At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage emergency calls and deploy ambulances in a fast-paced control room.
- Company: Join the South Western Ambulance Service, dedicated to saving lives.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £27,485, 27 days leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours available; work shifts across a vibrant city.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs at C grade or above, including English, and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Opportunities have arisen within South Western Ambulance Service in the Emergency Operations Centre for Dispatchers. The successful candidates will be integral members of the 999 control room team with responsibility for the effective deployment and management of Trust vehicles to emergency and non-emergency calls across the Trust area. Part-time hours will be considered through the flexible working application. All shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre. The role is 24/7, 365 days a year and we work shifts to achieve this.
Main duties of the job:
- 4 GCSEs at C grade or above, including English (or equivalent)
- Good oral communication skills
- The ability to be tactful and diplomatic as required
- Be prepared to work shifts (24/7 rota providing cover on weekends, nights and bank holidays)
- Ability to work calmly under pressure
What we can offer you:
- Starting salary of £27,485
- Unsocial hours enhancements (In accordance to NHS Terms and Conditions Agenda for Change section 2)
- 27 days annual leave plus additional bank holiday leave allocated
- Access to the trust staying well service, offering emotional support such as counselling, specialist trauma work and a range of other advice and information services offered through statutory and voluntary agencies.
- Significant career progression opportunities within the Clinical Hub and wider trust.
About us:
Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day. We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core. The role is based in Bristol, a lively yet laid-back city with top class shopping, street food, dynamic events and friendly festivals and excellent national and international transport links.
If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples' lives, then we would love to hear from you. In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role. You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.
A standard working week of 37.5 hours. Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years. Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working. Career and salary progression. Car leasing scheme. Free parking across Trust sites. Staff networks. Wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK.
Job responsibilities:
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information about the role. Alternative formats of our vacancies are available upon request to HRServices@swast.nhs.uk. Accessibility statement available upon request.
Right to work / Certificate of sponsorship:
This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current Home Office regulations. You must have the existing right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.
Person Specification Qualifications:
- 4 GCSE's (or equivalent) at Grade C or above including English
- Experience in dealing with a diverse range of people in a customer/patient environment
- Experience of inputting data accurately and quickly using a Keyboard
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.
Ambulance Dispatcher - Bristol employer: SWAST
At South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative work environment. As an Education Lead, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on pre-hospital patient care through high-quality training and education, while benefiting from a culture that values professional development and collaboration. With flexible working patterns and a commitment to employee growth, our Trust offers a unique chance to thrive in a meaningful role across various locations in the North.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ambulance Dispatcher - Bristol
✨Get Involved in Local EMS Events
Joining local EMS events or volunteer groups can really put you in touch with people in the field. It’s a great way to meet professionals, learn more about the job, and maybe even snag a reference when you’re hunting for that part-time gig at SWAST.
✨Connect with Your Community
Don’t underestimate the power of your community! Attend health fairs, speak at schools, or participate in local safety workshops. These connections can lead you to potential part-time opportunities in emergency medical services and increase your visibility in the field.
✨Leverage Your Training
Use your certifications to your advantage! Many part-time EMS roles look for specific qualifications or training. Make sure to highlight these on your profile and during your interviews; it shows you’re serious about your career and ready to step into a role at SWAST.
✨Reach Out to Local Services Directly
Sometimes the best opportunities are just a conversation away. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to local EMS providers. You can express your interest in part-time roles, and who knows? You might even get a chance to chat about current openings or upcoming shifts.
We think you need these skills to ace Ambulance Dispatcher - Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Certifications:In the emergency medical services field, having the right certifications like CPR, First Aid, or a Basic Life Support certificate can really set you apart. Make sure to include these on your CV and mention any relevant courses you've done, as it shows your commitment and readiness for the role!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Whether it’s volunteer work or previous roles in EMS, detail your hands-on experience in your application. Talk about specific situations where you’ve had to think on your feet or worked as part of a team—these snippets tell us you're prepared for the unpredictable nature of EMS work, especially part-time where flexibility can be key.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express why you're passionate about EMS. Be sure to convey your motivation for joining SWAST and how the part-time nature of the role fits perfectly with your goals—this can really resonate with us as we look for proactive team members!
Be Clear on Your Availability:Since this is a part-time position, it's super important to specify your availability in your application. Let us know which shifts you can cover and if there are any specific days you prefer, so we can gauge how well we can fit you into our team at SWAST.
How to prepare for a job interview at SWAST
✨Brush Up on Your EMS Skills
Make sure you're up to date with the latest emergency medical protocols and practices, as these are likely to come up in your interview for a part-time position. Review any key skills pertinent to the role, such as CPR, first aid techniques, and use of medical equipment. Demonstrating that you can handle high-pressure situations will show that you're the right fit for the team at SWAST.
✨Know Your Tools and Tech
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools and technology used in the EMS field, like defibrillators and assessment software. If possible, try to get insights about the equipment used by SWAST—this can show your eagerness to adapt quickly. Discuss any experience you have with these tools during your interview.
✨Show Your Commitment to Part-Time Work
Since you're applying for a part-time role, be prepared to express your flexibility and enthusiasm for fitting this job into your life. Share how your current commitments complement your availability and why you’re motivated to work in emergency medical services even on a part-time basis.
✨Scenario-Based Questions Are Key
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview that test your ability to respond to emergencies. Think through some common situations you might face on the job at SWAST and how you would handle them. This will not only prepare you for the questions but also help you convey your quick-thinking skills.
