HEARS Responder

• Ipswich Borough Council Ipswich Suffolk IP1 2DE
• per annum
• 29.4 hours per week
• Part Time
• Permanent
• Reference: 0128
• Required as soon as possible

We are currently looking for a HEARS Responder to join our Home Emergency Alarm Response Service (HEARS) team.

Our HEARS Responders provide emergency alarm response to HEARS customers across Ipswich and the surrounding suburbs. The team specialise in the provision of first aid and are manual handling specialists assisting fallen and/or injured individuals with the use of specialist equipment leaving them safe and comfortable in their own home allowing customers to maintain their independence.

The day shift will be based at Grafton House (Ipswich Borough Council HQ) and you will respond to emergency calls from this location.

When not responding to emergencies the team also undertake installation and collection of alarms as well as background administration and other key tasks to ensure the smooth running of the service.

The night shift is always worked from your home/responding address* on an oncall basis.

*Your home/responding address must be within a few minutes of the Ipswich Borough Council boundary.

The HEARS team currently operate on two shifts on a 24hour rota:

• Day shift: 06.50am 7.10pm
• Night shift: 7pm 7am

A typical full time Responder shift pattern comprises of 8 weeks of 2day shifts followed by 2night shifts with a 4day break before the pattern repeats.

Every 9 weeks all Responders enter a float period picking up 42 hours of shifts across a 14day period.

The hours of work are 29.4 per week on a set pattern (as above typical Responderfulltime).

This post requires day night and bank holiday working.

You will be a committed and reliable individual ideally with experience in a care or emergency response related role. You will need to be able to remain calm and clear headed in emergency situations providing potentially lifesaving assistance to customers.

You must be able to demonstrate good communication skills particularly in relation to older and vulnerable customers and will need to liaise with a variety of staff external agencies and family members in a polite concise and understanding manner. Teamwork is vital to ensure the service runs smoothly you will need to be able to work closely with your colleagues with sometimes limited supervision due to the 24/7 operational must be able to think on your feet be decisive and can respond quickly where necessary.

Due to the difficulties faced by this client group it is essential you are competent in using different technology such as mobile devices and lifting equipment.

A full UK driving license and an enhanced DBS check and a Police Vetting Clearance will be required for this post.

Ideally you will have the below qualifications as a minimum but training will be provided:

• Level 3 First Aid at Work
• Level 2 Moving & Assisting People

As well as a good salary we offer:

• a career average pension scheme
• generous holiday and sick pay entitlements
• subsidised parking for work and leisure
• public transport discounts
• free swimming and gym membership
• cycle purchase scheme
• plenty of personal and professional development opportunities
• flexible working
• hybrid working opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• the opportunity to work with great colleagues.

For more information

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf) to find out more about this role.

Please contact Debbie Clements (she/her) by calling 0 or by emailing or contact Tom Fell(he/him) by calling 0 or by emailing .

If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process please let us know so that the appropriate arrangements can be put in place.

How to apply

To apply please complete your application by visiting our vacancies website (ambitionipswich).

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and / or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications

Please note CVs are not accepted.

Closing date: 16 April 2025.

Interview date: 28 April 2025.