Location: Belfast
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between 7:30am and 6:00pm
Overtime: Up to 10.5 additional hours per week may be available, subject to service requirements
Driving Licence: Full UK Category B Driving Licence required
Access NI: Enhanced Access NI Check required

About the Role:

MPA Recruitment is currently recruiting on behalf of our public sector client for Pilot Scheme Drivers in the Belfast area. This is an excellent opportunity for reliable and responsible drivers to support a valued public service initiative, providing safe and dependable transport for children and young people. The successful candidates will be responsible for transporting children safely to and from school, contact visits and other required destinations, ensuring they are treated with care, dignity and respect throughout their journeys. The role would suit someone who is a confident and responsible driver with a strong commitment to safeguarding, punctuality and providing a high standard of service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely transport children and young people to and from school, contact visits and other required destinations.
• Ensure passengers are collected and dropped off safely and on time.
• Provide a professional, respectful and supportive service to children and young people.
• Follow all relevant safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety and transport procedures.
• Ensure passengers are safely seated and secured in accordance with relevant requirements.
• Maintain a calm and reassuring approach when supporting children and young people during journeys.
• Communicate appropriately with parents, carers, schools, social care professionals and other relevant stakeholders where required.
• Maintain accurate records relating to journeys and report any issues or concerns promptly.
• Ensure the vehicle is kept safe, clean and suitable for transporting passengers.
• Drive responsibly and lawfully, taking account of weather, traffic and road conditions.
• Report any vehicle defects, incidents or concerns through the appropriate procedures.
• Work collaboratively with the wider team to ensure the safe and effective delivery of the service.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as required.

What We’re Looking For:

Essential Criteria:

• Full UK Category B Driving Licence.
• A clean driving licence or no more than the permitted number of penalty points.
• Ability and willingness to complete an Enhanced Access NI Check.
• Excellent punctuality, reliability and time-management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with children, families and other professionals.
• A calm, patient and respectful approach when dealing with children and young people.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate appropriate safeguarding awareness.
• Ability to follow policies, procedures and instructions accurately.
• Flexibility to work between 7:30am and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday, according to service requirements.

Desirable:

• Previous experience of driving professionally or transporting passengers.
• Previous experience working with children, young people or within a care, education, social work or community environment.
• Knowledge or understanding of safeguarding procedures.

What we can offer you:

• Weekly pay
• Holiday pay
• 24/7 support from our dedicated recruitment consultants
• Opportunity to work within a public sector organisation
• Consistent Monday to Friday working pattern
• Potential for additional overtime hours
• The opportunity to make a positive difference to children and young people within the community

Why Apply?

• Play an important role in supporting children and young people to safely access school and contact arrangements.
• Join a professional team delivering an important public service.
• Use your driving skills in a role where reliability, care and professionalism make a genuine difference.
• Gain valuable experience working alongside public sector and community services.
• Benefit from a consistent Monday to Friday working pattern with the potential for additional overtime.

MPA Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer.