Job Advert
Applications are now invited for individuals to join the Scottish Ambulance Service as a Trainee Ambulance Technician, working in Remote and Rural Scotland on the West Coast.
Please note these are the ONLY locations we are recruiting for through this advert:
• Oban
• Lochgilphead
• Island of Islay
• Inveraray
• Tarbert
• Campbeltown
• Arrochar
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.
Whilst working for the Ambulance Service you will be required to follow shift patterns including unsocial hours and on-call working, or from home at some locations, therefore candidates are required to secure accommodation within a 3 mile radius of allocated station before commencing the employment. During your training, and thereafter, there may be a requirement to work at other stations or locations within the Region. It means there are times when you will need to be flexible and work a changing shift pattern.
The Area
Argyll is a beautiful part of Scotland and encompasses many of the features traditionally associated with Scotland and it’s geography. Argyll, and it’s Isles, is a glorious coastal region of glittering sea lochs, islands, hills, forests and glens just waiting to be explored. It’s divided into nine areas, each with a distinct character and offering a unique experience. From surfing to kayaking, quad-biking to mountain biking, to get off the beaten track and find your own adventure.
Go island hopping, walk in the wilderness, breathe pure air, watch magnificent sunsets and see starry skies that will take your breath away. You’ll also discover incredible wildlife, a rich Highland history and fabulous local food.
And, all of this is just a hop and a skip from Glasgow.
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. 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 the same shift pattern. It also means there are times when you will need to be flexible and work a changing shift pattern, sometimes in different locations.
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 with no more than 3 penalty points.
• Candidates will be required to obtain a C1 Driving category on their current driving licence at least 6 to 8 weeks before any start date offered.
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/join-our-team/studying-to-become-a-paramedic/
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. This salary range is reviewed annually.
The Scottish Ambulance Service reserves the right to close this advert early due to the expected high volume of applications and quick turnaround times therefore, please submit your application timeously.
Informal enquiries may be directed to Mark Benton, Area Service Manager, at mark.benton@nhs.scot