Job Title: Band 3 Bus Driver with Caring Duties (4 Posts)

Locations:

• 2 x Armagh
• 1 x Craigavon
• 1 x Newry

Pay Rate: Band 3

Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week

Duration: Temporary contract for 6 months (until 31st December 2026)

Start Date: ASAP

Application Deadline: 12:00 noon, Monday 8th June 2026

About the Role

On behalf of our client, Apple Recruitment Services are delighted to be recruiting four Bus Drivers with Caring Duties to support Mental Health and Disability Services across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

This is a rewarding role that combines professional driving responsibilities with providing practical support and assistance to service users, including older people and individuals with physical or learning disabilities. Successful candidates will play an important part in ensuring service users are transported safely, comfortably and with dignity.

The posts are based across Armagh, Craigavon and Newry and will involve driving Trust vehicles throughout the Southern Trust area.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely transport service users to and from Trust facilities, appointments, outings and activities.
• Assist passengers with boarding and exiting vehicles, including wheelchair users and individuals using mobility aids.
• Secure wheelchairs and mobility equipment using approved restraint systems.
• Provide support to service users during transport and outings.
• Administer basic first aid where required and respond appropriately in emergency situations.
• Carry out daily vehicle checks and routine maintenance inspections.
• Maintain accurate vehicle records and log books.
• Report vehicle defects, incidents and accidents in accordance with Trust procedures.
• Operate vehicle lifts and ramps safely and effectively.
• Assist with the collection and delivery of supplies, equipment and other materials as required.
• Participate in training and mandatory Trust requirements.
• Promote a safe, respectful and caring environment for all service users.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must be able to demonstrate:

• Experience driving vehicles with more than 16 seats.
• A full current UK Driving Licence with unrestricted PCV Category D entitlement.
• A valid Driver CPC Card.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to use initiative and take responsibility.
• Flexibility to meet service requirements.
• Understanding of the care needs of older people and individuals with physical or learning disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust geographical area.
• Ability to successfully complete a Trust Driving Assessment.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with older people or individuals with physical or learning disabilities.
• Experience operating passenger vehicle lifts.

Additional Information

• Enhanced Access NI check with Barred Lists will be required.
• Mandatory Trust training will be provided, including safeguarding requirements.
• Successful applicants may be required to attend a health assessment.
• Trust-wide working may be required depending on service needs.

If you meet the essential criteria and would like to be considered for this opportunity, please submit your CV as soon as possible for immediate consideration.

Please email your CV to Julie at Apple Recruitment: julie.skelly@applerecruitment.com

Applicants should ensure their CV clearly demonstrates their PCV Category D licence entitlement, Driver CPC qualification and relevant driving experience, as these are essential requirements for shortlisting.

There is no better time to join our team. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.