National and International Qualified Paramedics ST JOHN AMBULANCE WA INFORMATION PACK

Transcription

1 National and International Qualified Paramedics ST JOHN AMBULANCE WA INFORMATION PACK National and International Qualifi ed Paramedics Information Pack 1

2 Contents INTRODUCTION 1 WHAT IT TAKES TO JOIN ST JOHN AMBULANCE WA 2 HOW TO BECOME PART OF THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE WA TEAM 3 Equivalency and Eligibility 3 Interstate 3 International 3 Visa & Sponsorship Information 4 Driving in Western Australia 5 THE EMPLOYMENT PROCESS 6 The Application Process 6 The Selection Process 6 REMUNERATION, WORKPLACE AND BENEFITS 7 EXTRA INFORMATION FOR MIGRANTS TO WA 8 National and International Qualifi ed Paramedics Information Pack 2

3 Introduction Becoming a paramedic with St John Ambulance WA provides the opportunity to join a progressive community organisation. We care for people across two and a half million square kilometres, the largest area in the world covered by a single ambulance service. Each year we transport more than 200,000 people across the state and teach over 140, 000 people life saving fi rst aid skills. Western Australians will tell you that our State offers the best quality lifestyle in the world. With a fantastic climate, world-class beaches, relaxed pace of life and a natural environment second to none. Due to the ever-expanding population, St John Ambulance Western Australia has an increase in demand for Operational Paramedics and Ambulance Offi cers. If you are currently employed in the pre-hospital care industry in any part of the world and thinking of advancing your career, then this is the job for you. The importance of continual professional development is fundamental to our organisation. We are unique because we provide progression in education and training for our paramedics. This Information Pack will tell you everything you need to know about taking up a role, how best to apply for a position and the selection process which will follow your application. National and International Qualifi ed Paramedics Information Pack 1

4 What it Takes to Join St John Ambulance WA Essential Prerequisites: To be considered for employment with us as a Qualifi ed Ambulance Offi cer/ Paramedic, you must: Have previous training and working experience in emergency ambulance operations Meet the minimum grading equivalency (see Page 3 for equivalency and eligibility information) Possess a current Driver s Licence and good driving history Have excellent health and fi tness levels (you will be required to complete a Medical Questionnaire as part of your application) Have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English Possess initiative, confi dence and have a commitment to learn Have a genuine desire to care for people in need Possess general computer literacy and typing skills National and International Qualifi ed Paramedics Information Pack 2

5 How to Become Part of the St John Ambulance WA Team A number of criteria need to be fulfilled in order to join St John Ambulance WA from interstate or abroad. Equivalency and Eligibility Interstate The State Training Systems for Ambulance Offi cers and Paramedics within Australia are recognised automatically via mutual recognition. The scope of practice and level of clinical performance are assessed and equated to the levels within St John Ambulance WA. Australian Qualifi ed Paramedics and Ambulance Offi cers directly recognised by St John Ambulance WA are as follows: South Australia Ambulance Service Intensive Care Paramedic Ambulance Paramedic Victorian Ambulance Service Ambulance Paramedic NSW and ACT Ambulance Service Paramedic 2 and Paramedic 1 will be expected to complete the following to attain paramedic equivalency: Familiarisation program ALS course Hospital Placements Level 3C Ambulance Offi cers with a minimum of two years experience at that scope of practice equates to a Grade II Ambulance Offi cer. Queensland Ambulance Service Intensive Care Paramedic Acute Care Paramedic with one year at that level Note: Students transferring from training programs in other states will be assessed on an individual basis to ascertain at what level of the St John Ambulance WA system they will enter. International Internationally trained offi cers gain recognition directly by examined curriculum, via National or State registration in those countries and scopes of practice for their local area of service. Internationally Qualifi ed Paramedics and Ambulance Offi cers directly recognised by St John Ambulance WA are as follows: UK Offi cers registered by the Health Professions Council (HPC) of Great Britain. Ambulance Technician (EMT) with one year clinical experience at that level equates to level of Ambulance Offi cer Grade II. Paramedics with a minimum of one year experience as an on road qualifi ed Paramedic are directly recognised and given equal equivalency. United States State and/or nationally registered and accredited EMT-Paramedic and EMT- Intermediate with a minimum of two years experience at that level of practice are recognised as equivalent. EMT-Intermediate may be required to undertake further training, dependant on their scope of practice. This will be assessed on an individual basis. Individuals from the US directly entering the organisation must pass a driving course for Australian road laws and conditions, prior to commencing employment. This course will be offered prior to the employment date by an external provider for St John Ambulance WA. Canada Paramedics trained and within the Provincial and Higher Education systems, with two years experience as a paramedic, are recognised by the organisation. The level of equivalency is based on the scope of practice performed in the individual provincial services. Evidence of this scope of practice must be produced to make this assessment. Individuals directly entering the organisation must pass a driving course for Australian road laws and conditions, prior to commencing employment. This course will be offered prior to employment date by an external provider for St John Ambulance WA. South Africa Offi cers registered by the Health Care Professionals of South African (HPCSA) Ambulance Emergency Assistants with a minimum of two years experience equates to a Grade II Ambulance Offi cer. Both the National Diploma and the Critical Care Assistant Certifi cate qualifi cation equate to Paramedic status within St John Ambulance WA. Paramedics with a minimum of one year experience as an operational qualifi ed Paramedic are directly recognised and given equivalency. Note: We do not accept B.A.A level applications Other Countries Applications submitted from other countries will be assessed equally and individually. National and International Qualifi ed Paramedics Information Pack 3

