Job summary
Is it time to take the next step into a role where you'll genuinely make a difference every time you come to work?
Then our Emergency Care Assistant role could be the role for you.
As an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA) you'll work alongside clinicians responding to 999 calls attending every kind of accident and emergency, sometimes covering considerable distances, under normal and emergency driving conditions to get to the scene as quickly and as safely as possible
No two shifts will be the same, you might be called out to a road accident victim with multiple severe injuries or to someone who has had a heart attack, you could even be transferring a very sick baby to a specialist centre or dealing with an elderly person who's fallen down the stairs.
We are recruiting in the following stations ONLY:
Milton Keynes, Wexham, High Wycombe, Adderbury, Kidlington, Oxford, Didcot, Newbury, Reading, Bracknell, Alton, Andover, Whitchurch, North Harbour, Hightown, Hythe, Ringwood.
Spaces are limited and they will be allocated based upon the strongest interview scores and fitness assessment combined with station availability. We may hold a small reserve list for candidates in the event of a withdrawal of a candidate from the course.
Please be aware there are stations with limited availability & our current vacancies at these stations are subject to change.
Main duties of the job
Emergency Care Assistants (ECA) work in a challenging but rewarding role that provides essential support to our qualified clinical practitioners in responding to Accidents, Emergencies and Urgent Care requirements of the public.
We are looking for people who can demonstrate our values of Caring - Teamwork - Professionalism and Innovation in all they do, so if you have experience of remaining calm under pressure, can demonstrate your caring and compassionate nature and don't mind working shifts, then we want to hear from you now!
This is going to be a competitive process and we strongly advise you to review the following link with detailed instructions onHow to apply for the role
You must be able to commit to the 10-week training programme which consists of a full corporate induction, 5 weeks of clinical training which includes basic life support skills, moving and handling and assisting the Paramedic and a 4-week driver training course including Blue Light conditions.
Our training can take place from either Bicester, Newbury or Whiteley starting in January and February 2025 (Training is non-residential, we do not provide mileage or accommodation during your training period).
Once you have successfully completed your training, you will continue to six months operationally monitored assessment-training programme, which is monitored locally by your Team Leader.
About us
Benefits we offer:
- Full training and a range of courses which you can book locally.
- Holiday entitlement of 27 days, rising to 29 days after 5 years' service and 33 days after 10 years' service, plus an additional 8 days bank holiday (pro rata for part time).
- Automatic enrolment into the NHS Pension Scheme.
- Access to continual professional development within SCAS and the wider NHS.
- Occupational Health support and direct access to our Employee Assistance Programme as well as our own Health and Wellbeing Team.
- NHS Discounts in over 200 + stores saving money on holidays, days out, car insurance, restaurants, clothing and much more.
- Ability to join our staff networking groups (as a member, ally or just for interest).
Corporate Induction
It's really important for us to ensure you have the best onboarding experience which allows you to feel a sense of belonging from the start. To help with this, we will book your Corporate Induction as soon as we possibly can (depending on availability).
All new starters need to attend our *Corporate Induction in person, this is held over one and half days from our educational centres based in: Newbury (Berkshire), Bicester (Oxfordshire) or Whiteley (Hampshire). More specific details will be sent to you once your start date has been confirmed.
*Please note - depending on your role additional training may be required following on from your corporate induction.
Job description
Job responsibilities
It is important that you read through the job description & person specification for the role before completing your application, you can find these attached.
Any applicants stationed at either Wexham or Bracknell will receive 5% High Cost Allowance (Fringe).
We are expecting this programme to be very popular and due to the limited spaces available we may close this advert early should we receive a sufficient number of applications.
Detailed information regarding the criteria required for an Emergency Care Assistant is available within the Job Description and Person Specification, however, some of the essential criteria are:
- Valid UK full B category driving licence and full manual C1 category licence with no more than 3 penalty points. Applications will be accepted with a provisional C1 licence but a full manual C1 category licence must be obtained 6 weeks prior to commencement of training.
- 3 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above including English and Maths or equivalent qualification. If you can demonstrate experience equivalent to this level of qualification, particularly where this is combined with experience in a similar healthcare or caring role, may also be considered.
Please note original qualification certificates will be required, if you dont have copies of these, you will need to request replacement certificates by visiting: gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate.
Driving is an essential skill for this role, C1 or C1 provisional category manual driving licence is essential at the point of application with no more than 3 penalty points. This will be checked and due to the timescales for obtaining C1 provisional, we will not shortlist anyone without this category on their licence. Please can you provide us with a driving licence summary (check code) in order for us to perform your driving licence online check. This can be sourced via the following link https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
To be able to use this we also need the last 8 digits of your driving licence (not including the 2 separate numbers at the end of your licence number). We will require this to be sent prior to shortlisting to ECARecruitment@scas.nhs.uk, pleaseinclude your application number in the email.
Please note - your full C1 entitlement will be required no later than 6 weeks prior to your training start date.
The FAQ document can be found attached below within the documents to download section.
Applicants must be able to complete an interview which will be conducted via Teams, and you will need to undertake a Pre-employment fitness assessment (dates to be advised)
Applicants who dont demonstrate how they meet the Person Specification within their application will not be shortlisted.
