JOB NEWS: The North East Ambulance Service is hiring 999 Call Handlers to work at sites across the region on a Part-time basis
• Health Advisor – 111 / 999 Call Taker
• Employer: North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
• Location: Various sites across the North East (Newcastle, Hebburn, Wynyard)
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Part-time – 16 or 20 hours per week
• Salary: £24,937 – £26,598 per year (Band 3, pro rata)
• Additional Pay: Unsocial hours payments as per NHS Terms & Conditions
• Potential Earnings: £29,500 – £31,500 per year pro rata including unsocial hours
• Job Reference: 340-HAN2-01-26
• Closing Date: 10 February 2026 (23:59)
• Role Overview:
• Acting as the first point of contact for patients calling NHS 111 and 999
• Providing calm, professional support to callers in urgent and emergency situations
• Using computerised medical assessment systems to determine appropriate care pathways
• Playing a vital role in delivering safe, effective, and responsive care across the region
• Key Duties:
• Answering and managing 111 and 999 calls in a pressurised environment
• Gathering and recording patient demographic and clinical information accurately
• Using NHS Pathways systems to assess needs and determine appropriate responses
• Providing basic health advice and reassurance to callers
• Directing patients to the most appropriate service, including ambulances, GPs, dentists, or community services
• Working collaboratively within Operations Centres
• Occasionally working from alternative Trust sites to support service needs
• Working Pattern:
• 24/7 service requiring shift work
• Includes evenings, weekends, and Bank Holidays (including Christmas)
• Any Bank Holidays worked are added to annual leave allowance
• Training & Development:
• Full training provided – no medical knowledge required
• Initial training focused on 111 calls (pass/fail)
• Career progression programme with development into 999 call handling within 12 months
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities within healthcare
• Essential Requirements:
• Minimum of 3 GCSEs at Grade C or equivalent including English, or relevant call-handling experience
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to remain calm, resilient, and decisive under pressure
• Confidence using IT systems and recording information accurately
• Ability to communicate clearly in spoken and written English
• Additional Information:
• DBS check required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
• Disability Confident Leader employer
• Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Veteran Aware and Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award employer
• Benefits:
• NHS pension scheme
• Annual leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays
• Access to health, wellbeing, and employee support services
• Career development within the NHS
• Apply:
• Apply online via NHS Jobs
• Informal enquiries: Recruitment Team – recruitment@neas.nhs.uk
To apply please see the official job vacancy page here.
