Mental Health Transport Assistant

Secure Care UK - Bases; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading secure patient transport service is seeking a full-time Mental Health Transport Assistant to provide compassionate support during patient transport. This role involves assisting individuals detained under the Mental Health Act, focusing on safety and dignity during transport. Applicants should possess a Full UK Manual Driving License and have great communication and empathy skills. Training will be provided, making this a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about mental health care. Flexibility is essential due to patient needs, and various benefits are offered.

Benefits

Company pension

Health Care Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Full uniform and enhanced PPE

Monthly Care Awards

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health care is a bonus.
• Minimum 12 months of driving experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support transport needs involving detained individuals.
• Working with police and mental health professionals for safe patient transfer.
• Provide bed watch services for admitted patients.
• Supervise patients held in psychiatric suites.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Empathy

Ability to stay calm under pressure

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Full UK Manual Driving License

Enhanced DBS certificate

Job description

Mental Health Transport Assistant – Full Time (42.1 hours/week)
Location: Roseberry Park Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, TS4 3AF
Reports To: Deputy Care Operations Manager (DCOM)
Job Type: Full-time
Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off (alternating between 4 days and 4 nights)
Pay: Blended rate of £12.91 p/h (starting from £28,280.10 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
We are exempt from the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974.

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.