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- Tasks: Support pupils' safety and wellbeing during their journeys to school and other centres.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible hours around school times, with potential for permanent positions.
- Why this job: Make a difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a caring attitude and commitment to safety.
- Other info: Great opportunity for students looking for part-time work during term time.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
The Integrated Transport Unit (ITU) transports approximately 650 pupils daily aged 2-25 years old to schools, colleges and contact centres. Some pupils have Special Educational Needs and some pupils are Looked After Children in the care of Portsmouth City Council. We use several different forms of transport - minibuses, wheelchair accessible minibuses and taxis. The majority of the pupils go to school in Portsmouth but some go further afield for instance Fareham, Stubbington, Waterlooville, and Southampton. We currently employ around 120 passenger assistants to help deliver this service.
We maintain a register of Relief Passenger Assistants to cover for permanent members of staff who are absent either short or long term. We are looking for people to join our relief list who can work as and when required. You will be responsible for the child/children's behaviour, safety and general wellbeing during their journeys to and from schools, colleges and contact centres. You must ensure pupils are suitably strapped into vehicles and you will need to become familiar with the operation of specialist equipment, for example car seats, vehicle passenger lifts, ramps and wheelchair restraints in case of emergency. This is a job where you work mainly on your own as a representative of Portsmouth City Council. You will be working with a driver employed by one of our transport providers. The hours are primarily around school opening and closing times typically 08:00 - 09:30 and 14:30 - 16:15 term-time only. Occasionally some hours may be available at other times. Vacancies for permanent posts are generally filled from the register.
To make sure your application is above the rest, please download the Job Profile below to ensure your application matches the requirements of the role. When completing your application you will be required to complete a personal statement, please give examples of your experience and any transferrable skills. Please align your answers with the points on the job profile. This is your opportunity to showcase yourself and your achievements. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Passenger Assistant - Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Passenger Assistant - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your experiences align with what they're looking for. This will help you stand out when you get the chance to chat with them.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Passenger Assistants on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on how you’d handle specific situations with children, especially those with special needs, as this is key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences in your personal statement to really catch their eye.
We think you need these skills to ace Passenger Assistant - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile: Before you start your application, make sure to download and read the Job Profile. It’s packed with info on what we’re looking for, so aligning your application with these points will give you a solid edge.
Craft Your Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to highlight your experience and any transferable skills. Be specific and give examples that relate directly to the role of Passenger Assistant.
Showcase Your Skills: Think about the skills that are crucial for this job, like safety awareness and communication. Make sure to weave these into your application to show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth process. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Don’t forget to check your email for updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Passenger Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the pupils you'll be working with, especially those with Special Educational Needs. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to their safety and wellbeing.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
When preparing your personal statement, think about any previous experience you have that relates to working with children or vulnerable individuals. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills in managing behaviour and ensuring safety during transport.
✨Understand the Equipment
Since you'll be using specialist equipment like car seats and wheelchair restraints, it’s a good idea to research how these work. Being able to discuss this knowledge in your interview will show that you're proactive and prepared for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Even though you'll often be working independently, you'll need to communicate effectively with drivers and other staff. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully worked as part of a team in the past, and how you plan to ensure smooth communication in this role.
