At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health needs during transport in a caring and professional manner.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on safe and dignified mental health care.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, competitive pay, and opportunities for progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a supportive team and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in care or support work, with strong communication skills.
We are recruiting Agency Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistants to join our clients Safe Care Mental Health team based in Burgess Hill. This is a rewarding and varied role supporting individuals with mental health needs during transport between healthcare and secure settings. You will work closely with multidisciplinary professionals to ensure safe, dignified, and person-centred care at all times. Transfers are usually completed in two- or three-person crews, with occasional solo driving required depending on operational need.
Shift Patterns & Availability
- Rota issued weekly (rolling 2-week schedule)
- On average: 2 shifts available per day
- 7-day service (one rota): 4 on / 4 off rotation 07:00–19:00 / 10:00–22:00 / 08:00–20:00
- 5-day service (second rota): 09:00–17:00 / 06:00–14:00 / 08:00–16:00 / 10:00–20:00
Main Duties
- Working as part of a team to support the service user on board
- Taking responsibility for ensuring the vehicle is safely and responsibly driven
- Assisting service users with challenging behaviour and/or mental health illnesses
- Supporting challenging service users who may require physical intervention when necessary
- Working alongside police and other professionals to transport vulnerable service users between hospitals, homes, prisons, and medical/care settings including A&E, outpatient departments, and hospital wards
- Liaising with hospital staff and police to ensure safe conveyance of service users to and from places of safety
- Responsible for lifting, securing, and assisting service users in and out of the ambulance
- Transferring service users from beds to stretchers, chairs to chairs, or similar, both in and out of hospital and medical/commercial settings
- Completing safe and accurate handover of service users to appropriate staff on arrival at treatment centres/hospitals
- Ensuring the ambulance is kept safe, clean, and tidy at all times
What We’re Looking For
- Full manual UK driving licence (Desirable)
- Full UK Right to Work (NO SPONSORSHIP)
- Experience in care, security, prison, or public service environments
- Experience supporting individuals with mental health needs (HCA / Support Worker background essential)
- PMVA training (essential)
- Calm, considerate, and confident driver (no more than 6 penalty points)
- Strong communication skills in emotionally challenging situations
- Ability to build rapport with service users and remain patient-centred
- Team-focused with a collaborative approach
- Physically fit for patient handling, moving, and occasional restraint
- Able to problem-solve and identify changes in behaviour in demanding situations
What's on Offer
- Flexible bank shifts with ongoing rota availability
- Opportunity for block bookings once established
- Potential progression into dedicated driver roles
- Supportive multidisciplinary working environment
Compliance & Pay
£14.24-£16.01p/h dependent on shift worked (PAYE inclusive of holiday pay). Full compliance required prior to placement.
If you are an experienced Mental Health HCA or Support Worker looking for flexible agency work within a specialist setting, apply today.
Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant in Burgess Hill employer: Service Care Solutions
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant in Burgess Hill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the mental health field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mental health care. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated your skills, especially in challenging situations. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for mental health! During interviews, share why you’re drawn to this field and how your experiences have shaped your approach to care. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant in Burgess Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in mental health care and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background fits with the role of a Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about supporting individuals with mental health needs. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to mention any previous roles in care, security, or public service. We’re looking for candidates who have hands-on experience, so make it clear how you’ve supported individuals in challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as supporting service users during transport and working alongside multidisciplinary teams. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in care or support roles, especially with individuals facing mental health challenges. Prepare specific examples of how you've handled difficult situations or provided person-centred care. This will demonstrate your capability and suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with others, highlight your teamwork skills. Think of instances where you've collaborated effectively with colleagues or professionals in high-pressure environments. This will show that you can contribute positively to the team dynamic.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Given the nature of the job, it's crucial to convey your ability to remain calm in challenging situations. Prepare to discuss how you've managed stress or conflict in the past, particularly in emotionally charged scenarios. This will reassure interviewers that you can handle the demands of the role.