Job Description
1 year 8 Months Contract with a Local Authority
Summary
* This role involves providing safe, reliable, and compassionate support to children and young adults (aged 4–25) with additional needs during their transport to and from school or college. The position includes working as a relief Passenger Assistant (PA), covering shifts when regular PAs are unavailable. This is a rewarding opportunity to gain valuable experience supporting young people with diverse needs across Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall.
Responsibilities
* Accompany students with medical, behavioral, or special educational needs on transport (minibus or taxi) to and from educational settings.
* Ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of students throughout the journey.
* Assist with boarding and disembarking, including the use of seatbelts, harnesses, or mobility aids as required.
* Communicate effectively with drivers, schools, parents/carers, and the transport coordination team.
* Respond calmly and appropriately to any incidents or emergencies during transport.
* Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding standards at all times.
* Be available for short-notice cover between:
o Morning: 07:00 – 10:00
o Afternoon: 14:00 – 17:00
* Attend mandatory training and shadowing prior to starting routes.
Essential Experience Required
* Experience working with children or young people, particularly those with additional needs (desirable).
* Understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles.
* Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond to challenging behavior appropriately.
* Good communication and interpersonal skills.
* Reliable, punctual, and flexible with working hours.
Essential Qualification Required
* No formal qualifications required.
* Mandatory training will be provided (1-day classroom-based).
* A valid enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undergo one) is essential.
Additional Information
* Working hours: 10 hours per week
* This is a relief role with variable hours, depending on cover requirements.
* You will be placed on a relief register and contacted as and when cover is needed.
* Candidates must reside within the Plymouth area.
* Enhanced DBS & barred list check (Child) is required.
The role closes on 14th October 2025, apply ASAP.
Requirements
Passenger Assistants (PA) accompany children and young adults, usually with additional needs (medical/behavioural), who require transport to and from school/college. There are currently approximately 800 students aged between 4-25 accessing Home to School transport which will be in either a Minibus or a Taxi. You will be providing cover for PAs who are unable to work and therefore cover maybe required during the hours of 07.00-10.00 and 14.00-17.00 Monday to Friday. We may also need to contact you during the day to arrange future cover which maybe last minute. Sometimes this is short term cover for half a day, sometimes it can be longer. It is a rewarding job with lots of variety. You’ll meet lots of students with differing needs and gain great experience whilst accompanying students into Schools across Plymouth and into Devon and Cornwall. You are paid for the time you work and will be given one day of ‘classroom’ training before accompanying a PA on a route.