Bus Driver / Transportation Specialist
Reports To: Youth Program Coordinator
Hours: Part-Time (16–30 hours per week)
Location: Mental Health America – Wabash Valley Region, 914 South Street, Lafayette, IN 47901, with regular travel throughout the community
Compensation: $17.00 per hour
About MHA-WVR
Mental Health America – Wabash Valley Region (MHA-WVR) is North Central Indiana’s leading mental health and substance use advocacy organization, dedicated to promoting mental wellness, prevention, early intervention, and recovery for all Hoosiers. As a state affiliate of Mental Health America, MHA-WVR advances its mission through education, advocacy, community-based programs, direct services, and public health initiatives, with a strong emphasis on youth, families, and underserved populations.
Position Summary
The Bus Driver / Transportation Specialist is responsible for the safe operation, transportation, maintenance coordination, and logistical support of the Minds in Motion Youth Mental Health Bus. This position serves as an ambassador for MHA-WVR by helping bring youth mental health education, prevention, and outreach services directly into schools and communities throughout North Central Indiana.
In addition to transporting the mobile unit, the Bus Driver / Transportation Specialist supports community events, program logistics, setup and breakdown activities, and outreach efforts that advance MHA-WVR’s youth-focused initiatives. This role requires strong attention to safety, professionalism, organization, and community engagement.
This position does not involve transporting students or passengers and does not require a CDL.
Work schedules will vary based on program and event needs and may include occasional evenings and weekends.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.
Transportation and Vehicle Operations
- Safely operate and transport the Minds in Motion Youth Mental Health Bus to schools, community organizations, events, and outreach locations throughout the service area.
- Conduct and document routine pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
- Maintain accurate records related to mileage, fuel consumption, vehicle condition, maintenance schedules, and inspections.
- Monitor vehicle performance and promptly report maintenance needs, repairs, accidents, or safety concerns.
- Coordinate vehicle servicing and maintenance appointments as directed.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable traffic laws, transportation regulations, agency policies, and safety procedures.
- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and readiness of the mobile unit for community programming.
Program and Event Support
- Assist with transportation, setup, operation, and breakdown of program materials, supplies, equipment, and outreach resources.
- Support youth mental health programming, prevention initiatives, and community outreach activities as assigned.
- Coordinate with the Youth Program Coordinator regarding schedules, travel routes, event logistics, and site readiness.
- Assist in the distribution of educational materials, resources, and promotional items during events and outreach activities.
- Represent MHA-WVR professionally at schools, community events, presentations, and public engagements.
- Provide excellent customer service and positive interactions with community members, partners, families, and stakeholders.
Community Engagement and Organizational Support
- Serve as a positive representative of MHA-WVR and its mission within the community.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, community partners, youth-serving organizations, and stakeholders.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, professional development activities, and supervision sessions.
- Support agency-wide initiatives, special events, awareness campaigns, and outreach efforts.
- Uphold agency policies regarding confidentiality, ethics, safety, professionalism, and data security.
- Contribute to a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
- Possess a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
- Ability to safely operate a large bus or commercial-style vehicle (CDL not required).
- Strong interest in youth development, prevention, community wellness, and mental health initiatives.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaboration with team members.
- Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
- Ability to effectively engage with diverse populations and community partners.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to adapt to changing schedules, priorities, and community needs.
- Demonstrated professionalism, ethical conduct, and commitment to confidentiality.
- Ability to successfully pass criminal background checks and any required screenings.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
Preferred
- Previous experience operating a school bus, shuttle bus, transit vehicle, RV, mobile unit, or other large vehicle.
- Experience working within schools, youth programs, community organizations, or nonprofit settings.
- Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance and inspection procedures.
- Experience supporting community outreach, events, or public engagement activities.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift, carry, move, and transport program materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to sit for extended periods while driving and traveling throughout the service area.
- Ability to stand, bend, reach, walk, and move frequently throughout the workday.
- Ability to safely enter, exit, and maneuver within a bus or mobile unit.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to travel regularly throughout the region.
Working Conditions
This position requires regular travel throughout North Central Indiana and may involve working in schools, community centers, outdoor venues, healthcare settings, and other community locations. Employees may occasionally work evenings or weekends to support outreach events, youth programming, and community engagement activities.
The Bus Driver / Transportation Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of MHA-WVR’s mobile youth mental health initiatives and helping expand access to prevention, education, and wellness resources throughout the communities we serve.
Pay: $17.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
