Driver Escort

Job Details

Make a Real Difference Every Day!

Are you passionate about empowering vulnerable adults and helping them lead independent, safe, and dignified lives? If so, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! Join us and be part of a team that truly values your contribution to transforming lives in our community.

At Sandwell council we believe in a supportive and inclusive culture where collaboration thrives. You’ll work alongside dedicated professionals who share your commitment to providing outstanding care and support to those who need it most. Every day brings new challenges—and the chance to make a meaningful impact.

About the Role

We’re looking for aDriver Escort to join our Adult Social Care Transport team. This rewarding role involves supporting adults with care needs by safely transporting them to and from day centres and venues, typically within the borough although occasional trips out of borough will be required for respites, trips etc.

You will be responsible for driving a minibus, so confidence and competence behind the wheel are essential. Ideally, applicants will hold a Category D1 driving licence; however, training may be provided for suitable candidates who do not currently possess this qualification.

The role also requires a good level of physical fitness, as you must be able to meet its physical demands including bending, stretching, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, and the safe pushing and manoeuvring of wheelchairs.

As a Driver Escort, you will either drive or assist on minibus routes transporting adult social care users to and from designated venues. You’ll play a vital role in supporting passengers during boarding and exiting, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the journey. Clear and compassionate communication with service users and staff is essential, always maintaining a calm and supportive environment.

The Meals on Wheels delivery service is part of the Transport department. As a Driver Escort, you may occasionally be asked to support this service by delivering meals to individuals who are unable to prepare food in their own homes.

This is a vital role in promoting health and independence within the community. Full training will be provided to ensure you feel confident and prepared.

What You’ll Do

Your key responsibilities will include:

As a Driver Escort, you’ll be the friendly face and helping hand that ensures passengers travel safely and with dignity. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Vehicle Preparation: Inspecting vehicles and equipment before each journey to ensure safety and readiness.
• Clean & Ready: Washing and maintaining the vehicle to keep it fit for service. Passenger Safety & Comfort: Supporting passengers throughout the journey, promoting wellbeing and independence.
• Boarding Assistance: Helping passengers on and off the vehicle, offering physical support when needed.
• Clear Communication: Building trust through respectful interaction with service users, carers, and staff.
• Supportive Environment: Creating a calm and patient atmosphere, especially for individuals with complex needs.
• Reporting & Accountability: Promptly reporting concerns, incidents, or vehicle issues to the appropriate team and completing required paperwork.
• Safeguarding & Confidentiality: Upholding the highest standards of care and discretion at all times.
• Meals on Wheels Support: Occasionally assisting with meal deliveries as part of our wider transport service. This helps ensure vulnerable individuals receive nutritious meals in the comfort of their own homes. Full training will be provided. Health & Safety Requirements: A pre-employment health assessment and an enhanced DBS check will be required.
• Physical Support: Willingness and physical ability to assist people, including manual handling tasks i.e. manoeuvring wheelchairs and being able to bend kneel to secure the wheelchair on the vehicle.
• Personal Qualities: Enthusiasm for working with vulnerable people, along with a caring, sensitive, and patient approach.

About You

You will bring:

• A caring nature.
• Effective communication skills.
• Hold a full UK driving licence. Desirable Category D1 entitlement on your licence (required to drive minibuses) but if not, training can be provided.
• Be confident driving larger vehicles Experience in passenger transport or care sector desirable but not essential

Why Work With Us?

We offer a competitive and rewarding package including:

• Access to our award-winning employee benefits scheme — discounts on retail, gyms, cinema, and more!
• A strong focus on health and wellbeing to support you inside and outside of work.
• Opportunities for ongoing learning and career development.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Salary sacrifice schemes for cars and bikes.
• Membership in the local government pension scheme.
• Confidential free counselling services to support your mental health.

For more information, please contact Derrick Tibbetts at [contact hidden].

Hours

 30 hours per week

The successful candidate will be required to undergo and Enhanced DBS with Adults Barring check

Please submit a CV and supporting statement on how you meet the criteria listed in the personnel specification to Derrick Tibbetts [contact hidden] before the closing date.

We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to their advertised date if we receive a large number of applications. Therefore, you are strongly advised to submit your CV as soon as possible. When submitting your CV and supporting statement, please refer to the supporting documents attached.

If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.

If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.

If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact [contact hidden]

For more information about working for Sandwell Council, our recruitment process and our offer to you please visit 

Click hereto find out more about our One Team Framework: Values and Behaviours