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 valuable experience in a rewarding role.
- Other info: Training provided, with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- 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 25147 - 27596 £ 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 Craigavon employer: Apple Recruitment
Apple Recruitment Services is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with mental health and disability needs. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide comprehensive training and support, fostering a collaborative and caring work culture across Armagh, Craigavon, and Newry. Join us to enjoy a fulfilling role that not only values your driving skills but also your compassion and dedication to service users.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver with caring duties in Craigavon
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In transportation and logistics, hands-on experience is golden. If you're looking for a temporary position, don't just sit back; consider volunteering at local logistics companies or joining community transport initiatives. It’s a great way to gain industry insight and showcase your commitment!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring
Temporary roles in logistics often peak during busy seasons, like holidays or sales events. Keep an eye out for those hiring windows and brush up on your local networks. Joining industry groups on social media or attending local job fairs can be your golden ticket to snagging a role!
✨Show You’re Flexibly Awesome
Temporary roles often require quick adaptability, so make sure you highlight your flexibility and problem-solving skills in every discussion. When chatting with recruiters or at interviews, be ready to give examples of how you’ve quickly adjusted in past roles—this will help you stand out among other candidates.
✨Hit Us Up Directly!
Don't forget to apply through our website directly to see the freshest temporary opportunities available at Apple Recruitment! It’s always a good idea to follow up after submitting your application, just to show you’re keen on joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Driver with caring duties in Craigavon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in transportation and logistics, it’s crucial to emphasise any previous experience in this field. Whether you've worked as a warehouse operative or in a delivery role, make sure you showcase those skills and experiences that will help you hit the ground running right away!
Focus on Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, your availability and flexibility are key. In your cover letter, be clear about when you can start and any scheduling flexibility you might have. Employers love candidates who can jump in without a hitch, so show off that readiness!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certificates related to logistics, like forklift licenses or health and safety training, don’t leave them out! These certifications can give you an edge, showing that you’re not just capable but also qualified for the job. Mention these in your CV to catch the hiring manager’s eye!
Tailor Your CV to Logistics Jargon:When crafting your CV, use industry-specific terms and jargon that reflect your understanding of transportation and logistics. Whether it’s ‘supply chain management’ or ‘route optimisation’, sprinkle these phrases throughout your CV and cover letter. This shows that you’re not just applying at random, but that you know the industry well!
How to prepare for a job interview at Apple Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
In the transportation and logistics field, demonstrating your knack for problem-solving can really set you apart. Be ready to talk about specific challenges you’ve faced in past roles or during your studies, especially those involving route planning or supply chain issues, and how you tackled them.
✨Get Familiar with Key Tools
This role will likely involve using industry-specific tools like SAP or Microsoft Excel for logistics management. Brush up on these tools before your interview and be ready to discuss how you've used them in the past – or how you'd approach using them if you're not familiar yet!
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this position is temporary, companies are keen on finding someone who can hit the ground running. Share examples from previous roles or projects where you quickly adapted to new processes or worked under tight deadlines to show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Understand Key Regulations
In the transportation and logistics sector, regulations play a huge role. Familiarising yourself with relevant laws and compliance standards can give you an edge. If you can drop in some specifics about how these impact logistics operations, it’ll show you're serious about the industry and that you can handle the responsibilities of the role with confidence.
