At a Glance
- Tasks: Accompany children and elderly service users safely to schools and care centres.
- Company: Care First Recruitment Ltd., dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Work during term times with potential for extra shifts in holidays.
- Why this job: Be a vital support for children and the elderly while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Good English communication skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Care First Recruitment Ltd. are currently recruiting for Passenger Assistants to travel to accompany children to schools, day centres and colleges, and occasionally elderly service users to different locations/residential care centres. Locations are a range of London Boroughs, for example: Hammersmith, Kensington, Shepherds Bush, Fulham, Uxbridge, Hounslow, Northolt and other borough combinations.
Passenger Assistant duties include:
- Accompanying children, young people, and the elderly, in taxis or via public transport.
- Ensuring that the vehicle is in a fit condition to transport the service user before the journey starts (e.g.: doors and windows have a working lock mechanism, or if the service user is a wheelchair user, ensuring that the taxi has a ramp and space for a wheelchair).
- Reporting any irregularities to Care First to support with a solution and/or alternative plans.
- Safeguarding the service users during the entire duration of the booking, as most of them have disabilities or can display very challenging physical behaviour.
This role is for split morning and afternoon shifts, Monday to Friday: 20 hours a week. These shifts involve picking the service user from set points, and then collecting them in the afternoon to return to the drop-off point. You will be paid for 20 hours work per week.
Ideal candidates should have a very good level of English and clear communication skills as they need to liaise with emergency services in case of any medical issue the child may suffer during the route, and a passion to be supportive to children and/or young persons with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours.
The service is kerb to kerb, meaning a Passenger Assistant NEVER goes inside a service user's home address or residence. The parents or carers are responsible for bringing the service user to the door for the PA to collect and take into the taxi. If needed, the family needs to support the PA to help the child board the taxi. Once disembarking the taxi outside the school/care centre, the Passenger Assistant is responsible for safely escorting the service user to the building door and handing over to a member of school staff or any other care staff. The same applies to the return journey.
Most PA shifts are 1-2-1 services, meaning in most cases you are only escorting one child alone. Most journeys typically take place in a taxi pre-booked by the Client/Local Authority. Passenger Assistants do not have to worry about taxi fares.
Hours: You must have flexibility and be available to work both the morning (anytime between 07:30am to 09:30am approx.) and afternoon shift (anytime between 14:00pm to 16:30pm approx.). Set times will be stipulated by the service user's specific timetable.
Schedule: Monday to Friday during school term-times (both mornings and afternoons). Sometimes there may be extra ad-hoc shifts on weekends and school holidays. The Passenger Assistant job takes place during school term times (typically during the academic year from September to July). Please note school runs stop during all the school half-terms, Easter, Christmas and Summer Holidays. If you want to remain available for PA work during half terms and school holidays, do let us know as there may be ad-hoc shifts to accompany other service users to day care centres, etc.
Ability to Commute: London (required).
Work Location: In person.
Candidates will compulsorily need to pass a background check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced DBS certificate): This post/role requires candidates to apply for an Enhanced DBS to work with children and adults. If you already possess an Enhanced DBS, then it needs to be uploaded in the Update Service system. Otherwise, you can obtain an Enhanced DBS through our agency at the point of registration.
Pay: Typically £270 per week for standard bookings (there may be variations to the booking hours depending on the allocated service user needs). Please note this is a generic outline of the role; more instructions and details will be provided to you for each different service user you chaperone.
Passenger Assistant employer: Care First Recruitment Ltd
Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of service users as a Minibus Driver. We offer competitive pay, a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being, and opportunities for professional growth within the community-focused environment. Working with us means being part of a rewarding mission where your contributions truly matter.
Contact Details:
Care First Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Passenger Assistant
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Care First Recruitment Ltd, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Care First Recruitment Ltd. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Care First Recruitment Ltd's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Passenger Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Care First Recruitment Ltd. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Care First Recruitment Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Care First Recruitment Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Care First Recruitment Ltd.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Passenger Assistant at Care First Recruitment Ltd.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Care First Recruitment Ltd that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Passenger Assistant role.
