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Full job description
£2,030 per month / £24,380 per year – minimum guaranteed
Full-Time | Permanent | On-call from home
Support people at their most vulnerable in a dynamic transport role. No ambulance or patient transport experience required – full specialist training provided.
We also welcome applicants from backgrounds such as Support Worker, Healthcare Assistant, Mental Health Support Worker, Patient Transport, security, police and custodial roles, or customer-facing roles.
Already applied for a SSGL Medical role in the last 12 months? No need to apply again.
About the role
SSGL Medical is recruiting new team members to support our expanding secure mental health patient transport service.
This is a full-time, permanent role offering guaranteed income, structured training, and the opportunity to work in a specialist healthcare environment supporting vulnerable individuals experiencing mental health crises.
You will work as part of a small, professional team providing calm, compassionate and dignified transport for service users — many of whom are detained under the Mental Health Act.
Within our service, this role is commonly known as an Ambulance Care Assistant working in secure mental health transport.
Before applying
This role involves long and sometimes unpredictable journeys, including overnight work and national travel supporting individuals experiencing mental health crisis.
Applicants must be comfortable spending extended time on the road and working flexible hours as part of a small professional team.
Who this role suits
We are open to applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, as full training is provided. This role may particularly suit people currently working as:
- Mental Health Support Workers
- Healthcare Assistants (HCA)
- Support Workers
- Patient Transport staff
- Security, police, or custody professionals
- Emergency services or public service roles
It may also suit individuals looking to move into a specialist mental health patient transport role supporting people during vulnerable moments.
What the role involves
- Secure transport of service users across the UK
- Supporting individuals experiencing mental health crises
- Building rapport and providing reassurance throughout journeys
- Working in a team, alternating between driving and supporting the service user
- Short local and longer national journeys to safely collect and deliver service users
- Dynamic risk assessment and calm decision-making throughout transport
Most journeys are non-confrontational, calm and conversational, supported by strong training and on-road mentorship.
Working pattern
- On-call 5 days a week (occasionally finishing in the early hours of your last day)
- At least two weekends off per month (available as overtime if desired)
- On-call from home (day and night)
- When called, you must be able to reach base within 30 minutes
- Flexibility is essential — this role is not 9–5. It involves being on call for 24 hours a day, with protected rest once you have worked a certain number of hours
Essential requirements
Please apply only if you meet all of the following:
- Able to reliably commute to Barnsley (S72) within 30 minutes
- Full UK manual driving licence held for over 12 months
- Over twenty-one (insurance requirement)
- No more than 6 points and no DR/DD convictions
- Comfortable working unpredictable hours, including overnight
- Willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS check
- Able to remain calm under pressure and work with vulnerable people
Training & support
Full specialist training is provided, including:
- A full, extensive Mental Health training programme
- First Aid at Work & Basic Life Support
- Manual handling and ambulance induction
- Ongoing mentorship and development
Pay & benefits
Guaranteed minimum retainer: £24,380 per annum (before any overtime)
≈ £2,031 per month guaranteed (£13.50 per hour equivalent)
This retainer is paid for being AVAILABLE on-call and covers any work you do up to 35 hours per week.
If you are not called out or do not reach the 35-hour threshold, you still receive the full retainer.
Additional benefits:
- All additional hours paid as overtime
- On-call from the comfort of home
- Ambulance uniform and NHS partner ID
- Career progression and continuous training
Employment status
The role initially operates on a self-employed basis (with guaranteed contracted income).
Full guidance and ongoing support are provided, including help with setup and tax returns.
About SSGL Medical
Secure Solutions Group Limited (SSGL Medical) is a CQC-regulated independent ambulance service based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
We work with NHS Trusts, Local Authorities, and private healthcare providers across the UK, specialising in secure mental health transport.
SSGL has received multiple industry awards, including Most Innovative Independent Ambulance Service – Yorkshire.
We prioritise staff wellbeing, strong governance, and compassionate care.
Application process
If you are serious about applying, we invite you to review our detailed job description:
https://www.ssgl.co.uk/_files/ugd/d1a49a_0527d1bcb06242c18e21262bc8daaae6.pdf (and mention it in your cover note to stand out)
Then:
- Apply on this page, answering all screening questions
- Shortlisted candidates contacted within 5 working days
- Virtual interview
- Face-to-face introduction session
- Training and onboarding
Important information
This role is subject to Safer Recruitment checks, including:
- Enhanced DBS with Adults & Children’s Barred List
- Employment history verification
- Driving licence checks and driving assessment
All data is handled in line with GDPR.
Final note
This role can be mentally and physically demanding and involves unpredictable hours.
However, for the right person it offers stability, purpose and a genuinely rewarding career supporting people experiencing mental health crisis.
All screening questions must be completed when you apply or your application will not be processed.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £2,030.00 per month
Benefits:
- Company events
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- You must have less than 6 points on your driving licence AND be aged 21+ for our vehicle insurance. Do you meet both these requirements? (Yes or no)
- So we can ensure you are within 30 minutes of our base (even in heavy traffic), what is your postcode?
- Please tell us in no less than 50 words what made you apply for this job, and what makes you suitable for it. Use this opportunity to make your application stand out from the rest, without using AI.
(If left blank, we will not progress your application.)
Licence/Certification:
- Full Manual UK Driving Licence held for 12+ months (required)
Work Location: In person