Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant in Colchester

Who are we? Therapeutic Response Ambulance Service – part of HTG-UK – is a trauma-informed mental health transport provider championing a compassionate, least-restrictive approach to care. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact every day as part of a specialist team pioneering a new standard in mental health transport across the UK.

What Can You Expect? You would be joining us in the role of Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant, delivering a vital service to patients. As a MH ACA with us, you’ll be a comforting presence for individuals in crisis, supporting each person with empathy and respect during their most vulnerable moments. As part of the Mental Health Ambulance Crew, you’ll ensure safe, compassionate journeys for patients (12+) with complex mental health needs. You’ll drive and assist patients in a specially adapted non-emergency ambulance, supporting individuals who may be in distress or agitated. Our ethos is trauma-informed, understanding that people with mental health problems are likely to have experienced some adversity in their lives and therefore they deserve to be treated with compassion, sensitivity, dignity and respect in their relationships with professionals.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport patients with mental health challenges, including those in crisis or detained under the Mental Health Act.
• Build trust with patients using active listening and compassionate communication.
• Follow care plans, risk assessments, and safety protocols.
• Use de-escalation techniques to support patients in distress while maintaining their dignity.
• Record patient information accurately using digital or paper systems.
• Drive and maintain company vehicles in line with policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, fully equipped vehicle at the start of each shift.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure high standards of patient care.

Benefits

• £14.00 per hour
• 40.25 hours per week – Shift pattern: 4 on / 4 off, 12‑hour shifts (11:00am – 11:00pm)
• Occupational Sick Pay after 12 months service
• Employee Assistance Programme delivered by the UK’s #1 EAP service – Health Assured
• Increased holiday allowance for long service 28 days annual leave
• Refer a Friend – Earn up to £500 for each friend you bring on board
• Fully Funded Training and Uniform – Kick off your role with two weeks of training, enjoy ongoing mentorship, and receive a full uniform
• Pension Scheme
• Opportunities to grow and develop
• Engaging Workplace Culture – with regular company updates and Employee of the Month

Qualifications

• Compassionate individuals who can support patients with complex mental health needs.
• Calm under pressure with the ability to manage challenging situations.
• Excellent communicators with active listening skills.
• Physically and mentally capable of meeting the role’s demands.
• High standards in relation to infection prevention and control.
• Willingness to drive and assist with non‑emergency transport when needed.
• Flexibility for shift work (7-day schedule across mids, afternoons, and evenings).
• Able to produce a Full UK Manual Driving Licence.
• Experienced within a health or social care setting, specifically with individuals experiencing mental health challenges and within patient transport is desirable but not required.
• Experienced with providing compassionate, person‑centred care and working with vulnerable individuals.

Safer Recruitment Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check (Conducted during onboarding if successful).
• Right to work in the UK.
• Full UK Manual Driving Licence.
• Satisfactory employment and character references.
• A satisfactory medical assessment.
• Successful candidates will also need to successfully complete a mandatory training course on commencement of employment.

Equal Opportunities

The Company’s Equal Opportunities policy affirms our commitment to ensure that no patient, employee or job applicant faces discrimination - whether directly or indirectly – based on gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, responsibility for dependants, disability, religion, belief, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, trade union activity, social background, health status, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown as justifiable.

Safeguarding

• Attend mandatory training on Safeguarding children and adults.
• Ensure they are familiar with their and the organisation’s requirements under relevant legislation.
• Adhere to all relevant national and local policies, procedures, and professional codes.
• Report any concerns to the appropriate authority.
• Maintaining professional boundaries as a Person in a Position of Trust (PiPoT).