Driver with Caring Duties
£12.71 per hour
Ards & North Down
37.5 Hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Job Summary
An opportunity has arisen for a Driver with Caring Duties to join a Transport Services team delivering high‑quality, customer‑focused transport services across both acute and community settings.
The post holder will be responsible for the safe and timely transportation of clients, patients, staff, and visitors, while also providing appropriate personal assistance and care to support individual needs. This role plays a vital part in ensuring positive patient and client experiences through professionalism, compassion, and respect.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
* Collect and convey clients and/or staff as allocated on a daily basis
* Transport staff and clients to social, educational, and leisure activities, including holiday trips
* Safely secure passengers using appropriate restraint devices
* Assist clients with mobility needs, including wheelchair users and those using walking aids
* Support clients before transit and on return home (e.g. preparing for journeys, basic assistance tasks)
* Assist passengers entering and exiting vehicles safely
* Provide personal assistance while maintaining privacy, dignity, and individual rights
* Support individual and group programmes of care
* Participate in group and leisure activities with clients where appropriate
* Attend and contribute to client or patient reviews as required
* Take part in formal supervision and ongoing development
* Be available to listen to and communicate with clients in a supportive manner
Essential Criteria
Experience
* Minimum of 6 months’ experience driving buses or coaches
Qualifications / Registration
* Full Category D Driving Licence (UK‑valid, no restrictions)
* Current and valid Driver Qualification Card (DQC)
(Applicants must provide copies of relevant documentation and present originals at interview)
Skills and Abilities
* Demonstrable experience using passenger tail lifts, ramps, and ancillary equipment such as wheelchair restraints, webbing, and clamps
Knowledge
* Clear understanding of confidentiality, professionalism, and safeguarding within a care or healthcare environment
Personal Qualities
* Caring, patient, and respectful approach
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Calm and professional manner when working with vulnerable individuals
* Reliable, punctual, and safety‑focused
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Additional Information
This role involves working closely with clients and patients and requires a commitment to dignity, respect, safety, and high standards of care at all times.