Voluntary Driver - Kent

Main Responsibilities

Voluntary Drivers 

Kent area - CT3 3DW

Various hours

Mileage paid at 45p per mile

Job Purpose:

To transport patients to and from medical centres and / or hospitals who are considered medically unfit to travel by other means and to provide first aid care up to the level of training provided to you by G4S Integrated Services where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Transport and care for all patients in the voluntary post holders' care.
• Maintain the highest standards in the delivery of patient care.
• Provide non-emergency treatment up to the level of training provided to you by G4S Integrated Services.
• Responsible for the safety and well being of all patients in the voluntary post holder's care.
• Responsible for the completion of vehicle and journey documentation.
• Check vehicle on a daily basis and ensure that an authorised dealer repairs any defect as soon as possible.
• Responsible for general vehicle maintenance and equipment to manufacturer specifications.
• To inform G4S Integrated Services if a new and / or different vehicle is used.
• To produce copies of MOT and Insurance Documents as requested and upon annual renewal.
• Drive the vehicle demonstrating consideration for the condition, comfort and safety of the patient and showing consideration for other road users.
• Ensure that the vehicle is clean and tidy, inside and out.
• Work in accordance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 as outlined in the G4S Integrated Services policy (copy enclosed).
• Re-schedule planned work to accommodate any additional patient you may be required to transport.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Skills:

• Smart appearance
• Standard of health sufficient to carry out duties
• Full driving licence for the type of vehicle you will be driving (no more than 3 penalty points)
• Awareness of health and safety
• (copy of the G4S Integrated Services H&S policy enclosed)
• Clear and concise written communication
• Even temperament
• Supportive interpersonal and verbal communication such as active listening
• Punctual
• Have a caring attitude towards patients

Desirable Skills:

• Good geographical knowledge of local area
• Previous social care or volunteering experience
• Knowledge of first aid

Guidance for Voluntary Ambulance Drivers

• Volunteer drivers using their own private cars for the transport of patients whose need is for a seat in a car rather than conveyance by ambulance provide by the Voluntary Ambulance Car Service. The duties are considered to be wholly of a voluntary nature although drivers are reimbursed for mileage incurred in carrying out their duties. 
• New drivers must be over the age of 18, and be annually reassessed by the scheme at the age of 65 and possess a full UK driving licence.
• Applicants must be legally fit to drive and physically able to assist patients where required. Any disability or prospective disability, which affects fitness to drive or assisting patients, must be disclosed at the time of application.
• Before enrolment it is necessary for applicants attend an informal interview.
• Applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability by undertaking a short driving test.
• Applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination by their Doctor.
• Applicants will be required to successfully complete a course in First Aid. This course is provided free of charge by G4S Integrated Services.

Vehicle/Insurance Requirements

• Vehicles must have easy access to all seats and therefore a 4-door or similar vehicle is required. Vehicles must be fitted with both front and rear seat belts.
• All vehicles must be mechanically sound and any vehicle over three years old must be covered by the Department of Transport Test Certificate (MOT)
• All drivers must hold appropriate motor insurance and obtain a letter of authority from their insurance company confirming that they are covered to undertake voluntary driver duties with full passenger liability.

Liability

• G4S Integrated Services will not accept liability for injury to patients, drivers or third parties or damage to any vehicle or property that should normally be covered by insurance held by the driver, I.e. Fully Comprehensive motor insurance.

This role requires the ability to work with vulnerable, frail people, who may be distressed or experiencing pain, in a caring and compassionate way. A DBS check will therefore be required to exclude any individual with a history of criminal behaviour which could be considered unacceptable (by G4S or the clients) in a patient care environment.

Safety is of paramount importance and the post holder must ensure that safe systems of work are followed without compromise.  The post holder needs to be committed to maintaining high standards of customer care and service delivery that will include the responsibility of adequate safeguarding and prevent training and awareness and an understanding of reporting concerns to the line manager.