At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive larger vehicles and assist the public, ensuring safe and smooth journeys.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to making Luton a better place for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: Full driving license required; experience with vehicle checks and first-aid skills are a plus.
- Other info: This role involves working closely with individuals with disabilities and requires clear communication.
The predicted salary is between 24404 - 24790 £ per year.
Salary: £24,404 - £24,790 a year pro rata
Hours per week: 30
Contract type: Permanent
This role is all about being on the move and making a real difference. You’ll be responsible for driving larger vehicles, including passenger-carrying ones, and ensuring that journeys run smoothly and safely. Whether it’s conducting daily vehicle checks, maintaining schedules, or adapting to delays, you’ll play a key part in keeping everything on track.
You’ll also have the opportunity to work closely with the public, including individuals with disabilities, providing them with a reliable and professional service. Emergencies like vehicle breakdowns may pop up, but you’ll handle them with confidence and initiative.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
About You
You’re comfortable working with the public and have an understanding of the needs of people with disabilities. Clear communication is one of your strengths, and you’re able to keep accurate records while maintaining confidentiality. You thrive in a team but can also take charge in emergencies. Your flexible approach means you’re willing to adjust your hours and routes when needed to meet the demands of the job.
You bring knowledge of vehicle checks, maintenance, and traffic regulations to the table, and if you have some first-aid or handling skills, that’s a big plus. With a full, valid driving license, and a willingness to lift when necessary, you’re ready to take on the physical and practical challenges of the role. This is a public facing role so you’ll need to show off your fluency in speaking and writing English.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to have you on board!
About Us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents. The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
Application Process
Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person’s criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.
Benefits
- From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
How To Apply
We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!
Our ‘How to apply' page has more tips to help with your application.
Driver/Activity Assistant employer: Luton Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Luton Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver/Activity Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and traffic regulations. Knowing the routes and potential delays can help you demonstrate your ability to adapt and ensure smooth journeys during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your communication skills, especially when interacting with individuals with disabilities. Being able to show empathy and understanding will highlight your suitability for this public-facing role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've handled emergencies or unexpected situations in the past. This will showcase your initiative and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have any first-aid training or experience with vehicle maintenance, be ready to discuss it. These skills are a big plus and can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Driver/Activity Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in driving larger vehicles and working with the public. Emphasise any experience you have with individuals with disabilities, as this is a key aspect of the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation's vision. Mention specific skills that align with the job description, such as your ability to handle emergencies and maintain vehicle checks.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since clear communication is essential, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles. This could include dealing with customers or managing records accurately.
Be Honest About Your Background: Given the requirement for criminal record disclosure, be upfront about your history. If you have any cautions or convictions, explain them briefly and focus on how you've moved forward since then.
How to prepare for a job interview at Luton Borough Council
✨Show Your Driving Skills
Make sure to highlight your driving experience, especially with larger vehicles. Be prepared to discuss any relevant qualifications or training you have, as well as your knowledge of vehicle checks and maintenance.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since this role involves working closely with the public, particularly individuals with disabilities, practice clear and confident communication. Think of examples where you've successfully interacted with diverse groups and how you ensured their needs were met.
✨Prepare for Emergency Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would handle emergencies, such as vehicle breakdowns. Share any past experiences where you had to think on your feet and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Teamwork
This job requires a flexible approach to hours and routes. Prepare to talk about times when you've adapted to changing circumstances and how you work effectively within a team, as well as taking charge when necessary.