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- Tasks: Support individuals in mental health crises through safe and compassionate transport.
- Company: Secure Care UK, a leader in mental health transport services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during their most vulnerable moments.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career progression and additional training.
The predicted salary is between 27580 - 33096 £ per year.
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. This is a highly unpredictable and emotionally demanding role, often supporting individuals in distress or crisis. Candidates must demonstrate compassion, patience, and emotional resilience. You will need to manage sensitive and sometimes distressing information, adapt quickly to changing situations, and maintain professionalism in high-pressure environments. In return, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive team making a meaningful difference every day.
Equal Opportunities
Secure Care UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
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
- Benefits
- Company pension
- 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. We are exempt from the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974.
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.
Mental Health Transport Assistant in West Wickham employer: 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 in West Wickham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health field, attend local events, or join online forums. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend to throw some common questions your way, especially those related to empathy and crisis management. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll shine during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share why mental health care matters to you. Your genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Transport Assistant in West Wickham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassion: When writing your application, let your empathy shine through! Share experiences that highlight your ability to connect with others, especially in challenging situations. We want to see how you can make a difference in someone’s life.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don’t have direct experience in mental health transport, think about any related roles or skills you possess. Whether it’s teamwork, communication, or handling stressful situations, we want to know how your background prepares you for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Secure Care UK - Bases
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you fully understand what a Mental Health Transport Assistant does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as supporting patients during transport and applying de-escalation techniques. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Since this role requires compassion and emotional resilience, be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities. Whether it's through volunteering, previous jobs, or personal experiences, showing your empathetic side can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle high-pressure situations. Think about how you would respond to a patient in distress or a crisis. Practising these scenarios beforehand can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training provided, team dynamics, or how they support staff wellbeing. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
