Mental Health Transport Assistant

Maidstone Base; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health transport provider is seeking a full-time Mental Health Transport Assistant to support patient transport needs under the Mental Health Act. You will work in a challenging yet rewarding role, conducting hospital transfers and providing care in complex situations. The position requires a full UK driving license and emphasizes compassion, resilience, and emotional support. Comprehensive training is provided, making it suitable for dedicated individuals. Join a supportive team making a difference.

Benefits

Company pension

Refer-a-friend bonus

Health Care Cash Plan

Blue Light Card eligibility

Employee Assistance Programme

Full uniform and enhanced PPE

Additional annual leave after 2 years

Qualifications

• Full UK Manual Driving License required.
• Enhanced DBS certificate within the last 3 years preferred.
• Minimum 12 months’ driving experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support mental health transport needs involving individuals detained under the Mental Health Act.
• Conduct hospital transfers, court escorts, and medical appointments.
• Work alongside police and mental health professionals during house extractions.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Resilience

Empathy

Attention to detail

Job description

Mental Health Transport Assistant – Full Time (40.3 hours/week)
Location: The Old Stables, Tonbridge Road, Mereworth, Maidstone, ME18 5LR
Reports To: Deputy Care Operations Manager (DCOM)
Job Type: Full-time and Flexi
Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off (alternating between 4 days and 4 nights)
Pay: Blended rate of £13.14 p/h (Annual Remuneration starting from £27,580.26 based on expected hours)

If you’re looking for a rewarding role in Mental Health Care, this is your opportunity! Working in healthcare allows you to make a real difference in people's lives during their most vulnerable moments.

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated Mental Health Transport Assistants to join our growing team. Experience is a bonus, but not essential—full training is provided. We’re looking for empathetic individuals who thrive in a team environment and are committed to providing respectful, person‑centred care.

This role involves far more than driving. You’ll be working directly with patients, ensuring their safe and dignified transport, often during mental health crises. Situations may require you to apply de‑escalation techniques and trained interventions, always prioritising patient wellbeing.

This is a highly unpredictable and emotionally demanding role, often supporting individuals in distress or crisis. Candidates must demonstrate compassion, patience, and emotional resilience. You will need to manage sensitive and sometimes distressing information, adapt quickly to changing situations, and maintain professionalism in high‑pressure environments. In return, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive team making a meaningful difference every day.

Equal Opportunities

Secure Care UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

? What You’ll Be Doing

You will support a range of transport needs involving individuals detained under the Mental Health Act, including:

• Hospital transfers, court or prison escorts, and medical appointments
• House extractions under Section 135, working alongside police and mental health professionals to safely move patients from their home to a place of safety
• Community assessments, supporting local authority mental health reviews in people’s homes
• Bed watch services, where you supervise and support admitted patients during hospital stays
• Suite Work, providing care and supervision for patients held in psychiatric suites under Section 136 or 135, often for up to 24–36 hours

You will work in crews of two or more, rotating between driving, escorting, and sitting with patients. We use secure, specially‑adapted vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, with larger Safe Area Vehicles for more complex transfers.

? Requirements

• Full UK Manual Driving License (Required)
• Enhanced DBS certificate within the last 3 years (Preferred)
• Strong communication skills and ability to stay calm under pressure
• Team player with resilience, empathy, and great attention to detail
• Minimum 12 months’ driving experience preferred

? Who We Are

Secure Care UK was founded in 2013 in response to a national need for safe and compassionate transport for individuals detained under the Mental Health Act. We are the only Secure Patient Transport provider in the UK meeting Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) standards. Headquartered in St Leonards, we operate nationally and also handle some international transfers. Celebrating 10 years of service in 2023, our core values remain: Patient First, Respect, Openness, Unity, and Determination.

? What We Offer

Training & Development

• Full induction including de‑escalation, physical intervention, handcuff training, and First Aid
• Additional specialist training and NVQ Diplomas
• Career progression and mentoring opportunities

Benefits

• Company pension
• Refer‑a‑friend bonus
• Health Care Cash Plan (after 6‑month probation)
• Blue Light Card eligibility
• Employee Assistance Programme (from day one)
• Full uniform and enhanced PPE
• Additional annual leave after 2 years
• Wagestream financial wellbeing platform
• Monthly Care Awards and driver recognition schemes
• Suggestion scheme with rewards for implemented ideas

Please Note

Due to the nature of our work, flexibility is essential. Shifts may overrun or vary depending on patient needs.
Overtime is paid at £22 p/h, with enhanced pay (£1.20 p/h) for work involving Place of Safety and Bed Watch.
Additional shift enhancements of £1.75 p/h may apply for call‑ins or extra shifts.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and supporting people through challenging times, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and start a meaningful career with Secure Care UK.

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