Join us to make a difference
Working with our clinicians delivering high quality care
A face to face operational role working directly with our patients to provide the best care pathway. Scroll down further to find our more about the Emergency Care assistant role.
Career Progression
Opportunities to progress, and enjoy continuous professional development. We have varied career pathways available.
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Annual Leave
Equivalent of 27 days per year plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years service and 33 days after 10 years service!
Pay & Rewards
Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift, bank holiday and overtime working
Induction
We have embraced a Trust wide approach to preceptorship, designed to support, develop and guide our people through the early stages of their chosen career.
Please click here to find out more about Preceptorship
NHS Pension scheme
Generous Employer Contributions and a Death in service benefit. Tax free employee contributions
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Award Winning Staying Well Service
Enhanced mentoring and wellbeing support package.
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Emergency Care Assistant
Summary
- To ensure a continuous duty of care to patients, within the level of training and competency of this role, ensuring an appropriate level of monitoring and treatment is maintained and continued until the patient is either discharged or transferred to the care of another healthcare professional
- To ensure that a clear handover report is provided when the patient is handed into the care of another health professional, this should record all pertinent patient information, in accordance with Trust procedure and that the transfer of patients into the care of others is conducted according to procedure
- Drive all types of approved ambulance service vehicles under normal and emergency (blue light) circumstances, in accordance with the laid down standards of the service and within road traffic law, taking particular care of the vehicle, its occupants and other road users
- Carry out general vehicle checks at the start of and during each shift, to ensure the readiness of the vehicle and communications equipment to respond as required. All defects, deficiencies and accident damage must be reported in accordance with Trust procedure.
Career progression
Enrol into the internal Paramedic Apprenticeship Programme to become a Paramedic
Salary
Location
Qualities
- Compassion and Empathy
- Good Communication Skills
Qualifications
- UK Driving Licence with C1 category (3.5 to 7.5 tonne vehicles)
Become a Paramedic
Summary
The Trust runs an internal education pathway, the Paramedic Apprenticeship Programme, in conjunction with the University of Cumbria for those aspiring to train to become a paramedic. This programme is open to staff with a minimum of two years front line SWAST NHS service as an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA), Ambulance Practitioner (AP) or Technician.
Higher level and degree apprenticeships are a great option for people of any age. As long as you’re committed and passionate, then you could benefit from the opportunity to learn and earn alongside your job in the Trust.
Apprenticeship programmes are designed to be studied whilst working, to help you progress academically and professionally in your programme of study and in your career. On the apprenticeship programme, you will benefit from a workplace mentor and a university personal tutor, who will work together to monitor your progress regularly
Career progression
Salary
Location
Qualities
Qualifications
- Minimum of 2 years experience as an ECA
- GCSE Grade 4-9 (A-C) in English Language and Maths or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills
How to get a C1
Step 1
Firstly, you must have obtained the C1 provisional category on your driving licence. To do this, order forms D2 and D4 from the .gov website. D2 is the application form for the addition of the provisional category itself. D4 is a medical form to ascertain that you meet Group 2 medical standards. Completion of the D4 should be by a registered GP, and will involve a medical examination conducted by the GP. Send both forms to the DVLA together to be processed, in order for the provisional category to be added.
Step 2
Secondly, upon receipt of your provisional licence, you have to sit the LGV Theory Assessment and LGV Hazard Perception Tests. These are conducted at your local DVLA Theory Test Centre. In order to prepare for your theory ands hazard perception, aside from the Highway Code, there are a number of LGV specific learning aids available on the internet.
As well as several useful digital apps which incorporate practice theory and hazard perception tests.
Step 3
Finally, upon completion of the above steps, you can start your practical training.
This is normally conducted over several days, in a small lorry type vehicle or very large van.
The test element is split into two parts. The reversing and manoeuvring exercise is usually conducted by the training provider themselves, with an independent designated examiner from within the provider’s team. This test takes approximately 15 minutes, and is used to assess your safe control of the vehicle in slow manoeuvring and reversing situations.
Step 4
The practical drive is the final test element. This is conducted by a DVSA examiner, normally in the vehicle you have trained in. You will be asked a small number of vehicle specific safety questions to start with. These assess your understanding of the safety elements to look out for on the vehicle before you consider driving it. The practical drive takes approximately 1 hour to complete, and assesses your ability to drive the vehicle safely within the law on a variety of road types.
Successful completion of the above will result in you gaining your C1 entitlement.
More information on the tests can be found on the DVSA website following the link below:
www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver
Providers/Costs
We work with a range of suppliers who deliver this training. You could contact one of these, or make your own enquiries with other training providers. Be diligent in your checks when choosing a training provider, to ensure you are getting the highest level of training possible.
Costs vary depending upon the supplier and how many days of training you require, but you should budget around £1100 for the whole process.
Please note that to work for the ambulance service you do not currently need to undertake the driver CPC components of the test.
Review our current vacancies to find you future career with SWASFT.
Complete application form via the online recruitment system (Trac) - Please use the 'Supporting Information' box to demonstrate how your skills and experience are suited to the role.
You will be invited to an face to face assessment day which will consist of the following:
- Group discussion
- Team Building Task
- Physical Assessment (Please see video for more details)
- Communication Exercise
If successful your application will be considered against our current vacancies for an upcoming course
You will receive a conditional offer via Trac which will be subject to the following checks:
- Identification checks
- DBS
- Occupational Health
- References
- Driving Licence Check
The course will be consist of the following:
- Corporate Induction
- Advance Driving Course
- Clinical Course
Applications are reviewed by the recruiting manager, you will receive notification via Trac regarding the shortlisting outcome.
If shortlisted you will receive a link to complete a Driver SJT, which is a pass or fail onto the next stage.
What does the application process involve?
From vibrant cities to tranquil rural areas, we bring exceptional services to all. Our dedicated teams ensure accessibility and coverage, providing support on the South West.
Working for us in the South West
Join us and work in this fabulous region of the country, where we have over 700 miles of stunning coastline, a number of historic towns, beautiful beaches and ancient monuments which draws in people across the UK and world. Their is lots to see and do whilst working in this ideallic area of the country. The South West attracts a population of over 23 million visitors each year.
Ambulance stations
Workshops
EOC
Trust HQ
HART
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Join our exceptional team and make a difference. Explore rewarding career opportunities and embark on a fulfilling journey with us today.
