The Role

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth Adults Services are recruiting D1 Category Driver (Non PVC) to provide passenger transport to our three Richmond in-house day centres.

If you are passionate about driving and can ensure the safety and care of vulnerable adults some of whom have a range of needs such as: Dementia, Physically Frail, Learning Disabilities and or Sensory Loss, this could be the job for you.

The drivers are based at Twickenham Transport Depot but will need to travel to our day centres within the Richmond Borough daily.

You will need to be able to demonstrate:

• Safe driving, passenger assistant or delivery duties whilst undertaking Transport Services functions in connection with the provision of passenger transport and associated services.  This will include the delivery of other goods as well as the collection and safe delivery of clients, some of whom may have individual needs and disabilities including severe disabilities.

• To be responsible for allotted vehicle and ensure compliance with day to day duties and responsibilities.

• The ability to respect users’ dignity, culture, religion and lifestyle choices. There may be some moving and handling required where assistance is needed.

• Knowledge of promoting choice, well-being and the protection of all individuals through the development of supportive relationships and respect for diversity

• Knowledge of supervising vulnerable adults in an escorting capacity on designated council provided vehicles, including if necessary, assisting / handling the service users on and off the vehicle.

This role is a split shift of 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon. The Drivers will be required to work Saturday or Sundays on a rota pattern depending on the needs of the centre. We offer enhanced time and a half pay for work completed on the weekends. Where work is required on bank holidays, we offer double time pay and a day in lieu. 

For an informal discussion please contact Aderemi Alaka – Head of Service in House Provision on 020 8891 7650

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance.  These include a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays. 

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered. We offer inhouse full mandatory training including: dementia awareness, moving and handling, corporate induction. Access to the Adults inhouse social care training is available. Support to gain an NVQ in Health and Social Care through the council can be offered to support workers who would like to gain the qualification.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date:  9^th February 2020

Shortlisting Date: Week commencing 10^th February 2020

Interview Date: Thursday 20^th & Friday 21^st February 2020

Useful Information:

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils