Justice and Community Safety

Department: Justice and Community Safety Position Number: P09962 (Various) Agency: Emergency Services Agency Position Title: Ambulance Paramedic Branch: ACT Ambulance Service Section: Operations Classification: Ambulance Paramedic

Approved Chief Officer ACTAS July 2011 EVA. No. Version 1 July 2011

Our Vision: A safe, fair and peaceful community, where legal and human rights are protected by the justice system. Department Agency Branch / Section Organisational Chart Justice and Community Safety Emergency Services Agency (ESA) ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) Reporting Relationships

The ACT Emergency Services Agency is The ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) is The activities and services that we responsible for emergency management responsible for providing emergency and Chief Officer deliver or contribute to, are and related support arrangements in the non-emergency ambulance services to fundamental to the maintenance of Territory. The Agency’s four operational the ACT community. the rule of law, our Westminster style services are Act Ambulance Service, ACT of democratic government and the  Fire Brigade, ACT Rural Fire Service and appreciation of principles of fairness, ACTAS also provides Ambulance Deputy Chief the ACT State Emergency Service. Paramedics to and conducts the day-to- equity and tolerance in the Officer relationship between the government day management of, the Snowy Hydro and our community. The Emergency Services Agency SouthCare helicopter. undertakes to:  Our vision is achieved through provide emergency services 24 hours Snowy Hydro SouthCare is a joint General Manager providing high quality legal, law- per day every day of the year; initiative of the governments of New (Operations) related and regulatory services. provide its services efficiently and South Wales and the ACT, and provides Together, our services are directed effectively within resource allocations; aeromedical rescue and retrieval services  towards outcomes that: ensure that compliance activity meets to the ACT and south-eastern New South Operations legislative standards on all occasions;  Protect the rights, safety and Wales. Manager use best practice in the provision of property of citizens; (Emergency) assistance for emergencies and the  Deliver a justice system that conduct of community education and Further information can be obtained on protects the community, supports  awareness programs; and the ACTAS website victims, treats accused and train and equip our people to maintain http://www.ambulance.act.gov.au Duty Officer convicted persons fairly and readiness and deliver emergency Operations provides offenders with the services to meet agreed standards and opportunity for reintegration; and benchmarks.  Promote a fair, equitable, inclusive  and democratic society. Further information can be obtained on the ESA website http://www.esa.act.gov.au Ambulance Paramedic Department: Justice and Community Safety Position Number: P09962 (Various) Agency: Emergency Services Agency Position Title: Ambulance Paramedic Branch: ACT Ambulance Service Section: Operations Classification: Ambulance Paramedic

Duties / Responsibilities

Under broad direction of the Duty Officer (Operations):

1. Provide clinical patient care using ACTAS Clinical Management Guidelines focused on preserving life, promoting recovery and preventing further deterioration of a patient’s condition in the pre-hospital environment.

2. Provide effective pre-hospital scene management, contributing to patient safety, risk minimisation and safe work activities.

3. Undertake annual in-service requirement linked to professional development and participate in quality assurance and clinical review processes.

4. Check, operationally maintain, and report on the ambulance vehicle and its equipment.

5. Identify improvements to procedures and practices and submit recommendations to appropriate manager or committee.

6. Supervise /mentor Student Paramedics.

7. Demonstrate and apply professional driving skills under emergency and non-emergency conditions.

8. Ensure all work practices comply with Workplace Safety ACT 2008.

9. Perform any duties as required and directed by the Chief Officer, within competency and skill level, provided such duties comply with any relevant legislation.

10. Maintain appropriate records in compliance with the Territory Records Act 2002 and Health Records (Privacy and Access) Act 1994. Department: Justice and Community Safety Position Number: P09962 (Various) Agency: Emergency Services Agency Position Title: Ambulance Paramedic Branch: ACT Ambulance Service Section: Operations Classification: Ambulance Paramedic

Approved Chief Officer ACTAS July 2011 EVA. No. Version 1 July 2011 Department: Justice and Community Safety Position Number: P09962 (Various) Agency: Emergency Services Agency Position Title: Ambulance Paramedic Branch: ACT Ambulance Service Section: Operations Classification: Ambulance Paramedic

Competency Areas Selection Criteria (and examples)

Response A response should be made to each individual Selection Criteria. Applicants should address the numbered selection criteria Guidelines only and provide supporting evidence. Please limit your response to one A4 page (maximum) against each of the Selection Criteria.

