Mental Health Transport Assistant

Orcutt Labs, Inc.; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health transport service provider in the UK is seeking a Mental Health Transport Assistant to ensure the safe transport of patients during their most vulnerable moments. The role demands strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to handle challenging situations. Successful candidates must hold a Full UK Manual Driving License and have excellent team player qualities. Competitive pay and benefits are offered to those who share a passion for making a difference.

Benefits

Company pension

Refer-a-friend bonus

Health Care Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Full uniform and enhanced PPE

Monthly Care Awards

Suggestion scheme with rewards

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months driving experience preferred.
• Experience in dealing with mental health crises is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safe and dignified transport of patients.
• Apply de-escalation techniques when necessary.
• Transport patients to hospitals, courts, and medical appointments.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to stay calm under pressure

Team player

Empathy

Attention to detail

Education

Full UK Manual Driving License

Enhanced DBS certificate within the last 3 years

Job description

Position

Mental Health Transport Assistant - Full Time (40-42.1 hours/week)

Location: Oaktree House, 408 Oakwood Lane, Leeds, LS8 3LG

Reports To: Deputy Care Operations Manager (DCOM)

Job Type: Full Time

Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off (alternating 4 days and 4 nights) or every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

Pay: Blended rate of £12.88 per hour (starting from £28,214.85 annually)

Overview

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.

About Us

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.

Responsibilities

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.

• 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, supervising and supporting 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.

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

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.

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

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 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.

Apply

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