At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Director of Operations with strategic and operational priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, dedicated to patient care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, career progression, free parking, and discounts across the UK.
- Other info: Based in vibrant Exeter with excellent transport links and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a vital role.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in NHS operations required.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
The Staff Officer to the Director of Operations provides senior, high trust enabling support to the Director of Operations, acting as a critical link between strategic intent and operational delivery. The post holder will operate as a trusted professional advisor, coordinator and problem solver, providing operational delivery and ensuring the Director of Operations is supported through high quality briefing, assurance, analysis, follow up and governance.
Working with a high degree of autonomy, the post holder will manage complex information flows, coordinate the delivery of priorities across the Operations Directorate, and ensure actions, decisions and risks are tracked, escalated and progressed. The role is pivotal in maintaining operational grip, supporting effective decision making and enabling the Director of Operations to focus on strategic leadership, system working and organisational transformation.
The post holder will work closely with Assistant Directors of Operations, Deputy Directors, corporate teams and system partners, maintaining strong oversight of key programmes of work and acting as a central point of coordination for Directorate level activity. The post holder will be required to travel across the Trust geography to support operational delivery.
Main duties of the job:- Act as the primary staff officer to the Director of Operations, providing day-to-day professional support, coordination and delivery of operational priorities and advice.
- Prepare high-quality briefings, reports, submissions and presentations for internal and external meetings, including Executive Management Group, Board and system forums.
- Support the Director of Operations in translating strategic objectives into deliverable operational priorities across the Directorate.
- Maintain oversight of the delivery of key operational priorities, programmes and actions across the Operations Directorate, ensuring progress is tracked and issues are escalated appropriately.
- Support robust governance and assurance arrangements for the Operations Directorate, ensuring alignment with Trust and system requirements, providing advice and guidance to senior leaders as required.
- Coordinate and synthesise complex operational, performance and intelligence information into clear, concise and actionable insights for the Director of Operations.
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 Exeter, one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England, with excellent transport links and a great mix of independent shops, cafes and bars. If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to people's 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.
Additional Information:- 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
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:- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a senior operational or enabling role within the NHS Ambulance Sector
- Full UK driving license
- Loggist or Tactical Commander Qualified
- Emergency Driving qualification
- Experience of gathering, analysing and reporting on a range of data and information
- Significant experience working at senior management level within a complex organisation
- Demonstrable experience of providing high level briefing, coordination and assurance support
- Experience supporting Board level or Executive level leaders
- Understanding of governance, risk and assurance frameworks
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.
Staff Officer - Local Operations in Exeter 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 Staff Officer - Local Operations in Exeter
✨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 SWAST 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 SWAST 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 Staff Officer - Local Operations in Exeter
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 SWAST
✨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 SWAST 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.
