ABOUT THE ROLE

The Specialized Bus Driver provides safe, reliable and respectful transportation for students who may have complex developmental, behavioural, communication, sensory, mobility, medical or social-emotional needs. The role combines safe vehicle operation with calm, student-centred support and careful adherence to individual transportation and safety requirements.

The successful candidate will be patient, dependable and safety-focused, with demonstrated experience supporting children or youth with high needs. The driver works closely with families, school staff, Educational Assistants and SEA transportation personnel while maintaining student dignity, privacy and safety.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safely operate assigned SEA vehicles and complete routes in accordance with legislation, licence requirements and SEA procedures.
• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections, child checks, route records and incident documentation.
• Follow authorized routes, stops, passenger lists and student-specific transportation instructions.
• Ensure students are safely boarded, seated and secured using required seatbelts, mobility restraints, wheelchair securement systems or other approved equipment.
• Provide calm, patient and trauma-informed support during transportation, including responding appropriately to distress, sensory overload, dysregulation or behavioural escalation.
• Follow student transportation plans, safety plans, medical alerts and approved communication or behavioural strategies.
• Maintain safe handoff procedures and release students only to authorized adults or designated school/program personnel.
• Operate accessibility equipment only when trained and authorized, and report equipment or vehicle concerns immediately.
• Communicate promptly with the Transportation Manager and appropriate school staff regarding delays, incidents, safety concerns or significant changes in student needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries with students and families.
• Maintain the assigned vehicle in a clean, orderly and safe condition.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Alberta Class 4 Driver’s Licence and continued ability to meet all legal and SEA driving requirements.
• Driving record acceptable to Stoney Education Authority.
• Demonstrated experience working with children or youth with complex or high needs.
• Ability to remain calm, assess risk, follow plans and make sound decisions in changing situations.
• Strong communication, observation, relationship-building and documentation skills.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the assignment, including assisting students entering or exiting vehicles and safely operating accessibility equipment where required.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality appropriate to scheduled student transportation.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Experience in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred:

• Specialized student transportation or school transportation
• Educational Assistance or special education
• Disability, developmental, behavioural, respite or community support
• Child and Youth Care
• Supporting individuals with autism, communication differences, mobility needs, sensory needs or other complex support requirements
• Working respectfully within First Nations or Indigenous communities

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Valid Alberta Class 4 Driver’s Licence and satisfactory driver’s abstract.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Satisfactory professional references.
• Completion of required SEA orientation, vehicle/equipment training, emergency-response training and student-specific training.
• First Aid, medical examination or additional transportation certification may be required depending on the assigned route or vehicle.
• Ability and willingness to work assigned route schedules, including split shifts or variable route times where applicable.

WHY JOIN SEA

This role is an opportunity to make a direct difference in students’ access to education by providing transportation that is safe, consistent and responsive to individual needs. SEA is committed to serving Stoney Nakoda students and families with respect for community, culture, language and student wellbeing.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a resume to HR@stoneyeducation.ca or at the Stoney Education Office. Applications will be reviewed based on the qualifications and requirements of the position.

While preference is given to candidate(s) with the listed credentials and experience, Stoney Tribal Administration is open to recruiting candidates of varying educational backgrounds and experience. If you feel you have the right attitude and drive, there will be opportunity for training and professional development to the successful candidate.

Stoney Nakoda Nations adheres to Section 1-9 of the Aboriginal Employee Preference Policy for candidate shortlisting and displacement. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.