6 Visa and Sponsorship Information Exemptions The following are exempt from visa sponsorship by St John Ambulance Australia (WA) Inc: If you are an Australian Permanent Resident, Australian Citizen or New Zealand Citizen with permanent Australian working rights If you have a partner who is 457 Visa sponsored by another employer (requires evidence) If you are a holder of a temporary visa and have no restrictions in terms of full-time employment (e.g. spouse visa) Applicants not born in Australia, who have obtained Australian Citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency Status, must provide certifi ed copies of appropriate documentation, including the date the status was awarded. Sponsorship & Visa Application Sponsorship and visa application is only possible once an applicant is successful through the recruitment process. Employer sponsored Immigration will only be available to employees accepting fulltime positions, in accordance with their employment contract. Applicants must fulfi l thorough medical examinations including HIV, Hepatitis B and C blood tests and a chest X-ray. They must also meet the required demerit point system. We strongly encourage you to use a professional fi nancial advisor for information on transfer of superannuation, etc. In support of your visa application, St John Ambulance WA will provide a letter of offer, along with your conditions of employment. Costs St John Ambulance WA will pay for the administration and application of the 457 visa. Fees incurred from the medical and X-rays, driver s licence conversion or tests, police clearances, document translation (if not in English) and certifi cation and any other costs associated with the relocation, are the employee s responsibility. Please note: Since 14 September 2009, all primary and secondary Subclass 457 visa applicants must show evidence of private health insurance (or travel insurance if eligible to enrol in Medicare under reciprocal arrangements after arrival in Australia) before their visas can be approved. Other Information St John Ambulance WA is affi liated with our own Migration Consultant. We will advise them of the lodgement of your 457 visa, and they will assist and support with your application. Taking into consideration that you are the primary applicant being sponsored to work temporarily in Australia, you can also nominate dependants on the 457 visa. Dependants MUST be declared at the time of application and lodgement. Dependants are classifi ed as people you are fi nancially responsible for and live with you. On the 457 visa you will be classifi ed, and are to remain, as an Ambulance Offi cer or Paramedic for the duration of the 2 year visa with the possibility to extend to 4 years. The 457 visa allows you to work with St John Ambulance and live in Australia. As an employer, if we feel that you have been advantageous to our company, we will further support you in obtaining your residency. This involves submitting a permanent letter of employment to the Department of Immigration in support of your application. Residency will be optional once you have successfully completed your probationary period. Once you have obtained residency, you will have opportunities to move around the organisation into other roles and promotions. National and International Qualifi ed Paramedics Information Pack 4

