Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) Driver

***This position is open to current Community Transit Coach Operators only. External applications will not be considered.***

***Applications received before August 11th  will receive first consideration***

Mission:

The primary purpose of the Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) Driver position is to promote the benefits of Free Youth Fare and public transportation in schools across Snohomish County, serving as an engaging public speaker to inspire future generations of transit users and supporters.

YES OPPORTUNITIES

School and Community Partner Youth Presentations

a. Overview—Driving coach to different schools across Snohomish County to join the Marketing Program Strategist for an engaging and hands-on presentation about public transportation. After the 25-minute in-classroom presentation concludes (delivered by the Marketing Program Strategist) students will then join the operator and coach outside the school where the class will be divided into two groups. One group will join the Marketing Program Strategist familiarizing themselves with using the bike rack, while the other half will join the operator on board the coach. The YES Driver will then deliver a 7–10-minute presentation pointing out key bus features, reiterating safety basics from in-class presentation, explaining rider etiquette and codes of conduct, reminding students what their role as a driver is and that they are there to help keep them safe while riding, and importantly—equipping students with the knowledge required to become a confident and enthusiastic transit user.

b. YES Driver responsibilities—include but are not limited to, securing and driving the coach for school visits based on requests from the Marketing Program Specialist, preparing their own engaging and inclusive dialogue to deliver to students that includes certain talking points, answering questions from students and educators, creating a safe and welcoming environment on the bus, reading children’s books, managing student behavior when needed.

SCHEDULING

School Presentations

a. The designated Marketing Program Specialist will send a Special Transportation Request form by email to Employee Staffing Supervisor (ESS), Dispatch Supervisor, Body Shop Lead, and Maintenance Assistant Manager.

b. Employee Staffing Supervisor notifies one of YES Drivers of the presentation ahead of the presentation

c. YES Driver picks up the Special Transportation Request Form on the day of the assignment, completes the assignment and returns to base post event.

DRIVER ROTATION AND ASSIGNMENT

Every school year there will be a rotating list of 4-7 YES Drivers considered for school visits. After working a YES assignment, a driver will rotate to the bottom of the list. If a driver ever declines an assignment, it is offered to the next driver on the list. If all drivers decline the assignment, it is automatically assigned to the least senior driver.

•  In the case that a YES event is on a day that is a regular day off (RDO) for all drivers, the overtime sign-up list is used. If more than one YES Driver is on the list, then it will be assigned according to standard manpower overtime rotation process.
• On occasion, there might be an event where a more qualified driver is selected for a particular presentation.

STAR DRIVER GUIDELINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

At the beginning of each assignment, YES Driver guidelines will be reviewed and signed by the YES Driver and Program Marketing Specialist. The responsibilities include:

• Deliver engaging and youth-centric presentation about transit safety, bus etiquette, their role as a coach operator, and that promotes use of Youth ORCA card and public transportation.
• The use of phone is for work or personal emergencies only. Any other phone use should be while on break. Being on phone when bus is displayed for students is not good public representation for drivers.
• Welcome and engage with students and educators.
• No smoking on school property or in sight of school grounds.
• Breaks should be arranged with Marketing Program Specialist and occur during in-class portion of presentation. For every four hours, a ten-minute break will be provided. If desired, an unpaid meal break away from assignment can be requested.
• Always supervise the coach and driver’s seat while at the school.
• Customer safety is the #1 priority. Please use your best judgement.
• Always be an ambassador for Community Transit while on school properties and engaging with students.
• Report any event incidents or emergencies directly to Community Transit Dispatch Supervisor.

School and Community Partner Youth Presentations

• The Marketing Program Specialist will conduct a 25-minute presentation in the classroom.  Following the presentation, the students will go outside and divide into two groups.  One group will join the Marketing Program Strategist to learn how to use the bike rack. The other group will join the Coach Operator on board the coach. 
• The Coach Operator will deliver a 7 to 10-minute presentation, which will include:
  • Pointing out key features of the bus
  • Reviewing safety basics from the classroom presentation
  • Explaining rider etiquette and rules of conduct
  • Explaining the role of the driver in keeping youth safe while riding
  • Promoting the use of Youth ORCA card and public transportation
  • Equipping students with the knowledge needed to become a confident and enthusiastic transit user.
• The groups will then switch locations for the alternate presentation.
• There will typically be multiple classroom presentations at each school.

Please Note:

• Training for the program will be provided
• This is NOT a separate position; it is a temporary assignment in place of normal Coach Operator duties.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Must already work at least 50% of Community Transit shifts during school hours (Mon.-Fri., approx. 7am-3pm)

Experience with public speaking, preferably in front of youth or school audiences
Ability to respond quickly to questions, think on feet, relate to youth questions and comments, and bring levity to presentation

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with ability to weave inclusive language into all parts of speaking engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a current Community Transit employee.
• One or more years of Community Transit bus driving experience.
• Not currently on a written disciplinary step as of the date of posting.
• No preventable Community Transit accidents within the last two years (from date of posting).
• Ability to respond quickly to questions, think on your feet, relate to youth questions and comments, and bring levity to the presentation.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with ability to weave inclusive language into all parts of the speaking engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with public speaking
• Experience in direct service or contact with youth ages 11-18, such as volunteering with youth organizations, coaching youth sports, or previous experience as a teacher, school aide, or school bus driver.

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted. 
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.