Client / Customer Service 1. Patient Service Focus

For example: o Provide effective scene management, contributing to patient safety, risk minimisation and safe work activities; o Develop positive working relationships with all stakeholders / community members; o Ability to deliver ambulance services to patients in diverse circumstances.

Working with Others / Teams 2. Provide leadership

For example: o Give and receive feedback on performance; o Exercise initiative and judgement often in complex, time critical and life threatening emergency situations with limited supervision.

Communication 3. Exercise high level written and verbal communication skills

For example: o Manage and prioritise sensitive, contentious or conflicting information; o Monitor and prepare reports on operational incidents, ACTAS procedures and practices; o Encourage and develop effective workplace relationships; o Foster trust and respect in others. Department: Justice and Community Safety Position Number: P09962 (Various) Agency: Emergency Services Agency Position Title: Ambulance Paramedic Branch: ACT Ambulance Service Section: Operations Classification: Ambulance Paramedic

Competency Areas Selection Criteria (and examples)

Performance 4. Monitor performance and provide feedback

For example: o Experience in supervision and mentoring of students; o Commitment to self development and improvement.

Fair & Safe Workplace 5. Promote the values of Respect, Equity and Diversity in workplace activities and implement workplace safety Practises procedures and programs

For example: o Provide ethical leadership; o Establish and monitor processes and practices that encourage integrity; o Identify hazards and assess risks; o Comply with Workplace Safety ACT 2008; o Understand the needs of diverse work groups and diverse community groups.

MANDATORY Qualifications a) Diploma of Paramedical Science (Ambulance).

b) Minimum of 12 months experience as an ambulance paramedic.

c) Current or recent ambulance experience.

d) Current ACT C driver’s licence or interstate equivalent.

Note: (“recent ambulance experience” means within 6 months of date of application) Department: Justice and Community Safety Position Number: P09962 (Various) Agency: Emergency Services Agency Position Title: Ambulance Paramedic Branch: ACT Ambulance Service Section: Operations Classification: Ambulance Paramedic

Approved Chief Officer ACTAS July 2011 EVA. No. Version 1 July 2011 7

ACT AMBULANCE SERVICE Applicant Information Ambulance Paramedic

The ACTAS, established under Section 40 of the Emergencies Act 2004, operates as one of the four operational arms of the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA), which form part of the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

Under the Emergencies Act 2004, the services of the ESA (ACTAS, ACT Fire Brigade, ACT State Emergency Services and ACT Rural Fire Service) work in collaboration to:

 protect and preserve life, property and the environment; and  provide for effective emergency management; and  provide for the effective and cohesive management by the Commissioner of the State Emergency Service, the Ambulance Service, the Fire Brigade and the Rural Fire Service; and  recognise the value to the community of all emergency service members, including volunteer members.

The Chief Officer, responsible to the ESA Commissioner leads the daily functions of the ACTAS.

The ACTAS is a progressive organisation, with responsibility to provide pre-hospital emergency care and transport to the people of the Australian Capital Territory and its immediate surrounds. As an Intensive Care Paramedic Service, ACTAS is able to offer the highest level of pre-hospital emergency care to the community. The majority of ACTAS units are crewed by at least one Intensive Care Paramedic. Additionally, all trainee officers successfully completing the Advanced Diploma of Paramedical Science (Ambulance) provided by ACTAS are trained to Intensive Care Paramedic level.

The ACTAS operates from seven stations within the Australian Capital Territory and provides seven double-crewed Intensive care ambulances on-duty twenty-four hours a day, demand modelled crews between 0700 – 2300 and non-urgent patient transport services. In addition, the ACTAS crews an aero medical rescue service for the ACT and southeastern NSW utilising a Bell 412 helicopter based in the Canberra suburb of Symonston.

