Job summary
Would you be able to calm someone having a mental health crisis, or help a parent whose child has fallen and banged their head? Could you deal with helping somebody with a sore throat or toothache, to your next call being somebody having a stroke or heart attack? The 111 service takes a huge variety of calls, which makes no two days the same.
Are you looking for the challenge of working in a fast paced, dynamic, and adaptable service, with a career that's not just 'another job'?
We are looking to recruit reliable, caring, and enthusiastic people to join our motivated, friendly and hardworking team based in Milton Keynes.
You will need to be able commit to full time training for 6 weeks. During this 6 week period you will need to have 100% attendance.
This is an office based role in our Milton Keynes office, remote working is not available.
This role is not eligible for Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship.
Main duties of the job
To be part of our team and work in a privileged and trusted role with members of the public, you'll need a good listening ear, attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to use your voice to control a situation. You will need to be able to identify when a call is urgent and react accordingly. Your words will lead your caller to a state of calm from afar, whilst you arrange the appropriate help for them. You do not need to have a medical background, just a desire to help. You'll need to be detailed and efficient, assertive but compassionate.
Looking after yourself and caring for the team around you should also be a priority for you. We all contribute professionally to the wider team that we operate within here at SCAS, as we all have an important role to play in patient care. If this sounds like a challenge you'll relish, and you have the resilience to achieve this time and time again throughout your working day, we want to hear from you!
We offer a full 6-week training program including NHS Pathways (the clinical assessment tool we use) and following training, you will have the necessary skills to assess the needs of the patients to give the best possible care.
About us
Benefits we offer:
1. Full training and support when you join and ongoing throughout your employment with us.
2. Holiday entitlement is 27 days rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years, plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time).
3. Enrolment into the NHS Pension Scheme.
4. Access to continual professional development and opportunities within SCAS and the NHS.
5. Occupational Health support along with an Employee Assistance Programme.
6. NHS Discounts in over 200+ stores including Holidays, Days out, Car insurance, Restaurants and Clothing.
7. Staff networking and support groups.
About Us
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of emergency, urgent care and non-emergency healthcare services, along with commercial logistics services.
The Trust delivers most of these services to the populations of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire as well as non-emergency patient transport services in Surrey and Sussex.
We serve a population of over 7 million and answer over 500,000 urgent calls a year. We employ 4,551 staff who, together with over 1,100 volunteers, enable us to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Right to work - You will be required to provide a valid right to work in the UK document. South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust are only able to provide sponsorship to health care professionals.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Candidates will be required to work a variety of shifts which will include nights, weekends, bank holidays and religious holidays. Please look at the example rotas under additional information.
The recruitment process:
The recruitment process consists of three stages. Candidates successful at each stage will progress to the next stage.
8. Application online application form, answering questions explaining clearly how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Use the additional information section to provide information on all relevant experience.
9. Assessment session an online assessment session gauging your listening and understanding skills, critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills. You will need to have access to a webcam and a laptop or PC to do the assessments (you will need to use a keyboard).
10. Interview an online interview with a 111 Health Advisor Team Leader from the ambulance service, discussing your skills, experience and providing an opportunity for you to find out more about the role.
Disability support
If you have any queries relating to disability and the role or recruitment process, get in touch at
Please be advised that South Central Ambulance Service reserves the right to close this campaign earlier than the advertised closing date.
Person Specification
Qualification and Training
Essential
11. Good all round education ( 2 GCSEs at equivalent of grade 4 or above including English), or equivalent demonstrable experience in a similar role
12. For safeguarding reasons this role is only open to people aged over 18 years of age (2)
Desirable
13. NHS Pathways Trained
14. NVQ 2/3 Customer Services or equivalent demonstrable experience
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
15. Experience in a customer/patient services environment, dealing with the members of the general public
16. Experience of using computerised systems
17. Experience of using a telephone as a regular means of communication in a work environment
Desirable
18. Experience in a call centre environment
19. Geographical knowledge of the operational area
20. Knowledge of first aid and/or anatomy
21. Experience of working rotating shifts
22. Previous experience of working in the voluntary or health sector
23. Previous experience of patient care