Communications Officer (A&E Ambulance Dispatch)

Communications Officer (A&E Ambulance Dispatch)

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
North East Ambulance Service

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Be the vital communication link in emergency situations, ensuring swift responses.
  • Company: Join a dedicated ambulance service serving millions in the North East.
  • Benefits: Full-time role with competitive pay, training, and diverse work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic 24/7 shift work with opportunities for career growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by supporting emergency services and helping those in need.
  • Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus strong communication and multitasking skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The Communications Officer is the primary communication link between the operational staff and the control room.

Full Time: Permanent: 24/7 Shift Pattern

Training: 4 weeks classroom (100% attendance required) followed by 3 weeks coaching.

You will work in both of our control rooms on a rotational basis covering a specified geographical area. You will work with a Dispatch Officer to provide effective and efficient deployment of emergency resources to patients within the North East region.

Main duties of the job:
  • Assisting with the running of one of the EOC operational desks on a 24 hour shift basis.
  • Assisting with the co-ordination and providing an efficient and effective response to agreed performance levels maximising the utilisation of available resources.
  • Operating the radio system to work as the communication link between the operational staff out on the road and the control room.
  • The handling, receiving and dissemination of complex, sensitive, contentious and confidential information.
  • Monitoring and reviewing information to detect or assess issues.
  • Observing, receiving and obtaining information from all relevant sources and liaising with the Dispatch Officer.
  • Recording relevant information onto the case records and relaying to the appropriate information if necessary.
  • Ensuring that clear concise and accurate information is passed when dispatching patient details to crews.
  • Taking responsibility to ensure ‘at risk’ patients are dealt with appropriately and the correct information is flagged and passed to the crews in line with NEAS communication procedures.
  • Assisting in the development of trainee Communications Officers.

We employ 3,500 staff in 63 locations and serve a population of 2,600,000 in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, County Durham, and Tees over 3230 square miles. Many people think the job of the ambulance service is to collect patients and take them to hospital, but we do much more! Paramedic skills have developed hugely in recent years, meaning we carry out more treatment at the scene and en-route to hospital. We have a dedicated clinical assessment service that allows us to provide patients with the most appropriate care from the beginning of the patient journey. We have a specialised branch of the Trust called HART which deals with explosions or terrorist attacks. Ultimately patients are the heart of everything that we do to support our mission of "safe, effective and responsive care for all". We value and respect the diversity employees bring to our workplace. We recruit a workforce that reflects the community we serve, and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds.

To ensure we deliver on our aims in relation to diversity and inclusion we assess ourselves against a range of frameworks. We are ENEI Gold employer, Disability Confident Leader, Dyslexia Smart Award employer, Dementia Friendly, and part of Mind Blue Light programme and the Race at Work Charter from the Princes Responsible Business Network and are achieving across all objectives in NHS Equality Delivery System.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:
  • Operation of the trusts communication system to relay information between the operational staff on the road and the control room.
  • Passing time critical information to the other emergency service or hospital staff regarding patients.
  • Assisting the Dispatch Officer with the deployment of vehicles and the general running of the assigned area on a 12 hour shift basis.
Person specification:

Education Essential criteria: Maximum score 2: 3 GCSE’s grade C and above, including English and Mathematics (or higher) or equivalent or relevant experience.

Knowledge Essential criteria: Maximum score 2: Geographical knowledge of area covered by the Trust.

Skills/Experience Essential criteria: Maximum score 12: Previous administration experience, excellent verbal and communication skills, IT skills, customer service experience, experience in working towards demanding targets, ability to multi-task with conflicting priorities.

Communications Officer (A&E Ambulance Dispatch) employer: North East Ambulance Service

As a Communications Officer with our ambulance service, you will be part of a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in delivering safe and effective care to the North East region. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, offering extensive training and development opportunities to help you grow in your career. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on community impact, we provide a rewarding environment where your contributions truly make a difference.

North East Ambulance Service

Contact Details:

North East Ambulance Service Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Communications Officer (A&E Ambulance Dispatch)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Communications Officers on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. This can give you insider knowledge and maybe even a referral!

Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! Since this role is all about effective communication, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family. This will help you feel more confident when discussing how you’d handle real-life situations in the control room.

Tip Number 3

Show your passion for patient care! During interviews, share examples of how you've gone above and beyond in previous roles to support others. This will demonstrate that you truly align with the mission of providing safe and effective care.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to tailor your approach specifically for us!

We think you need these skills to ace Communications Officer (A&E Ambulance Dispatch)

Communication Skills
Radio Operation
Information Handling
Geographical Knowledge
Administration Experience
Customer Service
IT Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Communications Officer. We want to see how you can be the perfect link between operational staff and the control room!

Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role is all about effective communication, don’t hold back! Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your ability to relay information accurately. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can handle complex and sensitive information with ease.

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've got previous experience in administration or customer service, make sure to showcase it! We love seeing candidates who can multitask and work towards demanding targets, so share any examples that illustrate these skills.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambulance Service

Know Your Communication Systems

Familiarise yourself with the communication systems used in emergency services. Understanding how to relay critical information effectively will show your readiness for the role and your ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Demonstrate Your Multi-Tasking Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks at once. The role requires juggling various responsibilities, so showcasing your ability to prioritise and stay organised will impress the interviewers.

Showcase Your Local Knowledge

Brush up on your geographical knowledge of the North East region. Being able to discuss specific areas and routes will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your understanding of the operational challenges faced by the service.

Practice Clear and Concise Communication

Since the job revolves around effective communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to do mock interviews with a friend to refine your ability to convey information succinctly and accurately.