Mental Health Transport Assistant

Job Summary

Mental Health Transport Assistant (Full Time) (40.3 - 42.1 hours/week)

Location:

4200 Waterside, Birmingham Business Park, B37 7YN

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 per hour (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.

This role involves far more than driving. You will 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.

• 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 peoples 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 2436 hours
• 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.

• Full UK Manual Driving Licence (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
• Experience is a bonus, but not essential; full training is provided.

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.

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.

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

• 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

Due to the nature of our work, flexibility is essential. Shifts may overrun or vary depending on patient needs. Overtime is paid at £22 per hour, with enhanced pay (£1.20 per hour) for work involving Place of Safety and Bed Watch. Additional shift enhancements of £1.75 per hour 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.