Care escort
Community transport passenger assistants accompany elderly people or adults and children with disabilities, on local journeys.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £11,000 - £13,000
Typical hours (a week): 21 - 23
How to become a care escort
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- volunteering
College
A college course like a Level 1 Certificate in Health and Social Care can give you an introduction to working in the care sector.
College (Entry requirements)
There are no set entry requirements for this route.
Volunteering & Experience
A common way into this job is to volunteer as a care escort with your local community transport organisation. There are no set entry requirements but experience in social care or customer service can be useful.
More info
Further information You'll find details of local organisations through the Community Transport Association.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- a desire to help people
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restriction & Requirements
You'll need to:
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- checking timetables for pick-ups
- talking to carers and families
- helping people to and from the vehicle
- securing passengers, wheelchairs and baggage
- dealing with emergencies
- supervising passengers at all times
- keeping the mini-bus tidy
- filling in paperwork
Working environment
You could work from a vehicle. You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
With experience, you could move into administration or management. You could also become a driver, which would open up more full-time opportunities.
