At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for emergency calls and provide vital support to callers.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in a 24/7 emergency service environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, 35 days annual leave, and free parking.
- Other info: Full training provided in a supportive environment with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: GCSE level education or equivalent experience in customer service.
The predicted salary is between 21000 - 25000 £ per year.
Job summary
Your NHS needs YOU!
Why apply for this role?
Our 999 Emergency Call Handlers (Emergency Medical Advisors) are people just like you: people who have come to us from all walks of life, from different backgrounds and age groups, people who all have the same things in common.
You are the first person our patients speak to when they call 999 in an emergency.
What makes a great 999 Emergency Call Handler (Emergency MedicalAdvisor)?
- Our 999 Emergency Call Handlers are all caring and empathetic
- They all have great communication skills
- They're all happy and able to work flexibly
Main duties of the job
We will provide full training in a warm, friendly environment in our Emergency Call Centres.
Our comprehensive training programme:
- 9 weeks full time training
- Is full time, even for part time applicants
- Has a 'must' attend policy due to you obtaining your Pathways licence
- Comprises of 3 weeks of Monday to Friday classroom training, then observing and mentoring periods within the working environment for a further 6 weeks before you go "live".
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This is a fully office-based role at our NHS 111/999 contact centres in Medway, Kent or Crawley, West Sussex. Due to 24/7 shift patterns, including nights, applicants must live within approximately 45-60 minutes' commuting distance. Applications outside this distance will not be progressed.
If you are planning to relocate, please include details and timescales in your supporting statement.
About us
As we are a 24/7 service, this role will involve working a varied shift pattern including earlies, lates, nights and weekends on a rota pattern. These rotas are fixed to ensure a safe provision to our patients. If you have a requirement to work nights ONLY, this can also be catered for.
What we can offer you:
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- Competitive salary of £25.760- £27,476 (13.17 per hour) with the extra earning potential with unsocial hours allowance
- Unsocial hours enhancements - For all hours that you work between 8pm and 6am Monday - Friday and all-day Saturday you will earn a shift bonus which means you will earn approximately £17.78 per hour. For Sundays and Public Holidays, you will earn approximately £22.26 per hour.
- 35 days' annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- Flexible working hours on a rota pattern
- Free parking
- Blue Light discount card Blue Light Card
- Generous NHS Pension Scheme
- Award winning Wellbeing hub
- Staff networks
- Training and development
- Salary Sacrifice schemes for cars or push bikes
- Access to occupational health
- Enhanced DBS check
- Bonus scheme
Other than in exceptional circumstances, the starting salary for staff new to the NHS will be the bottom point of the band to which they have been appointed.
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Job description
Job responsibilities
The role of an Emergency 999 Call Handler (Emergency Medical Advisor)
When you dial 999, your call goes through to a call handler based in one of our 2 Emergency Operation Call Centres. These staff are trained to use the NHS Pathways system to provide assistance in a variety of situations, from minor illness to life threatening situations. The assistance you will provide will range from offering lifesaving advice whilst an ambulance is on route, to directing callers to other more suitable services.
This role can be demanding, challenging, and ultimately very rewarding however, it's not for everyone. Applicants will need to have a range of skills to be able to deal with often stressful and emotional situations, whilst also demonstrating compassion and empathy to all callers, no matter what the situation.
- Successful applicants demonstrate high levels of personal commitment to facilitate the delivery of a patient-focused service
- We need individuals who have the drive and passion to make a difference to peoples lives, but also the personal resilience to work in a high-pressured environment
- You will need to be able to work well within a team and independently, have fast/accurate typing skills and a good standard of education or equivalent experience
- This role is suited to people who remain calm under pressure, good at problem solving and have excellent interpersonal skills, with an empathetic nature
Further Information
The interview process will consist of 6 Multi Mini Interview's (MMI's) and a tour of the Emergency Operations Centre.
All successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check for adults and children.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE or Functional Skills in Maths, English and ICT skills OR evidence within previous employment that they have used Maths and English to GCSE level or higher
Desirable
- Level 2 in Customer Service or Health and Social Care
- NHSP Pathways trained or other medical triage system background
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience working and communicating with the public
- Ability to communicate with a variety of different people and build rapport
- Experience of working in a computer based role - strong IT skills
Desirable
- Previous experience working in a team or with stakeholders across a range of settings
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
SECamb
Address
Crawley Emergency Operations Centre
Nexus House 4 Gatwick Road
Crawley
RH10 9BG
United Kingdom
Employer's website
Emergency Medical Advisor (999 Call Handler) - Crawley employer: SECamb
At South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering our Vehicle Maintenance Technicians a supportive work environment where professional growth is encouraged through extensive manufacturer training and development opportunities. Located in Banstead, our team plays a crucial role in maintaining a diverse fleet of over 700 vehicles, ensuring that our frontline services are always ready to respond to the needs of our communities. With a commitment to inclusivity and employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits including a minimum of 27 days annual leave, access to NHS discounts, and a strong focus on health and safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Emergency Medical Advisor (999 Call Handler) - Crawley
✨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 SECamb 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 SECamb 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 Emergency Medical Advisor (999 Call Handler) - Crawley
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 SECamb
✨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 SECamb 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.
