Emergency Medical Advisor (999 Call Handler) - Medway

Role Overview

Join the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust as a 999 Emergency Medical Advisor (Call Handler). This critical role positions you as the first point of contact for patients dialing 999, where your ability to gather accurate information and provide reassurance during emergencies is vital.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect detailed information from callers regarding their medical condition or injury under stressful circumstances.
• Use computer systems to document patient details and categorize the urgency of their health needs.
• Determine the appropriate response, which may involve dispatching emergency services, arranging clinical telephone assessment, referring to alternative care pathways, or offering self-care advice.
• Work shifts including early mornings, late evenings, nights, and weekends as part of a 24/7 rota system, with options to work night shifts exclusively.

Training and Work Environment

• Complete a comprehensive 9-week full-time training program combining classroom instruction and practical mentoring to gain your Pathways licence.
• Operate from NHS 111/999 contact centres located in Medway, Kent or Crawley, West Sussex, requiring residence within approximately 45–60 minutes commuting distance.

Candidate Profile

• Compassionate and empathetic with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules and adapt to shifts.
• Must be willing to comply with a mandatory training attendance policy.

Benefits and Remuneration

• Competitive salary ranging from 3,760 to 3,476 annually, equating to 3.17 per hour.
• Enhanced pay rates for unsocial hours: approximately 7.78 per hour for night and Saturday shifts; about 22.26 per hour on Sundays and public holidays.
• 35 days of paid leave each year, including bank holidays, pro-rated to hours worked.
• Additional perks including free parking, Blue Light discount card, NHS pension scheme, wellbeing support, staff networks, training opportunities, salary sacrifice schemes for vehicles or bicycles, and occupational health services.
• An enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is required.

Additional Information

Applicants living beyond the commuting distance will not be considered unless relocation plans are declared in the application with associated timelines. The starting salary for those new to the NHS typically begins at the lower band level unless there are exceptional circumstances.