7 Driving in Western Australia WA Driver s Licence In order to undertake emergency driving for St John Ambulance WA, you will need to convert your driver s licence as soon after arrival as possible. You will be allowed to drive on non-emergencies until the process is complete. Conversion to a WA driver s licence can be carried out at any licensing offi ce, by successfully undertaking an assessment. In addition, we also require for you to obtain a Western Australian light rigid driver s licence. If you are not able to receive this component when transferring your licence, you will be expected to obtain one of these licences within 3 months of commencing with St John Ambulance WA. The cost of obtaining this additional component is $300. This cost will not be reimbursed. International Driving Permit If you have moved to WA from abroad, in the interim before obtaining your WA Driver s Licence, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit in order to drive on Western Australian roads. To be eligible you must: Have a current licence that is not suspended or cancelled Carry your licence (and International Driving Permit if applicable) with you at all times while driving and show it to a police offi cer if asked to do so Drive only those vehicles that you are authorised to drive Comply with any other conditions of your license. More information To learn more about obtaining your WA Driver s licence and International Driving Permit, visit National and International Qualifi ed Paramedics Information Pack 5

8 The Recruitment Process The process all applicants undertake ensures we employ Ambulance Paramedics and Offi cers of the highest standard, who fi t best within the organisation. The Application Process When applications are open you will be Please note that it is vital that the application required to apply online via is thoroughly completed to the best of your knowledge. You must meet our grading As part of the application you will be required equivalency and medical requirements. to complete a comprehensive application form These documents will need to be submitted and medical questionnaire. before we can proceed with your application. As part of the application process you will be Before the fi rst interview stage you will need to required to upload the following documents, supply to following documents; Current Driving Licence Detailed Resume of previous working history Professional Qualifi cation(s) and relevant training records and certifi cates Criminal history check /Police Clearance Traffi c Infringements and convictions report (All documents are to be no older than three months) Professional registration (where applicable) Birth Certifi cate Passport Passport size photo The Selection Process Qualifi cation and work experience assessment conducted by St John Ambulance College of Pre Hospital Care Clinical assessment and behavioural based interview, conducted by a Clinical Team Leader and Recruitment Offi cer Two satisfactory Reference checks conducted by the recruitment team Functional Capacity Test (fi tness test) Psychometric Test (assessment of personality, aptitude and abilities) Video conference with the Recruitment Coordinator (St John Ambulance WA will source the venue and meet the costs) Offer of employment If applicable 457 sponsorship visa process Induction course Probationary period Note: Functional Capacity, psychometric testing and video conferencing will be conducted at a venue closest to the candidate s home city/town. All costs associated with testing is covered by St John Ambulance (WA). National and International Qualifi ed Paramedics Information Pack 6

9 Remuneration, Workplace and Benefits Wages Rates of Pay for Shift and Day Ambulance Offi cers are as follows: Classification Base Rate Shift Allow Shift Penalty Gross Weekly Pay Gross Annual Pay Grade II Ambulance Offi cer $ $ $24.45 $1, $65, Paramedic $1, $ $28.83 $1, $76, Probation A probation period of three months for Paramedics and Ambulance Offi cers applies. Annual/ Other Leave A total of eight weeks per annum, comprising of 4 weeks Annual leave and 4 weeks other leave. Sick Leave Two shift rotations, depending on the roster worked. Long Service Leave Thirteen weeks after ten consecutive years service, and every seven years thereafter. Superannuation (Pension) St John Ambulance contributes 9% to the employees chosen Superannuation fund. After three months continuous service, St John will increase employer contributions to 10.5% should the employee make individual contributions of 5%. Salary Packaging On commencement, employees may participate in the Salary Packaging benefi t. Uniform All Ambulance Offi cers and Paramedics are supplied with a uniform, prior to commencing the Induction Course. Health and Wellbeing A health and wellbeing allowance of $500 per annum is reimbursed for costs of health programs such as health club memberships, weight loss or quit smoking programmes. Ambulance Usage There is no cost if a St John Ambulance is required for self or dependent family. Termination Employment may be terminated at any time during training or probation if the required standards are not met. Hours of Duty: The initial Induction Course consists of 11 weeks. It is made up of the following components: a 3 week induction course in the College of Pre-hospital care and 8 weeks of on road assessment. Advanced Offi cers who are assessed to Grade II Offi cers within St John Ambulance will be required to attend an Advanced Life Support course during the fi rst 12 months. On-Road Ambulance Offi cer: Average hours of work vary from 42 to 44 hours, dependant on a 2.2.4, 4.3 or 4.4 shift rosters. Candidates Must Give an Undertaking That They Will: Work according to the terms and conditions as prescribed by St John Ambulance WA. Be prepared to accept a posting of up to one year at a country location in the fi rst or second year of employment. (Paid offi cers are currently located in the following locations; Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Collie, Geraldton, Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie, Norseman, Pinjarra and Serpentine). Vacancies not voluntarily fi lled at any of the above locations will be fi lled by allocating postings to offi cers for up to one year. Candidates will be asked to number their preferences for a posting in one of the Country locations. Towns are allocated to successful candidates based on their personal preference and merit. National and International Qualifi ed Paramedics Information Pack 7

