At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the AccessBus service, ensuring safe and reliable transport for those in need.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days leave, free travel, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of an invaluable service that enhances independence and quality of life for many.
- Qualifications: Customer care skills, disability awareness, and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
We currently have a vacancy for an AccessBus Assistant to join our AccessBus Team within Mobility Services. The Combined Authority’s AccessBus Team delivers a vital, door-to-door transport service across West Yorkshire, supporting older people, disabled passengers, and those who find traditional public transport difficult to use. Behind this trusted service is a dedicated team committed to keeping journeys safe, reliable, and accessible.
We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment to play a key role at the heart of the service – supporting passengers through registration and enquiries and working closely with drivers and operators to ensure smooth, efficient service delivery. This is an opportunity to be part of a long established and invaluable service that has a genuine impact on people’s independence and quality of life. If you’re organised, compassionate, and enjoy solving problems while working as part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Offer
- Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
- Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
- Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
- Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Investing in you – Take advantage of supported professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
- Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
- Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
- Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
- Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.
The Role
Reporting into the AccessBus Team Leader your key responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the delivery of the AccessBus service in providing safe and reliable transport for people who cannot easily use public transport.
- Dealing with telephone queries relating to the operation of the AccessBus service, providing information and assistance to potential service users and providing support to registered passengers, drivers and stakeholders.
- Providing administrative support to the AccessBus Team by assisting with the processing of booking requests, producing and dispatching driver manifests and producing cancellation and amendment notifications.
Please review the Role Profile for more information about the responsibilities.
About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education, and experience:
- Disability awareness including, but not limited to, a knowledge of Dementia, Sensory and Stroke.
- Customer Care skills including dealing with challenging situations and the ability to communicate effectively via the telephone.
- Experience of adapting to rapidly changing priorities.
- Knowledge & awareness of GDPR & Safeguarding principles.
- Ability to work on own initiative without close supervision.
To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form on our website and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.
Further Information
The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.
Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met. Please note that whilst it is our policy to recruit at SP1 for all appointments, which is the salary stated above, each role includes career salary progression, with incremental increases applicable in most cases on an annual basis.
AccessBus Assistant in Leeds employer: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous leave policies, and a commitment to community impact through the AccessBus service, employees can thrive in a role that not only enhances their career but also makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Located in modern offices just a short walk from Leeds Train Station, this position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to vital services while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
Contact Details:
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AccessBus Assistant in Leeds
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like West Yorkshire Combined Authority before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace AccessBus Assistant in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to West Yorkshire Combined Authority:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at West Yorkshire Combined Authority specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at West Yorkshire Combined Authority!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Combined Authority
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
