**Posted 10/31/24**

 Two Open Positions - Worthington, MN:

Head Start Full-Time Bus Driver

& 

Head Start Part-Time Bus Driver

JOB SUMMARY:

Full-time bus driver (approximately 30-40 hours/week).  Part-time bus driver (approximately 20 hours/week). Compensation is $20.49/hour. Assisting parents in the role as their child's first and most important teacher by operating the bus safely, relating effectively to parents and to the children being transported, and responding effectively to emergency situations.  Bus drivers are supported by a rider who helps ensure safe and timely travel.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

•  Assures the safe transportation of all Head Start children (ages 3-5), staff and volunteers.
•  Follows all agency and state rules and federal regulations regarding transportation; abides by all highway laws; practices safe driving procedures.
• Adheres to established procedures and policies as outlined in the transportation manual and personnel policies.
• Maintains vehicle in a condition that provides complete safety for children, staff, and volunteers.
• Keeps bus locked at all appropriate times.
• Provides ongoing education on safety of children being transported; completes three bus evacuation drills per program year.
• Uses effective and developmentally appropriate discipline techniques with children to maintain order on the bus at all times.
• Maintains and submits timely, complete, and accurate records as indicated on the driver's timeline.
• Arranges working hours to include those resulting from schedule changes; attends transportation/staff meetings, trainings, and workshops.
• Participates in mandatory pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing procedures.
• Manages the transportation system providing all information necessary to parents and staff.
• Participates in field trips providing assistance to teaches as requested.
• Adheres to the Head Start Performance Standards.
• Assists with other duties as assigned.

 EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Must possess a Class C driver's license with passenger endorsment (CDL/P) and car insurance.
• Prior experience transporting children in a similar setting preferred.

 SKILLS/ABILITIES:

In order to carry out the responsibilities, bus driver's will have skills or training in these areas:

• Traffic and safety laws.
• First aid and CPR.
• Daily maintenance checks, record-keeping, understanding child behavior, constructive discipline, and defensive driving skills.
• Ability to lift 40-60 pounds and carry children.
• Ability to submit accurate and timely data.
• Flexibility.
• Good oral communication skills.
• Deal with all kinds of people, often working with distractions.

Application forms are available at SMOC, 1106 3^rd Avenue, Worthington, on our website www.smoc.us, or by calling 507-376-4195.  Applications are accepted via email to kbursell@smoc.us, fax 507-376-3636 or can be dropped off at the SMOC Worthington office.   

  SMOC Is An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Reasonable accommodation for special needs

will be furnished upon request. 

  "AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER" 

**Posted 9/16/24**

Head Start Classroom Teacher

Full-time

Head Start is looking for a classroom teacher at our Worthington Center.  The hours are full-time during the school year and part-time in the summer.  This is a non-exempt/hourly position. 

This position is primarily responsible for leading and overseeing the teaching of safety, health, dental, nutrition, self-help, self-esteem, social, language, literacy, problem solving, cognitive, and motor skills in the classroom; implementing curriculum based on knowledge of families’ and children’s needs and interests; working with Head Start staff to assure planning, organization, implementation and follow-through with comprehensive services, curriculum, Performance Standards, MN DHS Rule 3, and best practices in early childhood care and education. 

Minimum educational requirement is an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.

Starting hourly wage is $20.16 for a 2-year degree and $21.37 for a 4-year degree.  Benefit package includes PTO, paid holidays, and available health, life, dental and vision insurance.

Interested individuals should submit an application to Human Resources Director.  Application forms are available at SMOC, 1106 3^rd Avenue, Worthington, on our website www.smoc.us, or by calling 507-376-4195.  Applications are accepted via email to kbursell@smoc.us, fax 507-376-3636 or can be dropped off at the SMOC Worthington office.   

  SMOC Is An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Reasonable accommodation for special needs

will be furnished upon request. 

  "AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER" 

**Notice of Job Opening**

Prairieland Transit System Central Dispatch Staff

Substitute/Back up ONLY 

Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council (SMOC), a non-profit organization, is seeking a substitute dispatch staff at the SMOC office located in Worthington, MN for the Prairieland Transit System.  

This position fills in intermittently during other dispatch staff vacancies (ie, vacations). Receives and schedules requests for public transportation in Nobles County (Worthington City Bus, Worthington Dial-A-Ride, Nobles County Heartland Express Routes) working closely with the general public and the Prairieland Transit System bus drivers. Daily record keeping and data entry into computerized databases are required. Central dispatch staff assist in the implementation of MNDOT policies and procedures. 

Minimum requirements include a high school diploma and one year of office experience. Bilingual skills beneficial. Good computer knowledge essential. This position requires a candidate with excellent telephone skills to communicate with a large diversity of clients including persons with disabilities, elderly, children, and persons with limited English. Must be able to work independently and as a team.

Starting wage $16.91/hour.  Application forms are available at SMOC, 1106 3rd Avenue, PO Box 787, Worthington, MN  56187 and online at www.smoc.us.  Please submit an agency application and resume to Executive Director. (Faxes accepted:  507-376-3636). This position will be opened until filled.

 SMOC Is An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Reasonable accommodation for special needs

will be furnished upon request. 

  "AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER"