999 - Dispatch Support Assistant - BicesterNHS
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has become available to join SCAS as an Dispatch Support Assistant.
We would be looking for successful candidates to start on our October 2026 course.
Dispatch Support Assistants are a vital link between a medical emergency taking place and help arriving at the scene. The Dispatch Support Assistant works as part of a team, assigning ambulance resources to emergency and urgent events whilst liaising with emergency call takers, ambulance crews and other emergency services.
No one day is like the last. You will be dealing with medical emergencies, traumatic events and major incidents; prioritising your workload and ensuring patients receive the right response, first time, every time.
This is a highly pressurised and quick moving role where you will need to keep a calm and level-headed approach.
Please note: This role does not support remote working. You will need to be available to work from our Emergency Operations Centre in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
Please use the link below to watch our video about the Dispatch Support Assistant role.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38mfMayAW84
Main duties of the job
As an Dispatch Support Assistant based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, you will assist your team in assigning ambulance resources to patients. You will use radio, text, telephone and computer aided dispatch systems to communicate with ambulance crews, ensuring they have the details and resources they need to treat the patients they are attending.
Working as an Dispatch Support Assistant role will expose you to a range of emergency incidents. You could be assigning an ambulance to a patient who has fallen or sending multiple resources to a cardiac arrest. You will need to think logically and tactically as you manage a workload that changes by the second. It is essential that you are able to multitask and manage tasks with competing priorities.
Job description
Roles and responsibilities of an Dispatch Support Assistant include:
- Support and assist emergency dispatchers by following their instructions and assisting with their duties
- Assist the emergency dispatchers to ensure the systems are maintained and alterations to vehicle movements can be made if advised by the emergency dispatcher
- Operate the radio and computer assisted systems on behalf of the emergency dispatcher to ensure the correct and accurate information is logged
To be successful in this role we require candidates to meet the following criteria:
- Competent in the use of IT systems
- GCSE grades 4-9 or equivalent in Maths and English
- Customer service experience from a telephone or face to face role
- Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities
- Good Knowledge of geographical area
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to listen and record information accurately
About us
At South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), every role contributes to helping people when they need us most. Whether delivering frontline care, supporting our Emergency Operations Centres, or working in corporate and support services, your work makes a meaningful difference every day.
Our values of Caring, Professional and Honest guide everything we do. We care for our patients, communities and each other, act professionally with pride and a commitment to excellence, and work honestly, building trust through openness, integrity and respect.
We offer a range of learning and development opportunities, wellbeing support, flexible working where service needs allow, membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, and a variety of staff benefits. We also work in partnership with our recognised trade unions,Unison, Unite GMB and RCN, which provide members with workplace support, representation and advice.
SCAS is proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are valued for who they are, and have opportunities to grow and succeed.
Join SCAS and help us deliver exceptional care when it matters most.