At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive safely and compassionately transport children with special needs to school and other locations.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a difference in the lives of young people.
- Benefits: Flexible term-time hours, competitive pay, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to make a positive impact while gaining valuable experience.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of supporting children and young people with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence, 2 years driving experience, and a caring attitude.
When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.
REPORTS TO: Service Delivery Manager / Operations Manager
CONTRACT TYPE: Term Time only
LOCATION: Aberdeen
JOB PURPOSE
To provide safe, reliable and compassionate transport for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), transporting them between home and school or other designated establishments in accordance with the operator's contractual obligations, relevant legislation, and the individual needs of each passenger.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Driving and Service Delivery
- Operate allocated vehicles safely and in accordance with all relevant road traffic legislation and licensing requirements.
- Adhere strictly to agreed routes, timetables and pick-up/drop-off points, notifying the controller immediately of any delays exceeding 15 minutes.
- Ensure passengers are collected and delivered punctually, arriving at the pick-up point at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time.
- Never drop off a passenger more than 20 minutes before the scheduled arrival time at their destination (5 minutes for ASN/SEND passengers).
- Ensure all passengers are seated and safely secured before moving the vehicle, including correct fitting of seatbelts, child seats, and wheelchair restraints where required.
- Never permit passengers to stand while the vehicle is in motion or allow more than one passenger per seat.
- Passenger Care
- Treat all passengers with dignity, respect and patience at all times, and with particular sensitivity to the additional support needs of individual passengers.
- Be fully briefed on and adhere to any individual passenger requirements or behavioural guidance provided by the operator or commissioning authority.
- Manage challenging behaviour in a calm, non-confrontational manner; never physically restrain a passenger without explicit written authorisation.
- Never eject a passenger from the vehicle under any circumstances.
- Ensure no passenger is left unattended or allowed to walk home unsupervised.
- Vehicle Standards
- Conduct pre-shift vehicle checks and report any defects, prohibitions or maintenance issues to management immediately.
- Maintain the vehicle in a clean and presentable condition at all times (interior swept daily, full clean every 4 weeks as a minimum).
- Ensure all required equipment is present and serviceable prior to each shift, including fire extinguisher, first aid kit, wheelchair restraints and any specialist equipment specified for individual passengers.
- Never operate a vehicle that is unroadworthy, unlicensed or uninsured.
- Communication and Reporting
- Carry and use an operational mobile phone or communication device at all times during service hours, used only in accordance with legal requirements (hands-free).
- Notify the control room promptly of any incidents, accidents, breakdowns, delays or safeguarding concerns.
- Report all accidents to the appropriate authorities and management; submit a written report within 24 hours of any incident.
- Report any safeguarding concerns or incidents involving passengers to management without delay.
- Compliance and Conduct
- Hold and maintain all required licences, certificates and disclosures for the role.
- Display identification at all times when on duty.
- Comply with the operator's policies on conduct, equal opportunities, data protection, and child protection at all times.
- Attend training as required, including safeguarding awareness, disability awareness and manual handling.
- Never report for duty under the influence of alcohol or any mind-altering substance.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Full, clean UK driving licence (appropriate category for vehicle type operated).
- Minimum 2 Years driving experience (excluding motorcycles).
- 21 years of age or above.
- PVG disclosure (Scotland) — must be obtained prior to commencement.
- Satisfactory completion of relevant safeguarding and child protection awareness training.
- Ability to communicate clearly and calmly with passengers, families and colleagues.
- Punctual, reliable and flexible approach to working hours.
DESIRABLE
- Previous experience transporting passengers with SEND, ASN, or complex needs.
- FAW certificate.
- Experience with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and restraint systems.
- Knowledge of local area road network.
KEY BEHAVIOURS
- Patient, empathetic and professional at all times.
- Calm under pressure and able to manage unpredictable situations.
- Takes personal responsibility for passenger safety.
- Team player who communicates proactively.
Locations
Send Transport Driver in Highland, Inverness employer: Spark Medical
At Spark Medical, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development. Our commitment to high-quality care is matched by our dedication to employee training, with access to outstanding career progression opportunities and support for formal qualifications. With a diverse range of working environments across the UK, from bustling urban centres to serene rural communities, you can enjoy a fulfilling career while maintaining a balanced lifestyle in a location that suits you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Send Transport Driver in Highland, Inverness
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Spark Medical.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Spark Medical. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Send Transport Driver in Highland, Inverness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Spark Medical, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Spark Medical and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Spark Medical. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spark Medical
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Spark Medical.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Spark Medical.
