Bolton Careers Fair: Opportunities with NWAS

Following the popularity of its recent call handler job post, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) is running live job vacancies giving members of the public the opportunity to join its 111 teams at Middlebrook in Bolton and Estuary Point in Liverpool.

The role involves working in a team that answers urgent calls, offering medical advice and support to communities across the North West. Providing urgent and lifesaving instructions for example giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructions on the phone and giving reassurance in what may be a distressing situation is essential. Do you have what it takes?

Lilian Ringrose (pictured) tells us why she loves working as a call handler and what to expect.

She said: “This isn't a normal 9-5 job - it is not always easy. You need to be motivated and dedicated to your role and have the ability to power through hardships. You will take many good calls too; every day is a challenge, but you learn so much. For me working with NWAS is so beneficial and rewarding in multiple ways. I grew up assisting with care for family members who had medical needs and that gave me such an appreciation for those that worked within the service.

“My long-term goal is to progress further into roles within NWAS and working as a 111-call handler has already shown what my career progression could be.”

NWAS’ 111 teams will be at the Bolton News Careers Fair on Thursday 29 June to answer any questions about the role and talk about other job opportunities coming up within the service. The application process for any job can sometimes feel quite daunting, so the team on the day will provide more information about the role of a 111-call handler, what a typical day may look like, and offer a walk-through of the application to help anybody thinking about a career in 111.

Paul Johnston, 111 Service Delivery Manager says: “We receive thousands of call-handler applications each year but by coming to the event and speaking to our team including people already in the role, visitors can get to know the team ahead of submitting an application. We are looking forward to meeting you.”

The salary range for a call handler in 111 is £22,816 – £24,336 per annum, there are full-time and part-time positions available (30 and 37.5 hours working between 0800-0200, Monday-Sunday). An additional payment is made for staff working unsocial hours, evenings, and weekends.