The Patient Care Services tier of the organisation plays a dynamic role in the care, management and transportation of patients to and from healthcare facilities, who do not require the skills and interventions of a Paramedic or EMT. Ambulance Care Attendants provide a quality, caring service for those patients who may require transport based on mobility need, for example, a wheelchair user or patient on a stretcher, and/or for patients who may require oxygen therapy.
Though working as an Ambulance Care Attendant is a rewarding career in itself, the NIAS follows a nationally recognised education and development framework for career progression. The Patient Care Services tier provides an excellent entry level for those wishing to progress their career to EMT and Paramedic, subject to meeting the criteria for these posts.
Entry Qualifications for Ambulance Care Attendant Training
Previous experience is not essential, nor is it essential to hold formal educational qualifications, but applicants should hold a full unrestricted driving licence, which must include categories C1 and D1. Applicants with up to 3 penalty points on their licence will be considered.
All shortlisted applicants will be required to undertake numeracy and literacy tests, and a driving assessment.
The Selection and Recruitment Process
| Stage 1 | Apply online at https://jobs.hscni.net by the stated closing date. Refer to https://jobs.hscni.net/Information/32/help-with-your-application for assistance if necessary. |
| Stage 2 | Only those applicants who clearly demonstrate in their application how they meet the essential (and desirable where stated) criteria, as outlined on the Personnel Specification, will be shortlisted. It is essential that you detail under the relevant headings on the application form how, and to what extent, your qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience fulfil each of the criteria. Failure to do so will result in you not being shortlisted.
It should be noted that in the case of large numbers of applicants the desirable criteria will be used to shortlist. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted |
| Stage 3 | a) Interviews
Please note: candidates will be expected to present their Driving Licence (original, both parts) on arrival at the interview venue It is anticipated that interviews will take place on: b) Driving assessment in an ambulance-type vehicle with a NIAS Qualified Ambulance Driving Instructor It is anticipated that driving assessments will take place on: Please note: Alternative dates for Interviews or Driving Assessments are NOT available. |
| Stage 4 | CONDITIONAL OFFER/PRE-EMPLOYMENT CHECKS
Completion of Personal Declaration Please note: It is the applicant’s responsibility to comply with Recruitment Shared Service Centre (RSSC) requests regarding the above pre-employment checks in a timely manner. |
| Stage 5 | FINAL OFFER OF A PLACE ON ACA TRAINING PROGRAMME – L3CAPCNUCS Level 3 Certificate in Ambulance Patient Care: Non-Urgent Care Services |
| Stage 6 | If you successfully complete Stages 1-5, a pre-employment consultancy check will be carried out. The Human Resources Department will contact you with an official offer of employment and a start date for your four weeks training for NIAS Patient Care Service/Intermediate Care Service. |
Training
Training to become an Ambulance Care Attendant will be provided by Tutors from the Regional Ambulance Training Centre (RATC). These tutors themselves have gone through rigorous training and development overseen by the UK Ambulance Service Awarding Body, IHCD (London Qualifications Ltd) and they will provide you with first class training, advice and guidance.
You will undertake 2 IHCD modules, which are delivered on a residential basis to allow time for study and practice. You will receive pre-learning materials at least 2 weeks before the start of training to allow you to prepare for the course.
Both modules are accredited by the IHCD (London Qualifications Ltd), the governing body for all ambulance awards. The training provides essential information and teaches practical skills to equip the Ambulance Care Attendant to perform their role as effectively and efficiently as possible. The knowledge and skills gained will enable the student to become a competent and caring Ambulance Care Attendant.
Modules covered include: Organisation and management; non-emergency patients, moving and lifting patients, illness and injury.