ACTAS operates one of the most modern fleets in Australia of Intensive Care vehicles, non-urgent patient transport and specialist vehicles including 4WD, Operational Support and Single Response Units. Additional specialist fleet capability includes CBR / USAR trailer and a bariatric vehicle. The ACTAS responds to approximately 2700 incidents per calendar month. This includes medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, sporting accidents, and routine medical transfers. The respective percentages of cases are approximately: 80% urgent and 20% routine.

ACTAS non-urgent patient transport vehicles are crewed by Patient Transport Officers who receive training to Cert III (Patient Transport). ACTAS members engaged in crewing the Bell 412 helicopter hold Intensive Care Paramedic qualifications and have completed specialist aeromedical training.

Commencement date for this recruitment process is planned for 17th October 2011. 8

Conditions of Service

Ambulance Paramedics will be employed under the terms and employment conditions of the ACT Public Service and the Justice and Community Safety Directorate Enterprise Agreement. An initial minimum period of three months probation applies prior to appointment being confirmed however in accordance with the Agreement, probation periods applying to this position may be varied with due regard to the particular circumstances of employment.

Applicants should note that the proposed base salary ranges applying to this position and incremental advances as described in (Table 1) remain subject to formal approval of the new Enterprise Agreement which is currently being progressed.

Applicants must note that continued employment with the ACTAS remains subject to satisfactory completion of all assessment requirements for an Authority to Practice at Ambulance Paramedic level.

Following a period of practice at Ambulance Paramedic level of not less than 12 months, applicants may be provided with the opportunity to progress to Intensive Care Paramedic level. ACTAS is currently exploring pathways to achieve this via a tertiary post-graduate qualification, completed as an external student and combined with structured, supervised clinical experience within the workplace. Applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree would be afforded the opportunity to complete a degree before being considered for progression to ICP.

The nominal period for completion of the post-graduate ICP qualification would be 2 years.

Offers to progress to the ICP level will be dependent on the operational requirements of the ACT Ambulance Service.

Remuneration

Following successful completion of all training and assessment requirements, a period of supervised practice and receipt of Authority to Practice, Ambulance Paramedics will advance through the following increments:

Table 1

Ambulance Base Penalty Rates Paramedic Salary from 1.7.10 Penalties Overtime Total 1st Increment $58,363 $15,554 $4,161 $78,078

2nd increment $61,279 $16,331 $4,369 $81,979

3rd increment $63, 610 $16,952 $4,535 $85,097

4th increment $65,899 $17,562 $4,699 $88,160

Note: Starting increments for Applicants may be varied from Increment 1 to Increment 4. This will remain subject to recommendations of the SAC to the delegate informed by previous experience of the Applicant at Ambulance Paramedic level.

In addition to annual salary, the position is entitled to salary packaging with a fringe benefits tax- free threshold up to $9,095.00. 9

Financial Support for Relocation Costs

Financial assistance is available to an applicant recruited from interstate. The pre-determined ceiling is $12,000 for singles, increased by $2,000 for each dependant (maximum of six dependants). Reimbursement above six dependants will increase by $1,750 for each additional dependent.

Applicants must note that relocation support payments made to an officer recruited from interstate remain subject to repayment under a sliding scale where an employee terminates their employment with the ACTAS at less than 36 months service and does not commence employment with another ACT Public Service agency within one month. 10

ACT AMBULANCE SERVICE Applicant Information Ambulance Paramedic

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: PLEASE READ THIS THOROUGHLY

1. Preparing your Application

Selection Criteria are designed to help relate the factors in the definition of efficiency to the requirements of the particular position being considered. They have been established with reference to the duties of the position to be filled. They call for certain abilities, qualifications, experience, standards of work performance and personal qualities relevant to the duties of the vacant position. The Selection Criteria and Duty Statement are attached. All important Selection Criteria are of equal weight.

