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- Tasks: Prepare ambulances for emergency response, ensuring cleanliness and equipment readiness.
- Company: Join South Western Ambulance Service, a compassionate team dedicated to patient care and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, inclusive policies, and opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital team that makes a real difference in emergency situations while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a full driving licence; C1 category preferred, with basic education and some relevant experience.
- Other info: Various shifts available, including nights and weekends, with additional pay for unsocial hours.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
There has never been a better time to join the Trust's Fleet and Equipment team as a Vehicle Preparation Operative (VPO). Our Ambulance Vehicle Preparation (AVP) team play a vital role in ensuring our front line crews are ready and able to respond to emergency situations by preparing our vehicle fleet and equipment to high standards.
The role of the VPO is also a gateway to the organisation with opportunities to develop your career with us either within the Fleet and Equipment team or the wider Trust in both patient-facing and a variety of support roles.
Main duties of the job:- Vehicle Preparation Operatives process ambulances in a prescribed and controlled way that ensures each ambulance is ready to treat patients.
- The role is a key operational support function which ensures patient safety whilst supporting Operations in meeting its targets.
- Main duties include detailed cleaning and infection prevention & control activities, checking and inspecting medical devices, restocking consumables, refuelling and driving vehicles across various locations.
We are seeking to further grow and develop our service and are looking for committed people to work at our Exeter Main Operating Base. We have a range of both full time (average 37.5 hours per week) and part time hours working a variety of shifts across a 24 hour, 7-day period including days, lates, nights, weekends and bank holidays. Unsocial hours payments will be applicable in addition to the basic salary for night and weekend working.
The role requires post holders to hold a current full driving licence. C1 category is preferred.
About us:At South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) we have a culture where everyone is valued for being themselves. Our aim is to work together to promote the most inclusive environment possible, which attracts people from the widest range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work that we do together, for the benefit of all of our employees, our patients and the communities we serve.
We offer flexible working opportunities, inclusive policies and a range of feedback mechanisms to support individuals and to enable a positive, welcoming environment where our people and their careers can thrive in.
We employ over 5,000 employees mainly clinical, operational and emergency response staff as well as supporting roles. We also employ Doctors and volunteers which include community first responders and fire co-responders.
We take all the steps needed to provide the most compassionate patient care possible whilst also providing an enjoyable and safe place to work. We actively promote a positive set of behaviours as being key to our performance both individually and collectively.
Our recruitment, selection and screening processes are designed to uphold these standards and we invite all our candidates to actively share with us through these processes how they will bring these behaviours to life.
Job responsibilities:For further information about this role please see attached the job description and person specification attached.
Person Specification:- General all round education including numeracy and literacy
- Full driving licence with maximum 6 penalty points; Must have category C1 on driving licence, or obtain (training can be provided in house)
- 3 GCSEs or equivalent
- Previous experience of driving various types of vehicles
- Working in a trustworthy position
- Experience in similar roles which may include stock checking and/or infection control/cleaning
- Experience in a customer care environment
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.
Vehicle Preparation Operative (Barnstaple) employer: SWAST
Contact Detail:
SWAST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vehicle Preparation Operative (Barnstaple)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Vehicle Preparation Operative. Understanding the importance of infection control and vehicle maintenance will help you demonstrate your knowledge during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in driving various types of vehicles, especially if you hold a C1 category on your driving licence. This will show that you're prepared for the practical aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your commitment to patient safety and operational efficiency. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these areas, as they are crucial to the role and the overall mission of the South Western Ambulance Service.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the culture and values of the South Western Ambulance Service. Research their mission and vision, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits within their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Vehicle Preparation Operative (Barnstaple)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Vehicle Preparation Operative position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience, particularly in vehicle preparation, cleaning, and infection control. Emphasise any previous roles that involved driving or working in a customer care environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the organisation. Mention how your values align with those of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and express your commitment to patient safety and service excellence.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at SWAST
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Vehicle Preparation Operative. Familiarise yourself with tasks like cleaning, inspecting medical devices, and restocking consumables. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you've worked in similar roles or have experience in driving various types of vehicles, be sure to mention it. Discuss any previous work involving stock checking, infection control, or customer care, as these are valuable skills for the position.
✨Show Your Commitment to Patient Safety
Since the role is crucial for patient safety, express your understanding of its importance. Share examples of how you've prioritised safety in past roles, and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure high standards in this position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, opportunities for career development, or how the Trust supports its employees. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.