Transport Escorts

Purpose of Job: To assist student/s from home to school on a daily basis

Responsible to: School Principal or another designated officer

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 by a Transport Escort.

Responsibilities

• Transport Escort involves early morning school pick-ups and afterschool drop off.

• Must ensure that they are on the bus/taxi at time of first pick-up and last set down.

• Are responsible for the safety of children when opening and closing doors prior to ‘stop’ and ‘move off’.

• Assisting children to board and alight safely from the school bus/taxi.

• Making sure all children are seated with appropriate straps or harnesses where provided.

• Ensure that each pupil is received by some responsible person at the set down point.

Duties

• Supervision of children travelling on bus/taxi.

• Maintain a good working relationship with the driver of the bus/taxi.

• Act as liaison between Principal and/or Class Teacher and parents when required i.e. conveyance of messages or letters to parents.

• Observe confidentiality in all aspects of work.

• Be 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.

• Perform any other duties relevant to the position of escort which may be assigned by the Principal from time to time.

• Unless under exceptional circumstances, the escort should never leave the bus/taxi.

• The Escorts position on the bus should be where maximum control of children is achieved i.e. at back of bus/taxi.

• Report all concerns to the Principal and/or Class Teacher.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• The minimum required standard of education for appointment to the post of Transport Escort is:-

o A QQI Level 3 major qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications, OR

o A minimum of three grade Ds in the Junior Certificate, OR

o Equivalent.

• Understands the importance of supporting children with special educational needs in order to facilitate their attendance at school.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to ensure positive and effective relationships with principal/class teacher, driver, parents, students and other relevant stakeholders.

• Sensitivity, confidentiality and respect for the privacy of the student at all times is paramount in this role.

• Have a calm, patient and caring attitude.

Desirable:

• Qualification/certificate in the area of: Special Needs Assistant / Childcare.

• Experience of working with children with special needs.

General Terms and Conditions of Employment:

• Remuneration: The rate of pay is currently €15.98 per hours plus 8% holiday pay paid 3 times per annum and is subject to the conditions set out by the Department of Education and Youth from time to time.

• Citizenship Requirement: Candidates should note that eligibility to compete is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or to non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply.

• Vetting: Kilkenny and Carlow ETB is registered with the National Vetting Unit (NVU). As part of the Board’s recruitment and selection process, offers of employment to all posts may be subject to NVU disclosure.

• References: Kilkenny and Carlow ETB reserves the right to seek both written and verbal references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or any other organisations with which the candidate has been associated. Kilkenny and Carlow ETB also reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees. Please note that candidates are requested not to submit references with their application form.

• Pre-Employment Health Assessment: A candidate for, any person holding, the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of the ability to render regular and efficient service. Candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment Health Assessment which will be reviewed by the ETB's Occupational Health Service. An offer of employment is subject to satisfactory preemployment health assessment.

• Sick Leave: Sick leave will be in accordance with established procedures and conditions for ETB staff generally.

• Notice/Termination: This appointment is terminable by one month’s notice in writing by either the employer or the employee.

• General: The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be the comprehensive list of all terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the successful candidate’s employment contract.