Application should be made including the Job Application Cover Sheet. When preparing your application, address each Selection Criterion individually taking into account your abilities, specific examples of that criteria, qualifications, experience and personal qualities relevant to the position of Ambulance Paramedic. Please contact the contact officer in relation to assistance with addressing selection criteria.

You should prepare your application on the basis that the Selection Advisory Committee (SAC) has no prior knowledge of you. Each of the Selection Criteria should be addressed in sufficient detail and complexity using examples to enable the panel to consider your application.

NB: You should ensure that you provide examples to substantiate your claims. In addressing the Selection Criteria you should avoid making unsubstantiated claims. Please see the Statutory Declaration on the last page. As a general guide, applicants should limit the equivalent of about one typewritten page per criterion. Please take care with your writing if preparing handwritten documentation (typewritten applications are preferred).

2. Training Documentation

Documentation certifying current (or recent) experience as an Ambulance Paramedic and Diploma of Paramedical Science (Ambulance), including an academic transcript of units completed, must be included with your application.

3. Workplace Diversity

The ACTAS is an equal opportunity employer working within a framework recognising and applying the principles of Respect, Equity and Diversity. These principles are applied to the Selection process and afforded to all applicants.

4. Shortlisting on the basis of Applications

The purpose of short listing is to identify applicants who warrant further investigation. Short listing is usually restricted to those who have demonstrated strong claims for selection. It is not necessary for the SAC to make an assessment of every applicant against every criterion. Failure by an applicant to demonstrate claims against one or more of the key criteria may be sufficient to exclude an applicant from further consideration. On the basis of the written application, the SAC will shortlist a group of applicants who will be considered further in the assessment process. It is important therefore, that your application be well substantiated. If you are not short listed for interview, you will be advised in writing. 11

The Selection Process

5. Availability for further steps in the Selection Process

As an applicant you will be regarded as being available for further selection processes from the date applications close. Where possible, 10 working days notice will be given of further selection details to short listed applicants

Applicants will be expected to attend at their own expense. The process of selection is outlined further in this document. Prior to each stage in the selection process, you will be sent specific information relevant to the next step.

6. Medical Examination / Fitness Assessment

Applicants who are being considered for appointment may be required to undertake a medical examination and fitness assessment. This will be performed at the expense of the ACTAS. An offer of position will be dependent on satisfactory outcome.

7. Driving Record

Your driving record will be reviewed. You are required to have no suspensions within the last two (2) years and must be carrying no more than 50% (maximum) demerit points. It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain a point’s demerit transcript from the relevant motor transport authorities in your State or Territory. This transcript must be included with your application. You will also be responsible for any associated costs.

8. Competency Based Driving Assessment

Applicants may be required to undertake a competency based driving test. This will be conducted by ACTAS staff involved in the ACTAS Driving Standards Programme. Details of this test will be provided to applicants.

9. Clinical Assessment

Applicants will be required to undertake a written test of clinical knowledge at their current clinical level. This will cover basic anatomy and physiology, disease processes and general priorities and principles of ambulance management. It will be in a short answer / case history format. There is no requirement to answer clinical management questions with specific ACTAS information. The SAC is well aware of the differences in specific management between organisations, and therefore, the test will be structured and assessed to take this into account.

10. Functional Test

Following review of the medical examination, a work related functional (physical) test may be scheduled for those who are deemed medically suitable for the position. Full details of this test will be provided with the medical examination documentation.

11. Interview

The interview represents the final point in the selection process. All interviews will have broadly the same structure and each applicant will be given the opportunity to respond to similar areas of questioning. This will not preclude flexibility in pursuing individual leads or exploring particular areas of interest or experience of applicants. All interviews will be conducted face to face. Behavioural based questions based on the Selection Criteria and technical questions related to the position will form the basis of the questions. Phone interviews will not be offered. 12

12. Referee Reports - (Not required until interview)

Applicants are required to provide details of two referees in their application. Referees should be people who have recently supervised your work and who can offer comments against the Selection Criteria. You should ensure that referees have a copy of the Referee /Supervisor Report which will be sent to applicants shortlisted for interview.

