Mental Health Transport Assistant

Secure Care UK - Bases; Wickham; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated mental health transportation service in Wickham is seeking Mental Health Transport Assistants for full-time roles. This position requires a Full UK Manual Driving License and looks for candidates who are empathetic, team-oriented, and capable of supporting individuals detained under the Mental Health Act. Key responsibilities include hospital and court transfers, and the role includes a blended pay rate starting at £27,580.26 annually. Candidates will receive full training and support in a rewarding environment.

Benefits

Company pension

Health Care Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Career progression and mentoring opportunities

Additional annual leave after 2 years

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months’ driving experience preferred.
• Calm under pressure is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support transport needs for individuals detained under the Mental Health Act.
• Work with a partner rotating between driving, escorting, and patient supervision.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Empathy

Team player

Attention to detail

Education

Full UK Manual Driving License

Enhanced DBS certificate

Job description

Mental Health Transport

Assistant – Full Time (40.3 hours / week)

Location: Belvedere Farm, Titchfield Lane, Wickham, PO17 5PQ

Reports To: Deputy Care Operations Manager (DCOM)

Job Type: Flexi

Shift Pattern: No guaranteed hours,

Pay: Blended rate of £13.14 p / h (starting from £27,580.26 annually)

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.

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
• 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

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.

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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