At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive and support vulnerable clients, ensuring their safety and wellbeing during transport.
- Company: Leeds City Council is a major employer dedicated to community service and employee development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, pension contributions, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Must hold a D1 driving licence and have good communication skills; no specific qualifications required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a focus on community engagement and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 24480 - 25183 £ per year.
Overview
Job title: Driver/Escort
Salary: B1 £25,185 – £25,989 pro rata
Hours: 30
Contract: Permanant (52 weeks and Term time only)
Location: Westland Road LS11 5SB
As a driver 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.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About You
As a Driver you will bring to the role:
- Hold a D1 licence
- 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, 30hrs weekly
- Flexible 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
As our next driver, you will join a team that transports over 4,000 passengers to school/college or centres daily. We currently employ over 240 drivers, and our team is growing due to increased demand for our service. You will be integral in supporting passengers ensuring their safety, 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 on off transport so a good level of physical ability will be required.
What We Offer You
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- 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. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.
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.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you\’ll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
PURPOSE OF JOB
To be able to drive, hold a valid driving licence, transporting some of the most vulnerable people of Leeds from their own homes to various locations throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Responsibilities
- Transporting older people, people with physical disabilities, people with mental health problems and people with learning difficulties from home to centres and luncheon clubs as required, including assisting services users between home and the vehicle, and ensuring that the service user’s home is left safe and secure.
- Operate a flexible transport service in relation to arrival and departure times in accordance with agreements between the Transport Manager and Day Centre Managers and to respond to changes in circumstances at short notice.
- Participate with Day Centre staff in outings to various locations as required e.g. trips, shopping, theatre etc.
- Undertake recreational based activities at Day Centre which provide stimulation and interest to the members e.g. participation in discussion groups and individual conversation, games and serving refreshments.
- Deliver Community meals, ensuring the collection and recording of cash payments as required.
- Delivery of stationery, goods and materials including loading and unloading as required.
- Clean and washing of vehicles with appropriate machinery and equipment, routine daily and weekly maintenance and safety checks on vehicles and completion of appropriate logs and records as required.
- To participate in training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
- To undertake other duties appropriate to the post as required by the Fleet Deployment Manager.
- To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Departmental policies, procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.
- To actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s and Departmental Policies on Equal Opportunities
Qualifications
No specific qualifications are required.
Skills
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- To be able to drive, holding a valid D1 driving licence, whilst keeping to a route schedule, ensuring passenger safety at all times.
- Ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally with service users, parents, carers and staff in a pleasant and courteous manner.
- Sympathetic to and understand the needs of the service user.
- Ability to use own initiative to resolve minor problems.
- Writing skills sufficient to fill in log sheets, reports etc.
- Flexibility regarding changing of hours or areas of work.
- Ability to undertake moving and handling tasks i.e. manoeuvring of wheelchair users to and from the vehicle.
Knowledge
- Behavioural And Other Job-Related Characteristics: Ability to understand and observe Leeds City Council’s Equal Opportunities Policies.
Experience
- Of working with people in a caring capacity.
- Of working with people with a disability.
- Of driving a large vehicle in Leeds or other large cities.
- Of working within a team.
Behavioural And Other Job-Related Characteristics
- Knowledge of the problems of disadvantaged groups.
Desirable
- To hold an appropriate MIDAS certificate
Apply for this job
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Passenger Transport Driver employer: Leeds City Council
Contact Detail:
Leeds City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Passenger Transport Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of vulnerable passengers. Understanding the challenges faced by older people and those with disabilities will help you demonstrate empathy and suitability for the role during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your communication skills in conversations with the hiring team. Being able to effectively communicate with service users, parents, and colleagues is crucial, so share examples of how you've successfully interacted with diverse groups in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours. Since the role requires split shifts, showing that you can adapt to changing schedules will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have experience in a caring capacity or working with individuals with disabilities, be sure to mention this in conversations. This experience is highly relevant and can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Passenger Transport Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Passenger Transport Driver. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the requirements.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, especially any work with vulnerable individuals or in transport roles. Emphasise your D1 licence and any previous driving experience that showcases your ability to handle large vehicles safely.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the role and your understanding of the needs of the service users. Mention your communication skills and your approachability, as these are key traits for this position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds City Council
✨Show Your Caring Nature
As a Passenger Transport Driver, you'll be working with vulnerable clients. Make sure to express your empathy and understanding during the interview. Share examples of how you've supported others in the past, whether in a professional or personal context.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Good communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you effectively communicate with different individuals, including children and older adults. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to convey information clearly and courteously.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Teamwork
The job requires flexibility in hours and working as part of a team. Discuss your experience in adapting to changing situations and how you collaborate with others. Mention any previous roles where teamwork was essential to success.
✨Understand Health and Safety Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with health and safety protocols relevant to transporting vulnerable individuals. Be ready to talk about your understanding of these responsibilities and any training you've undertaken that relates to safety in transport.