About this role
JOB SUMMARY: The Bus Communication Support Specialist provides communication access and support for a deaf or hard of hearing student during transportation to and from school. This position helps facilitate effective communication between the student, bus driver, transportation staff, and peers while promoting a safe, positive, and inclusive bus environment. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Functional proficiency in American Sign Language (minimum ASL 3*).
• Understanding of Deaf culture and respectful communication practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in emergency situations.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment while supporting student safety and communication needs.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Minimum of *ASL Level 3 proficiency or equivalent demonstrated signing skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working with deaf or hard of hearing individuals, children, or students preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and district policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and families.
• Successful completion of required background checks and district employment requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in educational settings.
• First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Knowledge of special education practices and student accommodations.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Provide communication support for a deaf or hard of hearing student during daily bus transportation.
• Use American Sign Language (ASL) to facilitate communication between the student and others as appropriate.
• Support the student's understanding of safety procedures, announcements, and transportation-related information.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, respectful, and positive bus environment.
• Observe and report any concerns regarding student safety, behavior, or communication needs to appropriate school personnel.
• Maintain professional boundaries while encouraging the student's independence and self-advocacy.
• Collaborate with transportation staff, special education personnel, and the student's educational team as needed.
• Attend required trainings and meetings related to student support, safety, and district procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information at all times.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to communicate in ASL both receptively and expressively
• Ability to safely board and exit a school bus.
• Ability to communicate visually and manually using American Sign Language.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to work collaboratively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisor(s), staff, students, parents and community. Working Conditions:
• Work is performed primarily on a school bus during scheduled transportation routes.
• May require assisting the student during bus loading and unloading.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions during arrival and departure times.
• Must be able to sit, stand, and move safely within the bus environment.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to communicate in ASL both receptively and expressively
• Ability to safely board and exit a school bus.
• Ability to communicate visually and manually using American Sign Language.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and may be continuously required to stand or sit. The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk while performing the duties of this job. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The employee may be required to sit long periods of time. WORK ENVIRONMENT Working Conditions:
• Work is performed primarily on a school bus during scheduled transportation routes.
• May require assisting the student during bus loading and unloading.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions during arrival and departure times.
• Must be able to sit, stand, and move safely within the bus environment.
ASL 3 REQUIREMENT *Signers at this proficiency level are able to express language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate in most familiar and unfamiliar topics about practical, social, and professional situations. They can discuss particular interests with reasonable ease. They demonstrate confidence discussing topics at the paragraph discourse level, but exhibit errors and breakdown when in-depth elaboration and detail is requested. Occasional groping for vocabulary can be present. There is good control of grammar but there are some noticeable imperfections and errors which may interfere with understanding. They tend to function reactively by responding to direct questions or requests for information. They are capable of asking a variety of questions when needed to gather information pertaining to certain situations. They may combine and recombine known language elements to create short paragraph length responses. Their language contains pauses and self-corrections as they search for adequate vocabulary and language forms. Comprehension is often accurate with highly familiar and predictable topics although misunderstandings may occur. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Works when school is in session. Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Board policy on the evaluation of classified personnel. CLASSIFICATION/LOCATION: Classified, Part-time position, Location to be discussed
CALENDAR: 4.5 hours per day when school is in session - split shift (morning and afternoon hours TBD), 185-day contract. SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary Range 12 of the 2026-27 Classified Wage Schedule TBD (2025-26 $22.35 - 28.45) Newberg School District pays 6% PERS contribution provides a generous insurance cap and long-term disability insurance. Optional Life, AD&D insurance, Short Term Disability, Tax Shelter Annuities, Section 125 health and dependent care accounts, and Employee Assistance Program through Uprise Behavioral Health also available to all staff. Newberg Dundee Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and educator. In accordance with Federal and Oregon law the District does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law, including ORS 659A.030 and related Oregon civil rights statutes. The District complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable Oregon disability laws and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities upon request. Requests for accommodations may be directed to the Human Resources Department at (503) 554-5000, unless doing so would cause undue hardship.