At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist emergency dispatchers in managing ambulance resources during medical emergencies.
- Company: Join the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, a vital community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, NHS pension scheme, learning opportunities, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping people in urgent need every day.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, customer service experience, and strong multitasking skills.
The predicted salary is between 25760 - 27476 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has become available to join SCAS as a Dispatch Support Assistant. We would be looking for successful candidates to start on our October 2026 course. Dispatch Support Assistants are a vital link between a medical emergency taking place and help arriving at the scene. The Dispatch Support Assistant works as part of a team, assigning ambulance resources to emergency and urgent events whilst liaising with emergency call takers, ambulance crews and other emergency services.
No one day is like the last. You will be dealing with medical emergencies, traumatic events and major incidents; prioritising your workload and ensuring patients receive the right response, first time, every time. This is a highly pressurised and quick moving role where you will need to keep a calm and level-headed approach. Please note: This role does not support remote working. You will need to be available to work from our Emergency Operations Centre in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
As a Dispatch Support Assistant based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, you will assist your team in assigning ambulance resources to patients. You will use radio, text, telephone and computer aided dispatch systems to communicate with ambulance crews, ensuring they have the details and resources they need to treat the patients they are attending. Working as a Dispatch Support Assistant will expose you to a range of emergency incidents. You could be assigning an ambulance to a patient who has fallen or sending multiple resources to a cardiac arrest. You will need to think logically and tactically as you manage a workload that changes by the second. It is essential that you are able to multitask and manage tasks with competing priorities.
At South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), every role contributes to helping people when they need us most. Whether delivering frontline care, supporting our Emergency Operations Centres, or working in corporate and support services, your work makes a meaningful difference every day. Our values of Caring, Professional and Honest guide everything we do. We care for our patients, communities and each other, act professionally with pride and a commitment to excellence, and work honestly, building trust through openness, integrity and respect.
We offer a range of learning and development opportunities, wellbeing support, flexible working where service needs allow, membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, and a variety of staff benefits. We also work in partnership with our recognised trade unions, Unison, Unite GMB and RCN, which provide members with workplace support, representation and advice. SCAS is proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are valued for who they are, and have opportunities to grow and succeed. Join SCAS and help us deliver exceptional care when it matters most.
Roles and responsibilities of a Dispatch Support Assistant include:
- Support and assist emergency dispatchers by following their instructions and assisting with their duties
- Assist the emergency dispatchers to ensure the systems are maintained and alterations to vehicle movements can be made if advised by the emergency dispatcher
- Operate the radio and computer assisted systems on behalf of the emergency dispatcher to ensure the correct and accurate information is logged
To be successful in this role we require candidates to meet the following criteria:
- Competent in the use of IT systems
- GCSE grades 4-9 or equivalent in Maths and English
- Customer service experience from a telephone or face to face role
- Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities
- Good knowledge of geographical area
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to listen and record information accurately
999 - Dispatch Support Assistant - Bicester | South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
Allscreens Nationwide is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team culture where employees are valued and encouraged to thrive. With access to state-of-the-art training facilities and opportunities for career progression, our Automotive Glazing Technicians in Birmingham can expect not only competitive bonuses but also the chance to work with the latest technology in the industry. Join us and be part of a company that prioritises both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 999 - Dispatch Support Assistant - Bicester | South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
✨Get Some Hands-On Experience
If you're looking to land that full-time gig in emergency medical services, don't underestimate the power of hands-on experience! Volunteering with local ambulance services or first aid organisations can give you a great insight into the field and show potential employers you’re dedicated.
✨Connect with EMS Communities
Join local EMS associations or online groups where professionals chat about job opportunities and trends. These communities are goldmines for networking, and you might just overhear about openings at places like Allscreens Nationwide Ltd that aren't even advertised yet!
✨Showcase Your Skills Through Certifications
Make sure you’re up to date with your certifications—CPR, first aid, and any relevant EMS training. Having these on your CV or mentioned in interviews can really set you apart from the crowd when applying for that full-time role.
✨Leverage Local Job Fairs
Don’t forget about job fairs, especially those focused on healthcare and emergency services. These events are perfect for meeting representatives from companies like Allscreens Nationwide Ltd face-to-face and making a lasting impression. Plus, they often have a ton of insider info about the hiring process!
We think you need these skills to ace 999 - Dispatch Support Assistant - Bicester | South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In the emergency medical services world, certifications like EMT or Paramedic are crucial. Make sure to prominently display any relevant qualifications on your CV to show you’re qualified and ready to jump in.
Showcase Your Experience in High-Pressure Situations:This isn’t just about ticking boxes; we want to see how you’ve handled emergencies. Share specific examples from your past roles, focusing on your ability to stay calm and effective under pressure—this will really make your CV stand out!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for EMS. Share a brief story about why you got into this field and what drives you. This personal touch helps us connect with you beyond just your qualifications.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Being part of an EMS team means communication is key. Highlight your experiences working in teams, especially in stressful environments, and how you effectively communicate with both your team and patients. This will show us you can thrive in our fast-paced world.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Medical Knowledge
As we're stepping into the emergency medical services world, it's crucial to have a solid grasp on medical protocols and procedures. Expect to face scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills in high-pressure situations, so reviewing your medical textbooks or guidelines might just give you the edge!
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
In EMS, teamwork and communication can literally save lives. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past settings or during training exercises. They might throw in questions about managing stressful interactions with patients or colleagues, so highlighting your soft skills could really set you apart.
✨Familiarise Yourself With Local Protocols
Since you'll be serving the community, knowing the specific EMS protocols and guidelines of Allscreens Nationwide Ltd is key. Research their operations and any recent changes they might have implemented. Demonstrating that you're well-informed about local practices shows your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Don't be surprised if your full-time interview includes a hands-on assessment. Practising skills like CPR, patient assessment, and using EMS technology will show you're ready for the rigours of the job. So gather your training materials and maybe even practice with a mate to simulate the scenario-based tests you might encounter.