10 Extra Information for Migrants to WA Where to Stay The St John Ambulance State Offi ce, where you will spend your fi rst three weeks, undertaking a Familiarisation Course, is located at 209 Great Eastern Highway in Belmont, about ten minutes east of the city of Perth. It would be advisable to look at accommodation close by. Please view the below website for short term accommodation. St John Ambulance WA has a number of associations with local hotels offering corporate rates, the relevant websites are below. Please mention that you are a St John Ambulance employee to gain the corporate rate. The following hotel offers a discount for stays of seven days or more: For information on more permanent accommodation and schools, the websites listed below have information on properties available for lease and sale, by suburb Another website which may be of use is: Renting Renting a property is another alternative to short-term accommodation, but can be complicated if you are not physically here. You will be required to pay an application fee to be considered and there is also the matter of viewing the property. This may prove a good option if you wish to bring your family over. St John Ambulance is more than happy to provide employment verifi cation, in support of your rental application. Housing To obtain information about purchasing property and legislative framework in Perth and the current market prices, please refer to Schooling There are a number of schools available, both private and Government. The standard of education in WA is comparable to any fi rst world education system. School children are expected to wear a uniform and school fees are compulsory, however the Government subsidises some of the cost. There is further assistance provided by the government for permanent residents. Cost of Living The cost of living is relative and has to be seen in context with earnings. The important point is to calculate your expendable income in Australia as compared to your home country, if you wish to compare the changes in your fi nancial situation as an overriding factor in accepting the St John Ambulance offer. National and International Qualifi ed Paramedics Information Pack 8

11 Tax File Number A TFN is a unique number issued by the Tax Offi ce to individuals and organisations for identifi cation and record-keeping purposes. Generally, if you intend to earn money in Australia, regardless of your age, you will be required to have a TFN. While you do not have to have a TFN, it is to your advantage to have one. If you do not have a TFN you may: Pay more tax than necessary, or Be unable to receive government benefi ts. Only one TFN is issued to you for your lifetime. Once a TFN has been issued, there is no need to re-apply for one if your circumstances change (if you move interstate, change jobs, change your name, have investments, or claim government benefi ts). The new online registration system can be used by people from overseas who have visas which allow working rights in Australia. These include working holiday makers, New Zealanders (who receive a visa upon arrival), permanent migrants, overseas students who have had their visa amended to allow them to work, and people with a business class visa. Applying online does mean that you will not be required to provide physical documentation as proof of identity. When applying for a TFN online, the TFN registration system will compare your personal and travel document details with those held on DIMIA systems. If your details are validated by DIMIA, the application will progress through the TFN registration system. If the transaction is successful, the system will issue a receipt number and the TFN advice will be sent to the Australian address provided as part of the details in your application. Additional Sources of Information For further information about lifestyle and general working conditions in Western Australia please refer to the following web sites that may be of a good use to you: For furth er information on th is position please careers@ambulance.net.au The information contained within this document is correct at the time of printing. Please note that entry, prerequisites and conditions of employment may change without notice. Copyright St John Ambulance WA, 209 Great Eastern Highway, Belmont, WA careers@ambulance.net.au National and International Qualifi ed Paramedics Information Pack 9