At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive a minibus to transport individuals with learning disabilities and autism safely.
- Company: Surrey Choices supports people with disabilities to thrive in their communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, full training, and access to employee perks like the Blue Light Card.
- Other info: Flexible working hours from Monday to Friday; career progression opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK driving licence and be 21+; experience in passenger services is a plus.
Location: Walton-on-Thames, Surrey (with regular travel across Surrey-based services)
Hours: Flexible bank working - Monday to Friday
Salary: £12.60 per hour
Do you want to make a difference to someone’s life? Do you think you could help people to reach their full potential? At Surrey Choices, we support people with learning disabilities and autism to be active members of their local communities through inspiring and challenging them to learn, enjoy and achieve their goals. Our mission is to deliver innovative, sustainable services that enable choice and positive outcomes for the people we support. These services are provided by skilled, engaged and inspired colleagues.
As the Community Transport Driver, you will provide transport services to the people we support primarily at the start and end of the day, ensuring they are safely picked up and dropped off at our various services across Surrey Choices, or directly into the community to attend activities.
The role would suit applicants with previous experience within passenger services or an interest in driving, who are looking for a rewarding role which will make a real difference to people’s lives by enabling them access to the local community.
- Provision of door-to-door transport services to the people we support into and home from services.
- Driving a company minibus, ensuring all service-users are transported safely and in line with all policies and procedures.
- Establishing positive and professional relationships with passengers, their carers/parents and key colleagues at the services and activities they attend.
- Ensuring passenger safety, including helping passengers on and off the vehicle when required.
- Performing regular vehicle checks in line with procedures and reporting any concerns or issues to the Senior Community Transport Driver or the Community Transport Manager.
- Operation of all vehicle equipment, including steps, seat belts, wheelchair clamps and tail lifts.
- Reporting any safeguarding concerns or issues to the Senior Community Transport Driver or Community Transport Manager.
- Ensuring the minibus is kept clean and tidy.
What we would like from you:
- Full UK driving licence (Maximum 6 penalty points at time of appointment) held for a minimum of two years for insurance purposes.
- 21+ for insurance purposes.
- Ability to support people using the services into and out of the vehicle.
- Willingness to be trained to drive a minibus.
- Willing to be fully trained in wheelchair safety and restraint when on vehicles.
- Ability to act effectively to diffuse any difficult situations on the vehicles and to write brief notes/reports on incidents.
- Ability to liaise over day-to-day concerns between home and services with tact and diplomacy.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills and ability to maintain written records including recording passenger complaints.
- Willingness to be flexible in terms of starting times, finishing times and locations (within an area).
What we can offer you:
- Full training given - career progression encouraged.
- £500 refer a friend scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Automatic entry into Perkbox benefit scheme.
- Subsidised access to a Blue Light Card.
For an informal conversation and to find out more about this rewarding role, please contact Denise Hardwick on 07542 153350.
Surrey Choices Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. Surrey Choices is a Real Living Wage Employer. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.
Bank Driver - Community Transport in Walton-on-Thames employer: Surrey Choices
Surrey Choices is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and career progression opportunities, alongside a supportive work culture that values every team member's contribution. Located in Walton-on-Thames, our flexible working hours and commitment to employee well-being, including access to benefits like the Blue Light Card and an Employee Assistance Programme, make us a rewarding place to work for those looking to make a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bank Driver - Community Transport in Walton-on-Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area of Walton-on-Thames and surrounding Surrey regions. Knowing the routes and key locations can help you stand out during interviews, as it shows your commitment to providing excellent service.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in passenger services or community transport. If you've worked with individuals with learning disabilities or autism before, be sure to mention this, as it aligns perfectly with our mission at Surrey Choices.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your soft skills, such as communication and empathy, during any informal conversations or interviews. Being able to connect with passengers and their families is crucial in this role, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated similar situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours and locations. Since this is a bank position, showing that you're adaptable and willing to take on various shifts will make you a more attractive candidate for us.
We think you need these skills to ace Bank Driver - Community Transport in Walton-on-Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Bank Driver position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience, especially in passenger services or community transport.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous driving experience, particularly with vulnerable individuals or in a community setting. Mention your ability to establish positive relationships and communicate effectively.
Show Your Commitment:Express your passion for making a difference in people's lives. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you can support individuals with learning disabilities and autism, aligning with Surrey Choices' mission.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Choices
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Share any relevant experiences where you've made a positive impact on someone's life, as this role is all about making a difference.
✨Demonstrate Your Driving Skills
Be prepared to discuss your driving experience, especially if you have worked in passenger services before. Highlight your full UK driving licence and any specific training related to driving larger vehicles or minibuses.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since you'll be interacting with passengers, their families, and colleagues, it's crucial to showcase your clear verbal and written communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle difficult situations, such as managing challenging behaviour from passengers. Think of examples where you've successfully diffused tension or resolved conflicts in a calm and professional manner.
