Minibus Driver – TurnAround Programme
Salary: £30,414.51pa full-time.
Hours: Full Time – 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Activities typically take place between 10:00am and 3:00pm, with working hours generally falling between 9:00am and 5:30pm. Flexibility will be required depending on participant transport routes and programme activities.
Contract: Full-Time – Permanent
Location: Hertfordshire
About HACRO
HACRO (Hertfordshire Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders) exists to reduce reoffending and support people to make lasting positive changes in their lives.
Through our TurnAround programme, we work with adults who face multiple and complex barriers including offending histories, poor mental health, substance misuse, homelessness, social isolation, low confidence and unemployment.
Using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, we provide mentoring, wellbeing support, education, skills development, sport and recreational activities, volunteering opportunities and pathways into employment. Our aim is to help participants build confidence, develop positive routines and move towards more stable and fulfilling lives.
At HACRO, we believe people should not be defined by their past and that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a positive future.
For more information about HACRO and the work we do, please visit www.hacro.org
About the Role
The Driver & Activities Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring participants can access and engage with the TurnAround programme.
A key responsibility of this role is the safe transportation of participants to and from programme activities using HACRO's 8-seater minibus. Reliable transport is essential in enabling participants to access support, maintain attendance and achieve positive outcomes.
As the role involves transporting participants across multiple locations throughout Hertfordshire, a good knowledge of the county and confidence navigating between venues would be beneficial.
Alongside transport responsibilities, you will support the smooth delivery of activities and events by assisting participants, supporting mentors, helping set up and pack away equipment and resources, and contributing to a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment.
Activities currently include boxing, tennis, football, golf, fishing, gym sessions, gardening projects, music studio sessions, volunteering opportunities, and community-based projects. All activities are led by experienced coaches or activity providers. Your role will be to support participants, encourage attendance and engagement, activity providers, and help ensure activities run smoothly.
This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys working with people, is organised and reliable, and has an interest in sport, recreation, wellbeing or community activities. We are looking for someone who is positive, engaging and willing to get involved whilst helping participants make the most of every opportunity available to them.
Please note: A significant part of this role involves driving and transporting participants across Hertfordshire. Applicants should therefore be confident drivers who are comfortable spending part of their working day on the road.
Main Responsibilities
Participant Transport
- Safely drive HACRO's 8-seater minibus and other authorised vehicles.
- Transport participants to and from programme activities, appointments and events across Hertfordshire.
- Plan and undertake participant collections and drop-offs efficiently and safely.
- Ensure participants can access services and activities on time.
- Conduct daily vehicle safety checks and maintain vehicle cleanliness.
- Maintain accurate mileage, fuel and vehicle records.
- Report vehicle defects, incidents or concerns promptly.
- Promote a safe, respectful and positive environment whilst transporting participants.
Activities & Programme Support
- Support the delivery of programme activities and events.
- Assist mentors and activity providers throughout sessions.
- Help prepare venues, equipment and resources before activities.
- Assist with packing away equipment and leaving venues clean and organised.
- Welcome participants and support positive engagement throughout activities.
- Encourage attendance, participation and involvement.
- Provide practical support to participants where required.
- Assist with community projects, volunteering opportunities and programme events.
- Actively contribute to creating a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.
Team Working & Administration
- Work collaboratively as part of the TurnAround team.
- Attend team meetings, supervision sessions and training as required.
- Maintain accurate records relating to transport, activities and attendance.
- Complete mileage logs, vehicle records and other required paperwork.
- Share relevant information appropriately with colleagues.
- Contribute ideas and suggestions that enhance programme delivery.
Safeguarding, Health & Safety
- Promote the safety and wellbeing of all participants.
- Adhere to HACRO's safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Identify and report safeguarding concerns promptly and appropriately.
- Ensure activities are delivered safely and in accordance with risk assessments.
- Familiarise yourself with and comply with HACRO's Health & Safety policies and procedures.
- Follow all organisational policies and procedures.
Person Specification
Essential
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Confident driving an 8-seater minibus/people carrier.
- Experience of working with adults facing barriers or multiple disadvantages.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to encourage, motivate and engage others.
- Good organisational and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Understanding of the challenges faced by individuals involved in the criminal justice system, experiencing poor mental health, substance misuse or social exclusion.
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Commitment to trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.
Desirable
- Experience working within criminal justice, rehabilitation, housing, mental health, substance misuse, employability or community services.
- Experience supporting activities, events or community projects.
- Interest in sport, physical activity, recreation, wellbeing or outdoor learning.
- First Aid qualification.
- Experience driving passenger vehicles.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and strengths-based approaches.
- Lived experience relevant to the people HACRO supports.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining your relevant driving experience, experience supporting or engaging people facing barriers or multiple disadvantages, any relevant lived experience, and your interest or experience in activities such as sport, recreation, wellbeing or community-based programmes. We are particularly interested in hearing why you believe you would be a good fit for this role and the TurnAround programme.
DBS & Safeguarding
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and registration with the DBS Update Service.
HACRO welcomes applications from individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system. Relevant lived experience can be a valuable asset and applications will be considered on an individual basis in line with safeguarding requirements.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
HACRO is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery.
Why Join HACRO?
This is an opportunity to be part of a passionate and supportive team making a real difference across Hertfordshire.
No two days are the same. One day you may be transporting participants to a tennis session, the next supporting a community gardening project, assisting with a music studio session, helping deliver a volunteering activity or supporting participants to access opportunities that help them build a more positive future.
If you enjoy working with people, believe in second chances and want to play an important role in helping individuals engage with life-changing opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.
All applicants must provide a cover letter detailing their relevant driving experience, any lived experiences,
Pay: Up to £30,414.51 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
