Enhanced Passenger Assistant in Leeds

As a passenger assistant you will provide a safe and supportive transport experience to vulnerable clients, older people, children who are in care, children and young people with varying degrees of learning, emotional and physical difficulties.

About you

• Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Available to work on a split shift between core hours of 7-10am and 2-5pm, 16hrs weekly.
• Flexibility to the changing needs of the service.
• Approachable and caring attitude offering a warm welcome to passengers, families, carers and staff.
• A good understanding of your responsibilities in regard of Health and safety.
• An enhanced DBS will be required.
• A good level of physical ability is needed.

About the role

You will join a team that transports over 4,000 passengers to school/college or centres daily. You will be integral in supporting passengers ensuring their safety, conduct and wellbeing while on transport. You will enjoy working with people; your approachability, warmth and enthusiasm will contribute positively to our passengers' day. You will need to support passengers off transport, so a good level of physical ability will be required.

What we offer you

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

How to apply

Complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application. If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role contact Maria Murphy Administration Assistant or Karen Stroud Resources scheduler call 0113 3760100 option 2 or email Maria.murphy@leeds.gov.uk or Karen.stroud@leeds.gov.uk.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job purpose

Passenger transport is responsible for the provision of a safe transport service to the most vulnerable clients; older people, children who are in care and adults, children and young people with varying degrees of learning, emotional and/or physical difficulties.

Responsibilities

• To attend to the passengers’ personal needs, hygiene, first aid and wellbeing.
• To support passengers who may have complex medical needs and who may need emergency medical support.
• To communicate with passengers who require additional support with communication, including those passengers who use a mechanical system.
• The postholder may also be required to use British sign language, PECS cards and or Makaton.
• To use equipment as directed by the driver to support passengers.
• To support passengers who because of their physical needs may need to be transported in wheelchairs.
• To protect and distract passengers who may harm themselves or others whilst being transported.
• To supervise and support pupils ensuring their health, safety and wellbeing.
• To establish good relationships with all passengers and colleagues, acting as a role model and being aware of and responding appropriately to individual needs.
• To ensure the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils.
• To be aware of pupil problems and report any concerns to a responsible officer (parent/carer/school staff).
• To complete and provide passenger information as requested by a Supervising officer.
• As and when required to supervise a Passenger assistant on a lower grade, to ensure health, safety and welfare of passengers is met.
• To be aware of and to comply with policies relating to safeguarding, health and safety, data governance to report any concerns to a supervising officer.
• To support the council values.
• To attend and participate in relevant meetings, training and learning and development activities.
• Post-holders are required to attend a minimum of five days training per year.

Qualifications

• Basic numeracy and literacy skills.
• To be willing to undertake and complete the pass the PATS PLUS training course within six months of appointment.

Essential requirements

Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.

Behavioural and other Characteristics required

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding equality & diversity.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.

The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.