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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist and ensure the safety of pupils during their transport to schools and colleges.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible hours around school times and potential for permanent positions.
- Why this job: Make a difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must communicate effectively in English and be reliable with a calm demeanor in emergencies.
- Other info: DBS check required; work mainly solo with a driver.
Passenger Assistant / Driver – PO1 2AL, United Kingdom
Job Category: Support servicesRegion / Division: UK RegionLocation: PortsmouthWorking Hours: 0
The Service
The Integrated Transport Unit (ITU) transports approximately 650 pupils daily aged 2-25 years old to schools, colleges and contact centres. Some pupils have Special Educational Needs and some pupils are Looked After Children in the care of Portsmouth City Council. We use several different forms of transport – minibuses, wheelchair accessible minibuses and taxis. The majority of the pupils go to school in Portsmouth but some go further afield for instance Fareham, Stubbington, Waterlooville, and Southampton. We currently employ around 120 passenger assistants to help is deliver this service.
What is the job?
We maintain a register of Relief Passenger Assistants to cover for permanent members of staff who are absent either short or long term. We are looking for people to join our relief list who can work as and when required. You will be responsible for the child/children\’s behaviour, safety and general wellbeing during their journeys to and from schools, colleges and contact centres. You must ensure pupils are suitably strapped into vehicles and you will need to become familiar with the operation of specialist equipment, for example car seats, vehicle passenger lifts, ramps and wheelchair restraints in case of emergency. This is a job where you work mainly on your own as a representative of Portsmouth City Council. You will be working with a driver employed by one of our transport providers. The hours are primarily around school opening and closing times typically 08:00 – 09:30 and 14:30 – 16:15 term-time only. Occasionally some hours may be available at other times. Vacancies for permanent posts are generally filled from the register.
Please answer the following questions by uploading your answers to your application form or email the answers to Lisa Bessey
- Do you have the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English as this is essential for the post?
2. Are you reliable and able to work at short notice as and when required with minimal supervision?
3. Can you remain calm and clear headed in an emergency and have a practical common-sense approach to problems, you may wish to give examples?
4. Are you physically able to carry out the full range of duties which include moving heavy wheelchairs and bending in confined spaces to assist pupils into their seats?
About Portsmouth City Council
What we can offer you:
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage: Careers Portal – Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children\’s Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Passenger Assistant / Driver - PO1 2AL, United Kingdom employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Passenger Assistant / Driver - PO1 2AL, United Kingdom
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific needs of the pupils you will be assisting. Understanding the requirements of children with Special Educational Needs or those who are Looked After can help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely committed to their wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in working with children or in a transport-related role. This could include volunteer work, babysitting, or any relevant job that demonstrates your ability to handle the responsibilities of this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking of examples where you've had to remain calm under pressure or solve problems quickly. Being able to articulate these experiences will show your capability to handle emergencies effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to express your flexibility and reliability in your application. Since the role requires working at short notice, demonstrating your willingness to adapt to changing schedules will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Passenger Assistant / Driver - PO1 2AL, United Kingdom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Passenger Assistant/Driver. Familiarize yourself with the specific needs of the pupils you will be assisting, especially those with Special Educational Needs.
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: When responding to the application questions, provide clear and concise answers. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to converse in English, reliability, calmness in emergencies, and physical capability.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have previous experience working with children or in a transport-related role, make sure to highlight this in your application. Mention any relevant training or certifications that may enhance your candidacy.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-written application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Show Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires conversing with children and possibly their guardians, demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms, as this will be crucial during your interactions.
✨Emphasize Reliability and Flexibility
Highlight your reliability and willingness to work at short notice. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully adapted to changing schedules or took on responsibilities unexpectedly.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Prepare to discuss situations where you had to remain calm in emergencies. Think of specific examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and practical common sense, as these traits are essential for the role.
✨Demonstrate Physical Capability
Be ready to talk about your physical ability to perform the job's duties, such as moving heavy wheelchairs. If possible, mention any relevant experience that showcases your strength and agility in similar situations.
