A Vacancy at South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
111 Call Handler (Health Advisor) – Gillingham
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 receives a huge variety of calls which means no two days are ever the same.
Progression Opportunities
* Excellent training and career development within the call centres.
* Opportunities to explore different roles within the wider Trust such as Human Resources and Administration and operational front‑line roles.
* Path to careers as a Paramedic or in Senior Management.
What makes a great NHS 111 Call Handler (Health Advisor)?
* All caring and empathetic.
* Great communication skills and love talking to people.
* Happy and able to work flexibly.
* Love making a difference to people's lives.
The role of a SECAmb Call Handler
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 is not for everyone. Applicants will need 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 a varied shift pattern including earlies, lates and weekends. Due to our flexible working, we will work with you to create a rota that gives you a great work/life balance while 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 consider this before making your application.
Why Work At South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAMB)?
* Competitive salary of £24,937 – £26,598 with the earning potential of up to £30,000 per annum.
* Any unsocial hours worked attract an enhancement in line with Section 2 Agenda for Change.
* Generous NHS Pension Scheme.
* 35 days’ annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays (pro rata).
* Free parking.
* Access to Blue Light discounts.
* Award‑winning Wellbeing hub.
* Staff networks.
* Training and development.
* Salary Sacrifice schemes for cars or push bikes.
* Free Enhanced DBS check.
* Bonus scheme.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, the starting salary for staff new to the NHS will be the bottom point of the band to which they have been appointed.
Training Provided
We will provide full training in a warm, friendly environment in our NHS 111 Call Centre.
Our comprehensive training programme:
* 9 weeks training.
* Training will be full‑time (even for part‑time applicants).
* Has a ‘must’ attend policy and no annual leave is permitted during this period.
* Comprises of classroom, observing and mentoring periods within the working environment.
* Designed to fully support full transition to call handling independently.
Training schedules
* Weeks 1 – 3: Classroom Training, Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 16:00.
* Week 4 & 5 – Mentoring: variable shift pattern whilst shadowing coaches' shifts.
* Weeks 6 – 9 – Diamond Pod: variable shift pattern.
Applicant Requirements
* High levels of personal commitment to facilitate the delivery of a patient‑focused service.
* Drive and passion to make a difference to people’s lives.
* Personal resilience to work in a high‑pressure environment.
* Ability to work well within a team and independently.
* Fast/accurate typing skills.
* Good standard of education: GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) at Grade C or above (2018 Grade 4).
* Remain calm under pressure, good at problem solving and 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.
This advert closes on Wednesday 18 Mar 2026.
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