At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive a minibus, ensuring safe transport for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
- Company: Surrey Choices supports people with disabilities to thrive in their communities.
- Benefits: Earn £12.60 per hour with flexible shifts and potential overtime.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a rewarding work environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK driving licence and be 21+; training provided for minibus driving.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to empowering individuals and enhancing community engagement.
Contract Type: Part-Time
Salary: £12.60 per hour
Location: Reigate, Surrey (with regular travel across Surrey-based services)
Hours: Various shifts available - Working 2 hours in the morning (pick up) and 2 hours in the afternoon (drop off) with the possibility of overtime available - some flexibility may be required to cover occasional evenings and weekends.
Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life? Do you think you could help people reach their full potential? At Surrey Choices, we support people with learning disabilities and autism to be active members of their local communities through inspiring and challenging them to learn, enjoy and achieve their goals. Our mission is to deliver innovative, sustainable services that enable choice and positive outcomes for the people we support. These services are provided by skilled, engaged and inspired colleagues.
As the Community Transport Driver, you will provide transport services to the people we support primarily at the start and end of the day, ensuring they are safely picked up and dropped off at our various services across Surrey Choices or directly into the community to attend activities.
The role would suit applicants with previous experience within passenger services or an interest in driving, who are looking for a rewarding role which will make a real difference in people’s lives by enabling them access to the local community.
- Provision of door-to-door transport services to the people we support into and home from services.
- Driving a company minibus, ensuring all service-users are transported safely and in line with all policies and procedures.
- Establishing positive and professional relationships with passengers, their carers/parents and key colleagues at the services and activities they attend.
- Ensuring passenger safety, including helping passengers on and off the vehicle when required.
- Performing regular vehicle checks in line with procedures and reporting any concerns or issues to the Senior Community Transport Driver or the Community Transport Manager.
- Operating all vehicle equipment, including steps, seat belts, wheelchair clamps and tail lifts.
- Reporting any safeguarding concerns or issues to the Senior Community Transport Driver or Community Transport Manager.
- Ensuring the minibus is kept clean and tidy.
What we would like from you:
- Full UK driving licence (Maximum 6 penalty points at time of appointment) held for a minimum of two years for insurance purposes.
- 21+ for insurance purposes.
- Ability to support people using the services into and out of the vehicle.
- Willingness to be trained to drive a minibus.
- Willing to be fully trained in wheelchair safety and restraint when on vehicles.
- Ability to act effectively to diffuse any difficult situations on the vehicles and to write brief notes/reports on incidents.
- Ability to liaise over day-to-day concerns between home and services with tact and diplomacy.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills and ability to maintain written records, including recording passenger complaints.
- Willingness to be flexible in terms of starting time, finishing times and locations (within an area).
For an informal conversation and to find out more about this rewarding role, please contact Denise Hardwick at 07542 153350.
Surrey Choices Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. Surrey Choices is a Real Living Wage Employer. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.
Part-Time Driver - Community Transport employer: Surrey Choices
Contact Detail:
Surrey Choices Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-Time Driver - Community Transport
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area of Reigate and surrounding Surrey regions. Knowing the routes and key locations can help you stand out during the interview, showing your commitment to providing excellent service.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in passenger services or working with individuals who have learning disabilities or autism. This will demonstrate your understanding of the role and your ability to connect with the people you'll be supporting.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenging situations on the job. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully diffused a difficult situation, as this will show your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain a safe environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to express your flexibility regarding working hours. Since the role may require covering evenings and weekends, demonstrating your willingness to adapt will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Part-Time Driver - Community Transport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Part-Time Community Transport Driver position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in passenger services or driving roles. Mention specific instances where you've demonstrated skills like communication, safety, and customer service.
Show Your Passion: Express your motivation for wanting to work with people who have learning disabilities and autism. Share any personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Choices
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
✨Demonstrate Your Driving Skills
Be prepared to discuss your driving experience, especially if you have worked in passenger services before. Highlight your knowledge of safety protocols and your ability to handle various driving situations, including operating a minibus.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since you'll be interacting with passengers, their families, and colleagues, it's crucial to showcase your verbal and written communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in challenging situations.
✨Be Flexible and Adaptable
The role requires flexibility in working hours and locations. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to changing schedules, as well as any past experiences where you successfully managed unexpected changes.