Introduction

The primary role of a driver/care assistant is to transport elderly people, those with disabilities and people with long-term illnesses between their homes and day care centres or activity settings. As well as transporting passengers, a driver/care assistant must ensure passengers’ safety and comfort during the journey.

Work Environment

Driver/care assistants spend a great deal of time outdoors and in a vehicle (usually a small bus adapted for the needs of disabled or elderly passengers). Although driver/care assistants may be asked to work alone, they are part of a team and may be asked to assist other drivers if someone has broken down, for example. They may also be accompanied by an escort who can help care for passengers.

Hours can vary according to demand. A typical day could be from 8.30am to 11.00am taking people to centres or activities and then from 3.00pm to 5.00pm to take them back home. Some authorities do employ full-time drivers. Weekend or evening work might be necessary.

A uniform may be provided including reflective and protective clothing such as tabards and gloves. Mobile phones and first aid kits may also supplied.

Daily Activities

A typical day starts with a vehicle maintenance check (oil, water, tyre pressures and fuel). The driver/care assistant is given a list of names and addresses and plots the most convenient route to pick those people up. Depending on the number of clients, the level of care they need and the size of the vehicle, it can take several hours and/or more than one trip to collect everyone and transport them safely. It is likely that a driver/care assistant may have a different route every day depending on whether they are taking clients to a day centre, or to a particular activity.

Although in theory clients should be ready to leave, in practice driver/care assistants may need to help some clients get ready to leave their homes, making sure that they have their coats on, that the house is locked and that the keys are safely in a bag or pocket. It can also take some time to secure wheelchairs and to make sure that passengers are wearing seatbelts.

After arriving at the destination, the driver/care assistant helps everyone to get out safely. This can involve raising and lowering a passenger lift or ramp to allow the wheelchair users to disembark and helping others down the steps of the vehicle and safely.

Later in the day the driver/care assistant transports everyone home again.

Driver/care assistants must also keep their vehicle clean and tidy.

Skills & Interests

Driver/care assistants need:

• to be careful, safe drivers;
• a caring attitude towards their passengers;
• a willingness to talk to people and be interested in making them feel comfortable;
• common sense;
• to be physically fit;
• patience.

Entry Requirements

You must have a full driving licence and will normally be required to have been driving for at least a year. Depending on the kind of vehicle you will be required to drive, you may be asked for a particular type of driving licence or be asked to take an additional driving test.

Previous experience of working with people in a social care/support setting can be very useful and in some cases may be essential – some councils ask for an NVQ level 2 in Care.

Training is given in how to drive the vehicles. Training may also be given on other issues such as first aid, fire safety and transferring and handling clients. There may be an opportunity to undertake NVQ/SVQs in Care whilst in employment.

Estimated salary range

£12,500 – £16,000 per year.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

With plenty of years experience and good organisational and people management skills, it might be possible to become head driver or transport manager in charge of a fleet of vehicles and drivers. It may also be possible to move into more specific social care roles.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Caring For Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

General Social Care Council www.gscc.org.uk

Care Council for Wales www.ccwales.org.uk

Northern Ireland Social Care Council www.niscc.info

Scottish Social Services Council www.sssc.uk.com

Training Organisation for Personal Social Services www.topssengland.net

Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare

Follow this link for social services recruitment contacts within local councils in your area.

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under V or WE.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Driver/Care Assistant vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.