Job Summary
Imagine a large tree has fallen on your child and they're trapped, screaming and helpless unable to move, or your friend collapses in front of you and they're no longer breathing, a train crash with multiple casualties or someone on the edge of a bridge threatening to take their own life. What do you do? What's your instinct? Most of us will pick up the phone and dial 999 straight away. Do you have the ability to be logical when those around you are lost in the middle of a crisis? Can you be the calm, soothing, and level‑headed influence when we help new parents welcome their children to the world?
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.
Main duties of the job
As an ambulance Emergency Call Taker here at SCAS based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, you could be the last voice that someone hears, as well as the first. We focus on caring for others during the best and worst moments of their life. In 2022, Emergency Call Takers at SCAS helped deliver 48 babies and successfully resuscitated 161 patients at the scene of an emergency. To be a part of our team and work in a privileged and trusted role with members of the public, you'll need a good listening ear, attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to use your voice to control a situation. Your words will lead your caller to a state of calm from afar, whilst you arrange the appropriate help for them. You do not need to have a medical background, just a desire to help. You'll need to be detailed and efficient, assertive but compassionate.
Looking after yourself and caring for the team around you should also be a priority for you. We all contribute professionally to the wider team that we operate within here at SCAS, as we all have an important role to play in patient care. If this sounds like a challenge you'll relish, and you have the resilience to achieve this time and time again throughout your working day, we want to hear from you!
About Us
Benefits we offer:
* Full training and a range of courses which you can book locally.
* Holiday entitlement of 27 days, rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service, plus an additional 8 days bank holiday (pro rata for part time).
* Automatic enrolment into the NHS Pension Scheme.
* Access to continual professional development within SCAS and the wider NHS.
* Occupational Health support and direct access to our Employee Assistance Programme as well as our own Health and Wellbeing Team.
* NHS Discounts in over 200 stores saving money on holidays, days out, car insurance, restaurants, clothing and much more.
* Ability to join our staff networking groups (as a member, ally or just for interest).
Corporate Induction
It's really important for us to ensure you have the best onboarding experience which allows you to feel a sense of belonging from the start. To help with this, we will book your Corporate Induction as soon as we possibly can (depending on availability).
All new starters need to attend our Corporate Induction in person, this is held over one and a half days from our educational centres based in: Newbury (Berkshire), Bicester (Oxfordshire) or Whiteley (Hampshire). More specific details will be sent to you once your start date has been confirmed.
Please note - depending on your role additional training may be required following on from your corporate induction.
Details
Date posted 09 December 2025
Pay scheme Agenda for change
Band Band 3
Salary £24,937 to £26,598 a year pro rata per annum
Contract Permanent
Working pattern Full‑time, Part‑time
Reference number 195‑25‑ECTN‑CWB
Job locations Northern House, Talisman Road, Bicester, OX26 6HR
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications & Training
* Good standard of education (i.e. 2 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English) or equivalent demonstrable experience.
Essential Knowledge & Experience
* Experience of working in a customer focused environment.
* Experience of using a computerised system.
Essential Skills & Aptitudes
* Attention to detail and accurate data entry skills.
* Ability to use communication and computerised systems.
Desirable
* Experience of working in a call centre.
* Experience of working rotating shifts.
* Previous NHS experience.
* Previous experience of patient care.
* Map reading.
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 details
Employer name South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Address Northern House, Talisman Road, Bicester, OX26 6HR
Employer's website https://scasjobs.co.uk/
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