Hiring and Sponsoring Ambulance Staff (SOC Code 6132)

Ambulance Staff, classified under SOC Code 6132, are vital professionals in the healthcare system who provide essential services during medical emergencies. Their roles encompass a broad range of responsibilities that contribute significantly to patient care and transportation. 

• Key Responsibilities:
  • Assists patients into and out of the ambulance.
  • Drives the ambulance or accompanies the driver to transport patients to hospitals, treatment centers, or homes.
  • Ascertains the nature of injuries and provides essential first aid treatment.
  • Cleans and disinfects the ambulance after use to maintain safety and hygiene.
  • Carries out routine care and maintenance of ambulance equipment.
  • Replenishes medical supplies in the ambulance as necessary.
  • Checks and maintains vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy and safe for operation.

With the growing demand for emergency medical services in the UK, the need for qualified ambulance staff is more significant than ever. This guide aims to support HR professionals in effectively hiring and sponsoring ambulance staff under the UK’s immigration system, ensuring that healthcare services continue to meet the needs of the population.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Ambulance Staff?

SOC Code 6132 refers to Ambulance Staff who provide emergency medical assistance and transportation for patients. Their responsibilities can include:

• Patient assistance: Helping patients into and out of the ambulance while ensuring their comfort and safety.
• Transportation: Driving the ambulance or accompanying the driver to transport patients to hospitals, treatment centers, or home.
• First aid provision: Ascertaining the nature of injuries and providing necessary first aid treatment to stabilize patients.
• Equipment maintenance: Cleaning and disinfecting the ambulance after use and performing routine care of ambulance equipment.
• Medical supply replenishment: Ensuring that medical supplies in the ambulance are replenished as necessary for ongoing readiness.
• Vehicle checks: Regularly checking and maintaining vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy and safe for operation.

Ambulance Staff play a vital role in emergency healthcare, providing immediate care to patients in urgent situations and ensuring the efficient operation of emergency medical services.

Eligibility to Hire Ambulance Staff (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Ambulance staff must possess a combination of practical skills and relevant certifications to ensure safe and effective patient transport and care. These requirements may include:

• Certification: Possession of a relevant certification such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic, depending on the level of care required.
• Experience: Prior experience in emergency medical services or a related field is advantageous.
• First Aid Skills: Proficiency in first aid and CPR techniques, including the ability to assess patient conditions and provide immediate care.
• Physical Fitness: Good physical health and stamina to assist patients and handle the demands of the job.
• Driving Skills: A valid driver's license with a clean driving record, along with the ability to safely operate an ambulance under various traffic conditions.
• Knowledge of Medical Equipment: Familiarity with medical supplies and equipment used in patient care, as well as routine maintenance procedures for ambulances.

Ensure that the job description aligns with SOC Code 6132 and that the ambulance staff’s experience and qualifications meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Ambulance Staff: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Ambulance Staff under SOC Code 6132.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Ambulance Staff, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Ambulance Staff under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Ambulance Staff. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Ambulance Staff applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Ambulance Staff’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Ambulance Staff can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Ambulance Staff

Before the Ambulance Staff begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Ambulance Staff’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Ambulance Staff holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Ambulance Staff’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Ambulance Staff’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Ambulance Staffs.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Ambulance Staff

Sponsoring Ambulance Staff under SOC Code 6132 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Ambulance Staff, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Ambulance Staff under SOC Code 6132 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.