Mental Health Transport Assistant
Mental Health Transport Assistant

Mental Health Transport Assistant

Fareham Full-Time 27580 - 33096 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Secure Care UK - Bases

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support mental health transport needs, ensuring safe and dignified patient transport.
  • Company: Join Secure Care UK, a leader in compassionate mental health transport since 2013.
  • Benefits: Enjoy full training, career progression, and perks like a pension and health care cash plan.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and strong communication skills required; experience preferred but not essential.
  • Other info: Flexibility is key; shifts may vary based on patient needs.

The predicted salary is between 27580 - 33096 £ per year.

Mental Health Transport Assistant – Full Time (40.3 hours/week)

Location: Tapnage Farm, Titchfield Lane, Wickham, PO17 5PR

Reports To: Deputy Care Operations Manager (DCOM)

Job Type: Full-time and Flexi

Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off (alternating between 4 days and 4 nights)

Pay: Blended rate of £13.14 p/h (starting from £27,580.26 annually)

If you’re looking for a rewarding role in Mental Health Care, this is your opportunity! Working in healthcare allows you to make a real difference in people's lives during their most vulnerable moments. We are seeking compassionate and dedicated Mental Health Transport Assistants to join our growing team. Experience is a bonus, but not essential—full training is provided. We’re looking for empathetic individuals who thrive in a team environment and are committed to providing respectful, person-centred care.

This role involves far more than driving. You’ll be working directly with patients, ensuring their safe and dignified transport, often during mental health crises. Situations may require you to apply de-escalation techniques and trained interventions, always prioritising patient wellbeing.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • You will support a range of transport needs involving individuals detained under the Mental Health Act, including:
  • Hospital transfers, court or prison escorts, and medical appointments
  • House extractions under Section 135, working alongside police and mental health professionals to safely move patients from their home to a place of safety
  • Community assessments, supporting local authority mental health reviews in people’s homes
  • Bed watch services, where you supervise and support admitted patients during hospital stays
  • Suite Work, providing care and supervision for patients held in psychiatric suites under Section 136 or 135, often for up to 24–36 hours
  • You will work in crews of two or more, rotating between driving, escorting, and sitting with patients. We use secure, specially-adapted vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, with larger Safe Area Vehicles for more complex transfers.
  • Requirements

    • Full UK Manual Driving License (Required)
    • Enhanced DBS certificate within the last 3 years (Preferred)
    • Strong communication skills and ability to stay calm under pressure
    • Team player with resilience, empathy, and great attention to detail
    • Minimum 12 months’ driving experience preferred

    Who We Are

    Secure Care UK was founded in 2013 in response to a national need for safe and compassionate transport for individuals detained under the Mental Health Act. We are the only Secure Patient Transport provider in the UK meeting Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) standards. Headquartered in St Leonards, we operate nationally and also handle some international transfers. Celebrating 10 years of service in 2023, our core values remain: Patient First, Respect, Openness, Unity, and Determination.

    What We Offer

    • Training & Development
    • Full induction including de-escalation, physical intervention, handcuff training, and First Aid
    • Additional specialist training and NVQ Diplomas
    • Career progression and mentoring opportunities
    • Company pension & cycle-to-work scheme
    • Refer-a-friend bonus
    • Health Care Cash Plan (after 6-month probation)
    • Blue Light Card eligibility
    • Employee Assistance Programme (from day one)
    • Full uniform and enhanced PPE
    • Additional annual leave after 2 years
    • Wagestream financial wellbeing platform
    • Monthly Care Awards and driver recognition schemes
    • Suggestion scheme with rewards for implemented ideas

    Please Note: Due to the nature of our work, flexibility is essential. Shifts may overrun or vary depending on patient needs. Overtime is paid at £22 p/h, with enhanced pay (£1.20 p/h) for work involving Place of Safety and Bed Watch. Additional shift enhancements of £1.75 p/h may apply for call-ins or extra shifts.

    If you’re passionate about making a difference and supporting people through challenging times, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and start a meaningful career with Secure Care UK.

    Please note that if you are NOT a passport holder of the country for the vacancy you might need a work permit. Bank or payment details should not be provided when applying for a job. All applications should be made via the 'Apply now' button.

    Mental Health Transport Assistant employer: Secure Care UK - Bases

    Secure Care UK is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in mental health care. Located in Fareham, our supportive work culture prioritises employee development through comprehensive training and career progression opportunities, ensuring that you are well-equipped to provide compassionate care. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and respect, we offer competitive pay, flexible shifts, and a range of benefits including a company pension, health care cash plan, and recognition schemes, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about helping others.
    Secure Care UK - Bases

    Contact Detail:

    Secure Care UK - Bases Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Mental Health Transport Assistant

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the Mental Health Act and the specific responsibilities of a Mental Health Transport Assistant. Understanding the legal framework and the nuances of patient care will help you stand out during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Highlight any experience you have in healthcare or working with vulnerable individuals, even if it's not directly related to mental health. This can demonstrate your empathy and ability to handle sensitive situations.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for situational questions that may be asked during the interview. Think about how you would handle various scenarios involving patient transport and de-escalation techniques, as this role requires quick thinking and calmness under pressure.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Network with professionals in the mental health field. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet people who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities within Secure Care UK.

    We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Transport Assistant

    Full UK Manual Driving License
    Strong Communication Skills
    Calmness Under Pressure
    Empathy
    Teamwork
    Resilience
    Attention to Detail
    De-escalation Techniques
    Physical Intervention Training
    First Aid Certification
    Patient-Centred Care
    Ability to Work in Shifts
    Adaptability
    Understanding of Mental Health Issues

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Mental Health Transport Assistant. 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 in healthcare or transport roles. Emphasise your communication skills, empathy, and any experience dealing with vulnerable individuals, as these are crucial for this position.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for mental health care. Mention specific examples of how you've demonstrated compassion and teamwork in previous roles, and explain why you want to work with Secure Care UK.

    Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and clearly presented. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Secure Care UK - Bases

    ✨Show Your Empathy

    As a Mental Health Transport Assistant, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated compassion in previous roles or situations. This will show your understanding of the sensitive nature of the job.

    ✨Highlight Teamwork Skills

    This role involves working closely with others, so be ready to discuss your experience in team settings. Share specific instances where you collaborated effectively with colleagues, especially in high-pressure situations.

    ✨Demonstrate Calmness Under Pressure

    You may face challenging scenarios during the interview. Practice staying calm and collected while answering questions. You could even mention techniques you use to manage stress, which is crucial for this position.

    ✨Know the Company Values

    Secure Care UK has core values like Patient First, Respect, and Openness. Familiarise yourself with these values and think about how your personal values align with them. This will help you convey that you're a good fit for their culture.

    Mental Health Transport Assistant
    Secure Care UK - Bases
    Location: Fareham
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