A representative from the SAC will contact your current supervisor /employer and /or other persons familiar with your work, whether or not they have been nominated as a referee. This contact will involve obtaining general information about your previous employment including any disciplinary action taken, absenteeism, period of employment and general work ethic.

Applicants who are considered for employment will be given the opportunity to comment on any adverse referee or supervisor remarks if these would affect the outcome. It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain written referee reports. It is also your responsibility to ensure that your referees read the advice section of the referee report, and frame their report according to this advice.

13. Final Assessment

Final assessment and recommendation of any applicant for appointment will be based on written application, referee /supervisor reports, abilities demonstrated during the selection process, including interview and information obtained from current or previous employers in relation to your work. Following the interview, the SAC will submit recommendation to the Delegate.

14. Police Character Check

An applicant who is considered suitable to be offered the position will be required to agree to the ACTAS obtaining a police character check. Appointment is dependent on a satisfactory result. You are at liberty to refuse this check, however no job offer will be forthcoming.

15. Previous Employment Check

An applicant who is considered suitable to be offered appointment will be required to consent to the ACTAS contacting your current and previous employers. The service will request general information about your employment history including disciplinary action, absenteeism, current qualifications and period of employment. Appointment is dependent on a satisfactory result.

As the information is protected under the Privacy Act 1998, you will be asked at interview to sign an information release form. You are at liberty to refuse, however no job offer will be forthcoming.

16. Immunisations

Prior to commencement of employment, successful applicants will be required to provide the Service with evidence of current tetanus and hepatitis B immunisation. 13

17. Where and When to Apply

Applications, marked CONFIDENTIAL should be addressed to:

The Recruitment Officer Shared Services Centre Recruitment Services GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601 or by email (preferred method) to: [email protected]. Applications should be marked received by Shared Services Recruitment by the nominated closing date for applications. Applications received after the nominated date of closure will not be accepted unless a extension to lodgement has been approved.

Your application should contain:

 a completed Application Cover Sheet;  a brief curriculum vitae;  a statement addressing each of the Selection Criteria;  a points demerit transcript from the relevant motor registry authority in your State or Territory; and  completed Statutory Declaration.

Application Checklist, Application Coversheet and Referee's Report proforma can be located and downloaded at: www.jobs.act.gov.au/application_information

NB: Applicants should note that applications will not be acknowledged.

Contact Officer

For specific advice to the position please contact:

Mrs Barbara Stephens Recruitment Officer Telephone: (02) 62050388 E-mail: [email protected]

For advice on general conditions of employment, please contact the Shared Services Centre on (02) 6205 5444.

Statutory Declaration

The attached Statutory Declaration must be completed and submitted as part of your application. By completing the declaration, you are certifying that all the information supplied in your application is true and correct. Provision of information determined to be misleading or false will automatically exclude an applicant from the selection process.

Commonwealth of Australia STATUTORY DECLARATION Statutory Declarations Act 1959

1 Insert the 1 name, address I, and occupation of person making the declaration make the following declaration under the Statutory Declarations Act 1959:

2 Set out matter 2 declared to in numbered 1. I declare that all academic and professional qualifications submitted paragraphs with my application for the position of Ambulance Paramedic are genuine. I give my permission for the relevant educational or training institution to be contacted for verification of my qualifications.

2. I declare that the employment history submitted with my application is accurate. I give my permission for my previous employers to be contacted for verification of my employment history

3. I understand that any false statements concerning my qualifications or employment history may lead to dismissal

4. I understand that a person who intentionally makes a false statement in a statutory declaration is guilty of an offence under section 11 of the Statutory Declarations Act 1959, and I believe that the statements in this declaration are true in every particular.

