999 - Dispatch Support Assistant - Otterbourne

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust; South Derbyshire; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS benefits

Annual leave 27-33 days

Free parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust in Otterbourne, Hampshire, is recruiting a Dispatch Support Assistant for the Emergency Operations Centre. You will coordinate ambulance resources, monitor ongoing operations, and support crews during a variety of incidents.

Training begins January 2027 with March 2027 intake as available. Ideal candidates stay calm under pressure, possess resilience, and maintain a positive, team-focused approach.

Qualifications

• GCSE grades 4-9 or equivalent in Maths and English
• NHS Pathways Licence
• NVQ 2/3 in Customer Care, Contact Centre Operations or Call Handling Operations
• Customer Service experience from a telephone based or face to face role
• Competent in the use of IT systems

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ambulance resources and monitor operational activity.
• Support frontline crews responding to a wide range of incidents.
• Act as a vital link between Emergency Call Takers, frontline crews and partner emergency services.
• Ensure patients receive the right response at the right time.

Skills

Customer service

IT systems

Geography knowledge

Multitasking

Time pressure

Education

GCSE Maths & English

NHS Pathways Licence

NVQ 2/3 in Customer Care/Call Handling

Tools

Emergency Dispatch IT Systems

Job description

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

999 - Dispatch Support Assistant - Otterbourne

The closing date is 22 November 2026

When someone dials 999, every second matters. Behind every ambulance response is a dedicated team working together to get help to patients as quickly and safely as possible. As a Dispatch Support Assistant, you could play a vital role in making that happen.

We are looking for motivated and resilient individuals to join our Emergency Operations Centre in Otterbourne, Hampshire; who are looking to commence on our 25th January 2027 training course, however a later course in March 2027 is also available.

Working alongside Emergency Dispatchers, you will help coordinate ambulance resources, monitor operational activity, and support crews responding to a wide range of incidents. Acting as a vital link between Emergency Call Takers, frontline ambulance crews and partner emergency services, you will help ensure patients receive the right response at the right time

This is a fast-paced and rewarding role where no two days are the same. Supporting responses to emergencies and major incidents, you'll work as part of a dedicated team helping patients receive the care they need.

Please note:

• This role is based at our Emergency Operations Centre in Otterbourne, Hampshire and does not support remote or home working.
• Successful candidates must be able to work a rotating shift pattern covering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

To learn more about the role, please watch our Dispatch Support Assistant video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38mfMayAW84

Main duties of the job

If you're looking for a career that will challenge you, develop you, and give you the opportunity to make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

You don't need ambulance service or healthcare experience. We're looking for people with:

• The ability to stay calm under pressure
• Resilience
• A positive, team-focused approach
• A genuine desire to help others

About us

Why You'll Love Working with Us

Starting at £13.17 per hour, plus generous NHS pay enhancements:

• +35% uplift(up to £17.78/hr):Saturdays & weekday nights
• +69% uplift(up to £22.26/hr):Sundays & bank holidays

And of course -- the full package of NHS benefits, including:

• 27-33 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Free parking
• Employee Assistance Programme

This is your chance to build an NHS career with real progression and stability.

Flexible working requests will be considered in line with business requirements.

Job responsibilities

Please review attached job description for further details on this role.

We provide a comprehensive training programme designed to support you every step of the way.

Your Training Journey

First 2 weeks: Classroom training, MonFri, 08:00 - 16:00

Next steps:

• 4 weeks of one-to-one coaching shifts.
• Calls will be selected randomly for auditing.
• Final sign-off observation with Education Team.

These will be full-time hours, and attendance is mandatory throughout the programme.

Ready to make a difference?

Join a team that saves lives, supports communities, and values every single person who walks through the door.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• GCSE grades 4-9 or equivalent in Maths and English
• NHS Pathways Licence
• NVQ 2/3 in Customer Care, Contact Centre Operations or Call Handling Operations

Knowledge & Experience

• Customer Service experience from a telephone based or face to face role
• Competent in the use of IT systems
• Good Knowledge of geographical area
• Demonstrable ability to multitask and manage competing priorities
• Demonstrable Experience of working in a time pressured environment
• Previous experience of working in an Emergency Communications Centre or Call Centre
• Previous experience of using Emergency Dispatch IT Systems

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 name

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

£25,760 to £27,476 a yearpro rata per annum