Job Advert
Applications are now invited for individuals who currently hold a C1 Driving Licence, to join the Scottish Ambulance Service as a Trainee Ambulance Technician.
Please note the locations we are recruiting for:
• Greater Glasgow
• Argyll and Clyde
• Ayrshire and Arran
• Edinburgh and Lothians
• Fife
• Tayside
• Grampian
• Highlands
• Western Isles – Stornoway – 2 x 25 hour contracts
Due to course date restraints, candidates must already possess C1 on their driving licence when applying, we will ask for evidence of this at the first stage of the recruitment process. Please DO NOT apply if you do not already possess C1 on your licence. There may be opportunities in the near future for applicants to apply without C1 in place.
Please do not apply if you have had an unsuccessful application in the last 6 months OR already have a current application in process.
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.
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 able 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 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.
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. However, volunteer work or working with your community would also be beneficial.
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.
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 interview stage**
• Full UK driving licence (including category C1) with no more than 3 penalty points. Driving categories can be found on the front of your licence.
Candidates will also be required to successfully complete the following selection elements;
• 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
The starting salary for Technician Students is £22,376 per annum, rising to £25,351 per annum on successful completion of the Service’s training programme. This will increase in annual increments to £31,966 per annum.
Please note that once we have received sufficient numbers of applications the closing date will be brought forward, therefore we would recommend you submit your application early.