertaken bya School Transport Bus Escort hereafter called the Bus Escort. In addition to the listed duties, the Bus Escort will undertake other duties pertaining to the role as may bedecided by the School Management and/or Cork ETB. It is expected that the Bus Escort will, on his/her own initiative, identify tasks/duties that need to be carried out as part of the role subject to authorisation by School Management and/or Cork ETB as appropriate.

The Bus Escort: • Must ensure that they are on the bus/taxi at time of first pick-up and last set down. It is expected in most instances the Bus Escort will begin their shift at the school premise and be transported to the individual student pick up points. • Is responsible for the safety of children when opening and closing doors prior to ‘stop’ and ‘move off’. • Assists children to board and alight safely from the school bus/taxi. • Makes sure all children are seated with appropriate straps or harnesses where provided. • Ensures that each pupil is received by some responsible person at the set down point. • Supervises children travelling on bus/taxi. • Maintains a good working relationship with the driver of the bus/taxi. • Acts as liaison between Principal and/or Class Teacher and parents when required i.e., conveyance of messages or letters to parents. • Observes confidentiality in all aspects of work. • Is aware of particular disabilities of children on the bus/taxi and be briefed by the Principal on how to deal with same, e.g., epilepsy etc. • Performs any other duties relevant to the position of the Bus Escort which may be assigned by the Principal from time to time. • Unless under exceptional circumstances, the escort never leaves the bus/taxi or the vehicles immediate vicinity. • Is positioned on the bus where maximum control of children is achieved i.e., at back of bus/taxi. • Reports all concerns to the Principal and/or Class Teacher. • Is expected to participate in training which will be provided from time to time.

Person Specification Essential Criteria: The minimum required standard of education for appointment to the post of Bus Escort is:- 1. QQI Level 3 major qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications, OR A minimum of three grade Ds in the Junior Certificate, OR Equivalent Qualification. 2. In addition, the Bus Escort must understand the importance of supporting children with special educational needs to facilitate their attendance at school. 3. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to ensure positive and effective relationships with principal/class teacher, driver, parents, students and other relevant stakeholders. 4. Have a calm, patient and sensitive attitude. 5. Applicants may be subject to Occupational Health Screening and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable possibility of their being able to give regular and efficient service.

Desirable: 1. Qualification/certificate in Special Needs Assistant / Childcare. 2. Experience of working with children with special needs.

General Terms and Conditions of Employment: Remuneration: Remuneration is subject to the conditions set out by the Department of Education from time to time. The current hourly rate of pay is €13.40 + 8% holiday pay. They are entitled to claim social welfare entitlements during summer closures. Garda Vetting: The appointment is subject to Cork ETB receiving a satisfactory vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau.

Work References: Work references will be requested by the ETB from nominated referees prior to appointment.