Firefighter Recruitment Guidance Notes for Applicants

Transcription

1 Firefighter Recruitment Guidance Notes for Applicants Role of a Firefighter If you're thinking about applying to become a firefighter, take a moment to consider the following questions? If you answer yes to all of them, then maybe a job as a firefighter is right for you. Are you confident working at height and in enclosed spaces? Are you happy working outdoors in any weather? Are you prepared to get wet, cold or hot during your work? Do you have the resolve to get the job done despite challenges and obstacles? Are you happy to work a shift system including nights and weekends? Could you confidently engage with people in your local community? Would you be able to deal sensitively with people in difficult and emotional situations? Could you work under pressure to support your colleagues? Are you prepared to follow instructions from others? Can you think on your feet to solve problems? Would you be able to take the responsibility for representing a professional service? Are you committed to your own personal development? Would you enjoy working in a role that is subject to change and continuous improvement? Eligibility to apply In order to be eligible to apply for a firefighter post, you must meet the following criteria: Be at least 17 years and six months of age at the time of applying (it is a legal requirement to be 18 or over when you start training) Be eligible to work in the UK

2 Live in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight at the time of application (proof of which will be required) Have a good standard of physical fitness Selection process The selection process consists of several stages as summarised in the following table, with greater detailed provided below. Application form Situational judgement test Verbal and numerical ability tests Fitness and functional assessment day Interview Online application, open 9am 12 th September to 9am 14 th September. Applications will be scored and top performing candidates will be invited to the next stage. Online assessment which will be scored and top performing candidates invited to the next stage. Online assessments, top performing candidates will be invited to the next stage. Bleep test fitness assessment that must be passed. Seven physical functional tests that must all be passed. Strengths based interview Application process When completing the online application form you will be asked to provide personal details such as your name, address, contact details, qualifications etc. You will also be asked to provide evidence of how you meet the selection criteria for the role (listed in the table below) in 1,000 words. You may use evidence from both your personal and professional experiences. How you approach working in a team and the role you play in successful teamwork? How you have overcome obstacles or challenges to ensure you always perform to the best of your ability? Your experience of working under pressure and/or having to deal sensitively with people in difficult and emotional circumstances. Your experience of engaging with/working alongside people who are different to you.

3 Situational judgement test This online test assesses the strengths that you have against the requirements we have identified for the role. You will be asked to read a series of scenarios and then chose how you would respond in that scenario. Verbal and numerical ability tests These online tests measure your ability to read and interpret information and to add, subtract, divide and manipulate numbers quickly and accurately. Fitness and functional assessment day The fitness and functional assessment day will consist of 2 stages, the first of which you must pass to proceed to the second stage. In order to be allowed to participate in these assessments, you will be required to complete a form declaring any potential medical issues that might make it unsafe for you to participate. The first assessment stage is a shuttle run or bleep test to ensure you are fit enough for the firefighting role. You will be required to run between two lines set at 20 metres apart, keeping in time to audio bleeps on a CD. At set intervals (levels) the time between the bleeps reduces giving you less time to cover the same distance. The level and number of shuttles before you can no longer keep up is recorded. The minimum level to pass the assessment is 8.8. More details about bleep tests can be found at The second stage of the assessment consists of seven physical functional tests. The tests are detailed in the table below and you must pass all the assessments to be invited to the final stage of the selection process. Ladder climb This test involves climbing a 13.5 metre ladder and carrying out a selected task within a time limit. This test is designed to assess confidence and coordination whilst working at heights. Candidates will be attached to a safety line.

4 Casualty evacuation Ladder lift Enclosed space Equipment assembly Equipment carry Ladder extension This will involve a simulated rescue of a casualty from an open space. This test involves upper and lower body strength and stamina. This test involves lifting the weight of a ladder within a time limit. This will test upper and lower body strength. This involves negotiating through a measured crawlway wearing a Breathing Apparatus set including facemask. Half the route will be with clear vision, the other half with obscured vision. You will also be required to perform tasks during the test. This aims to test the ability of a candidate to comprehend and follow instructions. The candidate will be asked to assemble and de-assemble a piece of equipment following a series of diagrams within a given time frame. A variety of equipment will need to be carried to a fire scene within a specific time limit. This tests aerobic fitness, muscular strength and stamina. Using a simulated ladder device candidates will need to demonstrate the ability to extend and lower a ladder safely and under control. This tests upper body strength, grip strength and coordination. Strengths based interview The interview will be a strengths based interview that links to the strengths required in the firefighter role and seeks to explore whether they are something you would be good at and enjoy doing. There will be a pre-defined list of questions and scoring criteria to support this. Further support If you require additional support, the Service will endeavour to provide this provided sufficient notice is given. Please send an to fire.recruitment@hants.gov.uk providing details of the assistance you will require.

5 Pre-employment checks Successful applicants will be required to attend a medical assessment. References and a Criminal Records checks will also be obtained prior to employment status being confirmed. As the position of firefighter gives you privileged access to vulnerable groups, it is an Exempted Occupation under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order This means that you will be required to disclose spent and unspent convictions, including any driving offences. Through the criminal records checking process, we will apply for a criminal record disclosure. We will do this by asking you to complete a criminal record application.