
Job overview
111 Call Handler (Health Advisor) - Crawley
Join your local Ambulance Service! Your NHS needs YOU!
Our NHS 111 Call Handlers (Health Advisors) are people just like you: people who have come to us from all walks of life, from different backgrounds and age groups, people who all have the same things in common.
You are the first person our patients speak to when they call 111, it could be urgent and they may require an ambulance. Alternatively, they simply are in need of some advice and support from you.
The 111 service receive a huge variety of calls which means no two days are ever the same.
Progression Opportunities
We offer excellent training and career development opportunities for ambitious employees both within the call centres and also opportunities to explore different roles within the wider Trust such as Human Resources and Administration and operational front-line roles, leading to a career as a Paramedic or in Senior Management.
What makes a great NHS 111 Call Handler (Health Advisor)?
- Our 111 Call Handlers are all caring and empathetic
- They all have great communication skills and love talking to people
- They're all happy and able to work flexibly
- They all love making a difference to people's lives
Main duties of the job
When you ring 111 or 999, your call goes through to a call handler based in one of our 3 Emergency Operation/Contact Centres. These staff are trained to use the NHS Pathways system to provide assistance in a variety of situations, from minor illness to life threatening situations. The assistance you will provide will range from offering lifesaving advice whilst an ambulance is on route, to directing callers to other more suitable services.
This role can be demanding, challenging and ultimately very rewarding however, it's not for everyone. Applicants will need to have a range of skills to be able to deal with often stressful and emotional situations, whilst also demonstrating compassion and empathy to all callers, no matter what the situation.
As we are a 24/7 service, this role will involve working a varied shift pattern including earlies, lates and weekends but due to our flexible working, we will work with you to create a rota that gives you a great work/life balance whilst meeting the needs of the trust.
Please note that it is a requirement to work 3 out of 4 weekends, even if you are applying for a part time position. Please give this consideration before making your application.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Applicant Requirements
Successful applicants will demonstrate high levels of personal commitment to facilitate the delivery of a patient focused service.
We need individuals who have the drive and passion to make a difference to people’s lives, but also the personal resilience to work in a high-pressured environment.
You will need to be able to work well within a team and independently, have fast/accurate typing skills and a good standard of education. Successful candidates must possess GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications) at Grade C or above (2018 Grade 4).
This role is suited to people who remain calm under pressure, good at problem solving and have excellent interpersonal skills, with an empathetic nature.
Further Information
If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be required to complete an online Psychometric test as part of the recruitment process.
All successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check for children and adults.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience working and communicating with the public
- Ability to communicate with a variety of different people and build rapport
Desirable
- Experience of working in a computer based role - strong IT skills
- Previous experience of working within a team or with stakeholders across a range of setting
Qualifications/Training
Essential
- Educated to GCSE or Functional Skills in Maths, English and ICT skills OR evidence within previous employment that they have used Maths and English to GCSE level or higher
Desirable
- NHSP Pathways trained or other medical triage system background
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for 111 Health Advisor (Call Handler) - Crawley with South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust in Crawley, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Ambulance and emergency care role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 24 Jun 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (15 Jun 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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