On-Call Bus Driver
Join the NVFS Family: We are looking to hire a on-call Bus Driver to join the NVFS Early Childhood Education/Head Start Center in Arlington! At NVFS, our Head Start program ensures children and families have access to high-quality early childhood education. Transportation can be a critical barrier for families — and that’s where you come in.
As our On-Call Bus Driver, you are more than a driver. You are a trusted adult, a safety advocate, and often the first and/or last NVFS team member a child sees each day. Your calm presence, attentiveness, and commitment to safely help children arrive ready to learn — and families feel supported.
What Makes This Role Special: Transportation is often the difference between a child participating in early education or missing out. Your role directly supports school readiness, family stability, and long-term success. When you drive for NVFS, you’re helping children arrive safely — and leave each day feeling cared for.
Benefits and Compensation: We want you to be well, have work/life flexibility, grow your career with us, and have the resources and support you need. Check out our comprehensive benefit offerings here in support of various dimensions of your wellbeing. Pay rate: $25-30/hour
In this role, you will be responsible for:
🚌 Safe & Reliable Transportation
Drive assigned routes to safely transport children (ages 3–5) to and/or from Head Start Center
Conduct pre- and post-trip safety inspections
Maintain bus cleanliness and monitor fuel and maintenance needs
Comply with all Virginia school bus laws and Head Start Performance Standards
Immediately report accidents, vehicle issues, or safety concerns
- Support traffic flow during peak arrival and dismissal times
- Complete required attendance and documentation accurately and timely
🤝 Child & Family Engagement
Greet families warmly at pick-up and/or drop-off
Partner with the Bus Monitor to ensure all children are safely secured and accounted for
Escort children between the bus and classrooms
Support children during emergencies, evacuations, and first aid situations
Communicate concerns regarding child safety or family interactions to the Center Manager
Your Background: We understand that you may obtain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences.
- High school diploma
- Valid U.S. driver's license and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) specific to school bus licensure
- Ability to operate a school bus in a safe and efficient manner in an urban environment
- Ability to understand directions, learn bus schedules, and respond to adjustments positively
- Experience working with children aged 3-5 years
- Oral and written fluency in English; Spanish fluency a plus but not required
- Digital and technical proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
- Must be able to demonstrate and live the organizational values of Communication, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability
Additional Requirements:
- Successful completion of background checks, drug screening, TB test, and physical attestation required upon hire
- Must clear Motor Vehicle Record check
- Must be able to lift a child up to 50 lbs
- Ability to follow the Head Start guidelines for working with children
- Ability to interpret documents such as safety rules and policy and procedures manuals
Working at Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) means doing work that matters every day because of the difference you will make in the lives of children and families in Northern Virginia. NVFS’ breadth, depth and scope of services offer the resources and support to ensure that everyone in need, at every stage of life, maximizes their potential and fully contributes to a thriving community. At NVFS, we value every team member’s contribution and our collective impact on our clients and the community. NVFS is an equal opportunity employer, E-Verify participant and drug-free workplace.