Job Advert
Please do not apply if you already have a current application in process OR have had an unsuccessful application in the last 6 months.
Applications are now invited for individuals to join the Scottish Ambulance Service as a Trainee Ambulance Technician, working in Remote and Rural Scotland in the Southwest Region of Dumfries & Galloway.
We welcome applications from candidates interested in working throughout Dumfries & Galloway however we have a particular interest in candidates for the following locations:
• Stranraer
• Newton Stewart
Other locations within Dumfries & Galloway include:
- Kirkconnel – On Call
- Thornhill – On Call
- Langholm – On Call
- Annan
- Lockerbie
- Castle Douglas
- Kirkcudbright
- Dumfries
On call stations require individuals to live within a reasonable distance of the Ambulance Station.
The Role
Ambulance Technicians provide immediate care right across Scotland, often to people in their most vulnerable state and in very difficult and challenging environments. As a result, you will be required to show compassion and empathy and be able to deal with the difficult situations that we have to respond to. Most importantly, you need to be able to keep calm under pressure, make good decisions and take control.
The starting salary for Technician Students is £23,040 per annum, rising to £26,104 per annum on successful completion of the Service’s training programme. This will increase in annual increments to £32,915 per annum.
Technician vacancies are offered on a 24-hour shift basis and are referred to as “relief”. Relief is the working pattern that new Technicians work and means that you will be given your shift pattern several weeks in advance, but it won’t always be a same shift pattern. It also means there are times when you will need to be flexible and work a changing shift pattern.
The Training
The successful applicant for this post will be an employee of the Service from their start date and will be enrolled on our bespoke clinical programme which will lead to a vocational diploma in Emergency Care Support. The whole programme takes approximately 16 months with the first 14 weeks carried out at one of our regional training centres. After this time, you will progress to your allocated Ambulance Station where you will be mentored by other qualified staff as well as receiving ongoing support and learning from the education team.
Why Dumfries & Galloway?
The first thing you’ll notice about Dumfries & Galloway is just how beautiful this part of lowland Scotland is, with an undulating coastline of rocky shoreline and sandy beaches, whilst inland, there are acres of forest and green spaces.
Want the rush of flying through woodland trails on a mountain bike? Or why not make a splash as you try windsurfing or yachting? With lots of activities on offer Dumfries & Galloway is pretty much one big adventure playground, but there are plenty of options for gentle walks or cycles too. And when it comes to culture, this region knows how to pack a punch. Each year the months are peppered with dedicated celebrations of arts & crafts, performing arts, literature and sport, not to mention some of Scotland’s coolest music festivals.
The Person
This is a hugely varied role; each day and each patient is different. As a result, you will need to have excellent interpersonal skills as well as an ability to communicate effectively with a range of different and often difficult circumstances. You will need to demonstrate flexibility and the ability to make effective and safe decisions.
We welcome applications form a range of backgrounds, however, previous experience in a healthcare role or a healthcare related qualification would be an advantage. Volunteer work or working with your community would also be beneficial.
The Scottish Ambulance Service encourages applications from ethnic minorities and those with disabilities. If you would like to know more, please see the “guide to Job Interview Guarantee Scheme” attached.
All candidates will be required to satisfy the following minimum entry requirements:
• Evidence of successful study at SCQF Level 4 or above in Maths and English – Please refer to Trainee Technician Qualification Guidance. Original certificates must be produced at the fitness test stage
• Full UK driving licence with Category C1 with no more than 4 penalty points. Candidates are not required to have this prior to applying, however must have this before starting in employment.
Candidates will be required to successfully complete the following selection process;
• Application Review and Shortlisting
• Occupational Fitness Test
• Competency and Values Based Interview
• Occupational Health Screening
• Satisfactory application to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (Disclosure Scotland)
• Reference process
The progression route to Paramedic has changed. If you wish to pursue a career as a Paramedic, please visit the following link: http://www.scottishambulance.com/WorkingForUs/paramedic.aspx
To apply for this post, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button and follow the on-screen instructions. Applicants who submit an application will be contacted via email regarding the outcome of their application. It is very important that you check your ‘junk’ or spam email folders as well as your email inbox. Due to pressures within the Service, there may be delays in us being able to progress with your application, we will be in touch with you as soon as we can.
Informal enquiries may be directed to
Frazer Erskine, Area Service Manager at frazer.erskine@nhs.scot,
Peter McBurnie, Area Service Manager at peter.mcburnie@nhs.scot or
Elaine Woodman, Area Service Manager Support at elainej.woodman2@nhs.scot