Please ensure you demonstrate how you already embrace our values in your current/previous employments or educational settings within your application.
Your supporting information is your chance to articulate why you want to work within the Emergency Care Assistant role, and why we should be shortlisting you.
Top tips:
- Review all person specifications both essential & desirable.
- Fully consider the job you are applying for; what skills/abilities you have to offer, working in a front-line operational setting is extremely rewarding but it can also be both physically & mentally challenging.
- Demonstrate your work journey & why this is the right next step for you.
- Carefully read through your application before submitting.
Job description
Job responsibilities
It is important that you read through the job description & person specification for the role before completing your application, you can find these attached.
Any applicants stationed at either Wexham or Bracknell will receive 5% High Cost Allowance (Fringe).
We are expecting this programme to be very popular and due to the limited spaces available we may close this advert early should we receive a sufficient number of applications.
Detailed information regarding the criteria required for an Emergency Care Assistant is available within the Job Description and Person Specification, however, some of the essential criteria are:
- Valid UK full B category driving licence and full manual C1 category licence with no more than 3 penalty points. Applications will be accepted with a provisional C1 licence but a full manual C1 category licence must be obtained 6 weeks prior to commencement of training.
- 3 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above including English and Maths or equivalent qualification. If you can demonstrate experience equivalent to this level of qualification, particularly where this is combined with experience in a similar healthcare or caring role, may also be considered.
Please note original qualification certificates will be required, if you dont have copies of these, you will need to request replacement certificates by visiting: gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate.
Driving is an essential skill for this role, C1 or C1 provisional category manual driving licence is essential at the point of application with no more than 3 penalty points. This will be checked and due to the timescales for obtaining C1 provisional, we will not shortlist anyone without this category on their licence. Please can you provide us with a driving licence summary (check code) in order for us to perform your driving licence online check. This can be sourced via the following link https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
To be able to use this we also need the last 8 digits of your driving licence (not including the 2 separate numbers at the end of your licence number). We will require this to be sent prior to shortlisting to ECARecruitment@scas.nhs.uk, pleaseinclude your application number in the email.
Please note - your full C1 entitlement will be required no later than 6 weeks prior to your training start date.
The FAQ document can be found attached below within the documents to download section.
Applicants must be able to complete an interview which will be conducted via Teams, and you will need to undertake a Pre-employment fitness assessment (dates to be advised)
Applicants who dont demonstrate how they meet the Person Specification within their application will not be shortlisted.
Please ensure you demonstrate how you already embrace our values in your current/previous employments or educational settings within your application.
Your supporting information is your chance to articulate why you want to work within the Emergency Care Assistant role, and why we should be shortlisting you.
Top tips:
- Review all person specifications both essential & desirable.
- Fully consider the job you are applying for; what skills/abilities you have to offer, working in a front-line operational setting is extremely rewarding but it can also be both physically & mentally challenging.
- Demonstrate your work journey & why this is the right next step for you.
- Carefully read through your application before submitting.
Person Specification
Quallifications
Essential
- Full UK manual Driving Licence and C1 (provisional accepted at the time of application - must have 'full' C1 prior to starting in position if successful) - consider applications who have up to 3 points
- 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English and Maths, or equivalent qualification. Functional and Key Skills level 2 will also be accepted. OR Applicants who can demonstrate relevant experience equivalent to this level of qualification, particularly where this is combined with experience in a similar healthcare or caring role, may also be considered e.g. Police Officer, Firefighter or Dental Nurse
Desirable
- First aid certificate - completed within the last 2 years
- Evidence of self-development CPD / Portfolio
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working in a customer care role
Desirable
- Previous experience of working with patients
- Previous shift working experience
- Previous NHS experience
Physical Requirements
Desirable
- Previous manual handling experience in a professional capacity
Skills and Aptitudes
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively: aurally, orally, and in writing
- Ability to use communication and computerised systems e.g. mobile phones, online systems, and email
- Customer Service / People Skills
- Ability to work within a team environment and alone
- Ability to deal with patients in a caring, professional and compassionate manner
Person Specification
Quallifications
Essential
- Full UK manual Driving Licence and C1 (provisional accepted at the time of application - must have 'full' C1 prior to starting in position if successful) - consider applications who have up to 3 points
- 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English and Maths, or equivalent qualification. Functional and Key Skills level 2 will also be accepted. OR Applicants who can demonstrate relevant experience equivalent to this level of qualification, particularly where this is combined with experience in a similar healthcare or caring role, may also be considered e.g. Police Officer, Firefighter or Dental Nurse
Desirable
- First aid certificate - completed within the last 2 years
- Evidence of self-development CPD / Portfolio
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working in a customer care role
Desirable
- Previous experience of working with patients
- Previous shift working experience
- Previous NHS experience
Physical Requirements
Desirable
- Previous manual handling experience in a professional capacity
Skills and Aptitudes
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively: aurally, orally, and in writing
- Ability to use communication and computerised systems e.g. mobile phones, online systems, and email
- Customer Service / People Skills
- Ability to work within a team environment and alone
- Ability to deal with patients in a caring, professional and compassionate manner
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Employer details
Employer name
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Berkshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire
Berkshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire
OX26 6HR
Employer's website
https://scasjobs.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
