At a Glance
- Tasks: Transport individuals in mental health crises safely and compassionately across the UK.
- Company: Join SSGL Medical, an award-winning independent ambulance service prioritising staff well-being.
- Benefits: Guaranteed income of £24,380, extensive training, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during their most challenging moments.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with strong communication skills and a desire to support others.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team environment with flexible on-call hours.
The predicted salary is between 24380 - 30475 £ per year.
SSGL Medical is recruiting Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistants to support our expanding secure mental health transport service. This is a full-time, permanent role offering guaranteed income, structured training, and the opportunity to work in a specialist environment supporting vulnerable individuals during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. You will work as part of a close-knit, professional team delivering calm, compassionate, and dignified transport for service users, many of whom are detained under the Mental Health Act. This role is also known internally as Secure Ambulance Care Assistant.
The role involves:
- Secure transport of service users across the UK
- Supporting individuals experiencing mental health crises
- Building rapport and providing reassurance throughout journeys
- Working in a team, alternating between driving and supporting the service user
- Short local and longer national journeys to safely collect and deliver service users
- Dynamic risk assessment and calm decision-making throughout transport
Most journeys are non-confrontational, calm, and conversational, supported by strong training and on-road mentorship.
About SSGL Medical: Secure Solutions Group Limited (SSGL Medical) is a CQC-regulated independent ambulance service based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. We work with NHS Trusts, Local Authorities, and private healthcare providers across the UK, specialising in secure mental health transport. SSGL has received multiple industry awards, including Most Innovative Independent Ambulance Service Yorkshire. We prioritise staff well-being, strong governance, and compassionate care.
Job responsibilities include:
- Collecting and transporting service users with mental health needs across the UK
- Responding from home to base promptly when activated
- Alternating between driving and in-vehicle support as part of a two-person crew
- Building rapport and providing reassurance to service users throughout journeys
- Supporting individuals during periods of distress, anxiety, or crisis
- Receiving and providing professional handovers with clinicians and partner services
- Carrying out dynamic risk assessments before and during each journey
- Completing vehicle checks and ensuring equipment readiness before journeys
- Assisting service users with limited mobility, including use of wheelchairs, stretchers, carry chairs, and manual handling equipment
- Maintaining accurate digital documentation for each transport
- Upholding high standards of cleanliness and infection prevention
- Reporting vehicle or equipment defects promptly
- Maintaining strict confidentiality of patient and company information
- Working collaboratively with colleagues to promote service user safety and wellbeing
- Ensuring dignity, privacy, and individual needs are always respected
Working Pattern: On-call Monday to Friday, 24 hours per day. Weekends off (occasional early Saturday finishes after Friday overnight work). On-call from home.
Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant in Barnsley employer: Secure Solutions Group
Contact Detail:
Secure Solutions Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or family can help you feel more confident. Focus on how you can demonstrate your compassion and ability to support individuals in crisis, as that's key for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for mental health! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and why you want to work in this field. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at SSGL Medical.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for in a Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant. Make sure you understand the role and how your skills fit in!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send out the same CV everywhere! Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match our needs. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re the perfect fit for the team.
Show Your Passion for Mental Health: In your application, let us know why you’re passionate about supporting individuals with mental health needs. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to compassionate care.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Secure Solutions Group
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key duties like building rapport and providing reassurance to service users. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Compassionate Side
This role is all about supporting vulnerable individuals during tough times. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and compassion. Whether it's in a professional or personal context, showing that you can connect with people in distress will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making skills and ability to handle crises. Think about how you would approach various situations, such as calming an anxious service user or conducting a dynamic risk assessment. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or how they support staff well-being. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job but also in the company culture and your potential growth within the team.