At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Special Operations Response Teams to provide life-saving paramedical care in high-risk environments.
- Company: Be part of the Scottish Ambulance Service, dedicated to enhancing patient safety and outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, reduced working hours, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with ongoing training and career progression in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in emergency situations while developing unique skills and qualifications.
- Qualifications: Must be HCPC registered with 2 years post-registration experience and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 34600 - 42600 € per year.
As from 1/4/26, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro-rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.
East SORT - Newbridge AfC Band 6, £41,608 to £50,702 per annum plus unsocial allowance.
The National Risk and Resilience Department (NRRD) are currently seeking applications from enthusiastic, flexible and motivated individuals with a genuine interest in developing new skills for positions as Paramedics within the full time Special Operations Response Teams. The purpose of SORT is to save life, increase survival, improve clinical outcomes and enhance patient and staff safety through the provision of specialist paramedical care. SORT has been trained and equipped to extend the reach of the NHS into challenging and high-risk environments.
To provide direct access to patients, undertake clinical assessment, triage, initial treatment and extrication whilst operating in circumstances where no other responding agency is able to provide clinical care and no other professional health care intervention is available, and so ensure a smooth transition for patients from the point of injury into wider NHS care. The Teams also attend around **** emergency calls annually.
SORT Paramedics must be HCPC registered with a minimum of 2 years post registration and must have fully completed the NQP process (if applicable) at the close of application. Demonstrate significant frontline experience and maintain a high level of clinical competency. Additional duties include support to multi agency operations and potential major incidents.
SORT paramedics are also required to undertake the following operational duties as part of their role:
- Hazardous materials
- CBRN
- MTA
- Safe working at height
- Confined Space
- Unstable terrain
- Water operations
- Support to security operations (Tactical medical operations e.g. Firearms)
All SORT posts are also required to undertake additional organisational support duties, which include crewing the SORT Response Units (SRUs). SORT personnel must also undertake continual specialist training to maintain their skills.
For these posts we are looking for flexible individuals with a can-do approach who have excellent people skills. You will have developed communication skills, both oral and written. It is vitally important that you are able to demonstrate the ability to work to a high standard using your own initiative and be able to work alongside other Paramedics and often the initial wider operational response to incidents on behalf of the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Applications for the SORT Paramedic positions are invited from HCPC registered Paramedics with a minimum of 2 years post registration and must have fully completed the NQP process (if applicable) at the close of application. Previous experience of SORT / CBRN / NBC operations would be advantageous, but not essential, as comprehensive training will be given.
Important - please note: Appointments to SORT are made on the understanding that individuals attend and successfully complete the Special Operations Ambulance Response (SOAR) course, CBRNe Responder Course, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Course, NxGen CBRN PPE Course, Incident Response Unit Course, Support to police tactical firearms operations, ATV course, Safe Working at Heights/Confined space and unstable terrain courses, Swift Water rescue technician course. The Special Operations Ambulance Response (SOAR) course is Level 6 Certificate (Scottish equivalent Level 9) qualification encompassing all the listed courses plus some additional activity. Currently valued at 30 academic points. Approved by UK OFQUAL. A follow-on diploma is currently under development to add an additional 30 points (60 in total). It will involve some academic writing, but students will be fully supported during the process. This will give candidates an educationally ratified qualification in SOAR response. Although the qualification is internationally recognised it is currently unique to NRRD / SORT and our education partner QualSafe UK. This is currently not available via any other route.
The above courses require you to reach and maintain a minimum standard of fitness for which assessments will be carried out on an annual basis. This includes maintaining the minimum and maximum weight requirements of 60kg to 120kg for PPE. SORT personnel must also achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) level security clearance. Maintenance of these skills is a pre-requisite for continued employment within SORT.
Application and Selection: Please note that due to operational limitations, applications cannot be considered from persons that fall out with the height range of 160cm – 200cm, or the Scottish Ambulance Services upper safe working limit for staff wearing PPE of 120kg and lower limit of 60kg, this includes a minimum footwear size of 5 and a maximum of 14. There will be a requirement to undertake and pass the SORT Paramedic Physical Competency Assessment (PCA) and swim test, details of which are attached. Undertake a clinical OSCE, a written task, and a competency-based interview. In addition to the usual pre-employment checks, as this role requires you to deal with sensitive information, you will be required to undergo additional security vetting. Please note shortlisted candidates should be available for the PCA process on the dates 13th to the 15th of March **** and this will be held at East SORT Newbridge. Successful candidates will choose an interview slot at the end of the day.
Sort Paramedics employer: Scottish Ambulance Service
Join the National Risk and Resilience Department as a SORT Paramedic, where you will be part of a dedicated team committed to saving lives and enhancing patient care in high-risk environments. With a supportive work culture that prioritises continuous professional development and unique training opportunities, including the exclusive Special Operations Ambulance Response qualification, you will thrive in an environment that values your skills and encourages growth. Located in East Newbridge, this role offers competitive pay and a reduced working week, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sort Paramedics
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with current SORT Paramedics or those in similar roles. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like and might even help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the physical assessments! Make sure you’re fit and ready to tackle the SORT Paramedic Physical Competency Assessment. A little training now can make a big difference later.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills during the interview! Be ready to discuss your frontline experience and how you’ve handled high-pressure situations. We want to see that can-do attitude in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and requirements there.
We think you need these skills to ace Sort Paramedics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of patients and are excited about the unique challenges SORT presents.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your clinical competency and ability to work under pressure, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your application is easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications and motivations without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Ambulance Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge and operational procedures relevant to SORT. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced in high-risk environments and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your communication and teamwork skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've worked effectively under pressure or collaborated with other agencies. This will show that you can handle the demands of the role.
✨Be Fit for the Job
Since physical fitness is crucial for SORT roles, be prepared to discuss your fitness regime and how you maintain it. You might even want to mention any relevant training or courses you've completed that relate to the physical demands of the job.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions about the SORT team and their operations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
