Mental Health Ambulance Care Assistant
| Posting date: | 09 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £13.54 per hour |
| Additional salary information: | £13.54 an hour |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 28 February 2026 |
| Location: | Barnsley, S72 8RP |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | E0411-01-2026 |
Summary
Role Overview The role involves delivering secure, calm, and compassionate transport for service users across the UK. Although unique, the role is built on the foundations of standard Patient Transport Services (PTS), with additional responsibilities associated with secure mental health conveyance. No two days are the same. Journeys can range from short local transfers to long national journeys. With the training and mentorship provided, the vast majority of transfers are calm, conversational, and non-confrontational.Key Duties & Responsibilities Collecting and transporting service users with mental health needs across the UK Responding from home to base promptly when activated Alternating between driving and in-vehicle support as part of a two-person crew Building rapport and providing reassurance to service users throughout journeys Supporting individuals during periods of distress, anxiety, or crisis Receiving and providing professional handovers with clinicians and partner services Carrying out dynamic risk assessments before and during each journey Completing vehicle checks and ensuring equipment readiness before journeys Assisting service users with limited mobility, including use of wheelchairs, stretchers, carry chairs, and manual handling equipment Maintaining accurate digital documentation for each transport Upholding high standards of cleanliness and infection prevention Reporting vehicle or equipment defects promptly Maintaining strict confidentiality of patient and company information Working collaboratively with colleagues to promote service user safety and wellbeing Ensuring dignity, privacy, and individual needs are always respected Working Pattern On-call Monday to Friday, 24 hours per day Weekends off (occasional early Saturday finishes after Friday overnight work) On-call from home Ability to attend base within a short timeframe when activated Journeys may last from a few hours to 1216 hours once activated Mandatory rest periods apply following extended duties Essential Requirements Applicants must meet all of the following: Live in South or West Yorkshire, well within 30 minutes of S72, even during rush hour Comfortable working unpredictable, unsocial, and overnight hours Willing to work on-call across 24-hour periods during the week Able to manage long journeys and variable workloads Full UK manual driving licence (minimum 12 months), no more than 6 points, no non-speeding convictions Meet vehicle insurance age requirements Willing to undergo Enhanced DBS checks Calm, reliable, and able to work with vulnerable individuals Relevant experience is welcomed but not essential, including backgrounds in care, mental health, patient transport, security, emergency services, or customer-facing roles.Training & Support Full training is provided, including: Mental health and secure transport training Physical Intervention and PMVA Mental Health First Aid Basic Life Support and First Aid at Work Manual handling and ambulance induction On-road mentorship and supported induction Pay & Benefits Guaranteed minimum retainer: £24,380 per annum (£2,031 per month) Paid for being available on-call for up to 35 hours per week All additional hours paid as overtime Paid monthly, with first-month advances available On-call from home Fully serviced vehicle and fuel card provided for duties Professional uniform and NHS partner ID Free mandatory training and ongoing development Regular supervision and annual appraisals Every weekend off Employment Status The role initially operates on a self-employed basis, with guaranteed income. Full guidance and in-house support are provided, including assistance with setup and tax returns. There are no work-related expenses.