At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive and support service users with care, ensuring safe and dignified transport.
- Company: Join Apple Recruitment Services, a caring employer in the health sector.
- Benefits: Full-time hours, competitive pay, and essential training provided.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to work in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while driving and providing support.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK Driving Licence and experience with larger vehicles.
The predicted salary is between 25600 - 28400 £ per year.
Locations: 2 x Armagh, 1 x Craigavon, 1 x Newry
Pay Rate: Band 3
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Duration: Temporary contract for 6 months (until 31st December 2026)
Start Date: ASAP
Application Deadline: 12:00 noon, Monday 8th June 2026
About the Role
On behalf of our client, Apple Recruitment Services are delighted to be recruiting four Bus Drivers with Caring Duties to support Mental Health and Disability Services across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. This is a rewarding role that combines professional driving responsibilities with providing practical support and assistance to service users, including older people and individuals with physical or learning disabilities. Successful candidates will play an important part in ensuring service users are transported safely, comfortably and with dignity. The posts are based across Armagh, Craigavon and Newry and will involve driving Trust vehicles throughout the Southern Trust area.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely transport service users to and from Trust facilities, appointments, outings and activities.
- Assist passengers with boarding and exiting vehicles, including wheelchair users and individuals using mobility aids.
- Secure wheelchairs and mobility equipment using approved restraint systems.
- Provide support to service users during transport and outings.
- Administer basic first aid where required and respond appropriately in emergency situations.
- Carry out daily vehicle checks and routine maintenance inspections.
- Maintain accurate vehicle records and log books.
- Report vehicle defects, incidents and accidents in accordance with Trust procedures.
- Operate vehicle lifts and ramps safely and effectively.
- Assist with the collection and delivery of supplies, equipment and other materials as required.
- Participate in training and mandatory Trust requirements.
- Promote a safe, respectful and caring environment for all service users.
Essential Criteria
- Experience driving vehicles with more than 16 seats.
- A full current UK Driving Licence with unrestricted PCV Category D entitlement.
- A valid Driver CPC Card.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to use initiative and take responsibility.
- Flexibility to meet service requirements.
- Understanding of the care needs of older people and individuals with physical or learning disabilities.
- Knowledge of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust geographical area.
- Ability to successfully complete a Trust Driving Assessment.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with older people or individuals with physical or learning disabilities.
- Experience operating passenger vehicle lifts.
Additional Information
- Enhanced Access NI check with Barred Lists will be required.
- Mandatory Trust training will be provided, including safeguarding requirements.
- Successful applicants may be required to attend a health assessment.
- Trust-wide working may be required depending on service needs.
If you meet the essential criteria and would like to be considered for this opportunity, please submit your CV as soon as possible for immediate consideration. Please email your CV to Julie at Apple Recruitment: julie.skelly@applerecruitment.com
Applicants should ensure their CV clearly demonstrates their PCV Category D licence entitlement, Driver CPC qualification and relevant driving experience, as these are essential requirements for shortlisting. There is no better time to join our team. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Driver with caring duties in Armagh employer: Apple Recruitment
Apple Recruitment Services is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling opportunity for Bus Drivers with Caring Duties in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, providing comprehensive training and development opportunities to enhance your skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of service users. Join us in creating a safe and respectful environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver with caring duties in Armagh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Apple Recruitment Services and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions related to driving and caring duties. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the job. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! Don’t just focus on your qualifications; let your passion for helping others come through. Share stories that highlight your caring nature and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly via our platform. It’s a straightforward process, and it ensures your CV gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Driver with caring duties in Armagh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Driving Experience:Make sure your CV highlights your experience driving vehicles with more than 16 seats. We want to see that you’ve got the right qualifications, like your full UK Driving Licence and Driver CPC Card, so don’t hold back!
Highlight Your Caring Side:Since this role involves supporting service users, it’s important to showcase any experience you have working with older people or individuals with disabilities. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of care needs.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Take a moment to tweak your CV to match the job description. Use keywords from the listing, especially around communication skills and teamwork, to show us you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. Make sure to submit your CV before the deadline, and remember, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Apple Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around safely transporting service users and providing support. Brush up on your knowledge of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area, as this will show you're serious about the job.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your driving experience, particularly with vehicles that have more than 16 seats. Highlight any relevant work you've done with older people or individuals with disabilities. This is your chance to demonstrate how your background aligns with the caring duties of the role.
✨Communication is Key
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with passengers or team members in the past. Think about times when you had to use your initiative or work as part of a team to solve problems.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Since the role involves practical duties like operating vehicle lifts and administering basic first aid, be prepared for scenario-based questions. Think through how you would handle various situations, such as assisting a passenger with mobility issues or responding to an emergency.
