Job overview
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 August 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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE grades 4-9 or equivalent in Maths and English
Desirable
- NHS Pathways Licence
- NVQ 2/3 in Customer Care, Contact Centre Operations or Call Handling Operations
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- 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
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in an Emergency Communications Centre or Call Centre
- Previous experience of using Emergency Dispatch IT Systems
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for 999 - Dispatch Support Assistant - Bicester with South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust in Bicester, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 pro rata per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 03 Aug 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 (20 Jul 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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