3 Signature of 3 person making the declaration

4 Place 4 5 6 5 Day Declared at on of 6 Month and year Before me,

7 Signature of 7 person before whom the declaration is made (see over)

8 Full name, 8 qualification and address of person before whom the declaration is made (in printed letters) Note 1 A person who intentionally makes a false statement in a statutory declaration is guilty of an offence, the punishment for which is imprisonment for a term of 4 years — see section 11 of the Statutory Declarations Act 1959. Note 2 Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code applies to all offences against the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 — see section 5A of the Statutory Declarations Act 1959. 15

A statutory declaration under the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 may be made before– (1) a person who is currently licensed or registered under a law to practise in one of the following occupations: Chiropractor Dentist Legal practitioner Medical practitioner Nurse Optometrist Patent attorney Pharmacist Physiotherapist Psychologist Trade marks attorney Veterinary surgeon

(2) a person who is enrolled on the roll of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory, or the High Court of Australia, as a legal practitioner (however described); or

(3) a person who is in the following list: Agent of the Australian Postal Corporation who is in charge of an office supplying postal services to the public Australian Consular Officer or Australian Diplomatic Officer (within the meaning of the Consular Fees Act 1955) Bailiff Bank officer with 5 or more continuous years of service Building society officer with 5 or more years of continuous service Chief executive officer of a Commonwealth court Clerk of a court Commissioner for Affidavits Commissioner for Declarations Credit union officer with 5 or more years of continuous service Employee of the Australian Trade Commission who is: (a) in a country or place outside Australia; and (b) authorised under paragraph 3 (d) of the Consular Fees Act 1955; and (c) exercising his or her function in that place Employee of the Commonwealth who is: (a) in a country or place outside Australia; and (b) authorised under paragraph 3 (c) of the Consular Fees Act 1955; and (c) exercising his or her function in that place Fellow of the National Tax Accountants’ Association Finance company officer with 5 or more years of continuous service Holder of a statutory office not specified in another item in this list Judge of a court Justice of the Peace Magistrate Marriage celebrant registered under Subdivision C of Division 1 of Part IV of the Marriage Act 1961 Master of a court Member of Chartered Secretaries Australia Member of Engineers Australia, other than at the grade of student Member of the Association of Taxation and Management Accountants Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Member of the Australian Defence Force who is: (a) an officer; or (b) a non-commissioned officer within the meaning of the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 with 5 or more years of continuous service; or (c) a warrant officer within the meaning of that Act Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants or the National Institute of Accountants Member of: (a) the Parliament of the Commonwealth; or (b) the Parliament of a State; or (c) a Territory legislature; or (d) a local government authority of a State or Territory Minister of religion registered under Subdivision A of Division 1 of Part IV of the Marriage Act 1961 Notary public Permanent employee of the Australian Postal Corporation with 5 or more years of continuous service who is employed in an office supplying postal services to the public Permanent employee of: (a) the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority; or (b) a State or Territory or a State or Territory authority; or (c) a local government authority; with 5 or more years of continuous service who is not specified in another item in this list Person before whom a statutory declaration may be made under the law of the State or Territory in which the declaration is made Police officer Registrar, or Deputy Registrar, of a court Senior Executive Service employee of: (a) the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority; or (b) a State or Territory or a State or Territory authority Sheriff Sheriff’s officer Teacher employed on a full-time basis at a school or tertiary education institution 16

CONSENT TO RELEASE OF PERSONAL AND MEDICAL INFORMATION

PLEASE READ THIS CONSENT CAREFULLY AND DO NOT SIGN THIS FORM IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT OR DO NOT AGREE WITH ITS TERMS

To Whom It May Concern:

I, ………………………………………………….. (APPLICANT’S NAME) of…………………………………………………………………………………… (APPLICANT’S ADDRESS) hereby consent to the release of personal and medical information about me held by my current or previous employers to the ACT Ambulance Service for the purposes of Recruitment.

I understand any health; personal or other information about me held by my current or previous employers is protected under the Privacy Act 1998 and may not be disclosed to a third party without my express consent. By signing this Consent, I authorise the release of that information on the terms herein and release my current or previous employers and their agents to the full extent permitted by law from all claims, costs, damages, liabilities and losses howsoever arising from the release or use of any information released pursuant to this Consent.

_ Signature of Applicant Name of Witness Signature of Witness

Office Use Only

Date Received:

Actioning Officer:

Application Processed:

Applicants ID Confirmed:

Information Provided:

Closure Date: