Job Advert
Applications are now invited for individuals to join the Scottish Ambulance Service as an Ambulance Care Assistant attending a training course in 2022 thereafter, working at Kirkwall Ambulance Station.
The Scottish Ambulance Service encourages applications from ethnic minorities and those with disabilities.
The Role
Although there are non-emergency service requirements throughout Scotland, generally the post holder will be required to perform his/her duties within a fixed geographical area and will be assigned to one particular ambulance station (with the exception of a small number of relief post holders). The post holder will deal with the transportation of non-emergency hospital patients from their homes to hospitals and clinics, where appointments have been made for them. The post holder will interact with PTS Area Ambulance Assistants in relation to allotted “runs” and other hospital and clinical staff (e.g. nurses) when dropping off and picking up patients.
Post holder has direct patient contact in non-emergency setting, i.e. ensuring patients are conveyed to appointments in comfortable and appropriate manner. Communication with some types of patient may be difficult or challenging, e.g. patients who have suffered from a stroke or patients who may suffer from dementia.
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 accredited Level 3 Certificate in “Ambulance Patient Care: Non-urgent Care Services” programme. The programme takes approximately 5 months to complete and involves the following:
- Part 1 - 1 week driving education & training programme, delivered from either one of our regional Clinical Education Centres or an Ambulance station
- Part 2 - 3 week clinical education programme, delivered from one of our regional Clinical Education Centres
- Part 3 – On successful completion of Parts 1 & 2, students will progress to a period of practice placement at an allocated ambulance station to complete a Practice Placement Portfolio, supported by the Education & Professional Development team and other qualified staff
The Person
This is a 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 circumstances.
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.
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 – Refer to Ambulance Care Assistant Guidance for further details on the website – Please do not apply if you do not have the required proof of academia.
- Full UK driving licence with no more than 4 penalty points and hold a D1 class on their licence - please do not apply if you do not already hold this driving class.
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 starting salary for Trainee Care Assistants is £17,704 per annum, rising to £21,709 per annum on successful completion of the Service’s training programme. This will increase in annual increments to £23,605 per annum.