Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and driven Application Specialist to join our Digital Services team at North West Ambulance Service (NWAS). This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about using digital systems to make a real difference to patient care and operational delivery.
As an Application Specialist, you will play a critical role in managing and developing our core clinical and operational systems, including the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems. Your work will directly support frontline services, ensuring that digital tools are reliable, efficient, and tailored to the needs of patients, clinicians, and the wider healthcare system.
You will be part of a collaborative and supportive digital team, working closely with operational colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders across the Trust to ensure our systems continue to evolve and deliver against strategic goals.
Main duties of the job
Main Duties of the Role:
o Provide expert support for key digital systems, including second-line technical support, system administration, upgrades, & troubleshooting
o Collaborate with stakeholders to develop, optimise, & enhance the functionality of clinical & operational systems
o Lead on the resolution of recurring system issues, perform root cause analysis, & implement preventive actions
o Ensure data integrity, system security, & user access are maintained to high standards
o Act as a subject matter expert, delivering system training & support to end users
o Contribute to system documentation, policies, & disaster recovery planning
o Support the Senior Systems Manager in leading a small digital team & mentoring junior staff
o Foster continuous improvement & drive best practice in application management across the Trust
We're looking for someone who:
o Has a degree in a computer-related discipline (or equivalent experience)
o May have experience working operationally as a clinician, bringing valuable frontline insight to system design & optimisation
o Brings experience in a large, complex IT environment, ideally in health or emergency services
o Has excellent communication, problem-solving, & organisational skills
o Can lead small teams, manage complex system upgrades, & translate technical detail for non-technical users
o Understands NHS governance, data protection, & information security principles
o Is committed to continuous learning & inclusive leadership
About us
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides 24 hour, 365 days a year accident and emergency services to those in need of emergency medical treatment and transport.
Our highly skilled staff provide life-saving care to patients in the community and take people to hospital or a place of care if needed.We also provide non-emergency patient transport services for those patients who require non-emergency transport to and from hospital and who are unable to travel unaided because of their medical condition or clinical need.
Alongside the other emergency services, we also work to ensure the safety of the public and treatment of patients in the event of a major incident.
We also deliver the NHS 111 service in the North West. NHS 111 replaced NHS Direct in 2013. This service was introduced to make it easier for people to access local NHS healthcare services in England. It provides non-emergency medical help fast, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please ensure you have read the full Job Description and Person Specification before applying for this role.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please ensure you have read the full Job Description and Person Specification before applying for this role.
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- IT literate including but not limited to Microsoft Office products
- Competency and communication skills necessary to perform this role safely and effectively
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, interpersonal skills
- Demonstrates project and change management skills
- Able to be effective as an individual and in a team environment
- Analytical skills in data extraction, data analysis and report writing
- Ability to communicate complex system and technical issues to a variety of staff at different levels within the organisation
- Ability to use own initiative, coach individuals and lead a team promoting enthusiasm and commitment
- Able to work to deadlines, prioritise and manage workload in a busy and changing environment
- Ability to plan and organise broad range of complex activities, formulate and adjust plans which impact beyond own area
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure
- Demonstrable compassionate and inclusive leadership
- Experience in the application of HR processes
- Demonstrable experience of line management responsibilities
- Evidence of process improvement initiatives that enhanced efficiency, user satisfaction, or data quality
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in a computer related discipline with skills and/or competencies typically gained during the performance of an IT support role
- ITIL Foundation Level qualification
- Evidence of personal development
- Awareness of NHS governance frameworks, data protection regulations (GDPR), and information governance requirements
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in working in a large, complex IT environment
- Proven knowledge and experience of working in a large customer focused IT operations or application department
Value
Essential
- Working together - demonstrate collaborative and inclusive working and challenge behaviour that is not inclusive or acceptable
- Being at our best - professional and adaptable and takes pride in work
- Making a difference - act with compassion, kindness and integrity towards everyone
- Commitment to service excellence through open communication, continuous learning, and innovation
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- IT literate including but not limited to Microsoft Office products
- Competency and communication skills necessary to perform this role safely and effectively
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, interpersonal skills
- Demonstrates project and change management skills
- Able to be effective as an individual and in a team environment
- Analytical skills in data extraction, data analysis and report writing
- Ability to communicate complex system and technical issues to a variety of staff at different levels within the organisation
- Ability to use own initiative, coach individuals and lead a team promoting enthusiasm and commitment
- Able to work to deadlines, prioritise and manage workload in a busy and changing environment
- Ability to plan and organise broad range of complex activities, formulate and adjust plans which impact beyond own area
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure
- Demonstrable compassionate and inclusive leadership
- Experience in the application of HR processes
- Demonstrable experience of line management responsibilities
- Evidence of process improvement initiatives that enhanced efficiency, user satisfaction, or data quality
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in a computer related discipline with skills and/or competencies typically gained during the performance of an IT support role
- ITIL Foundation Level qualification
- Evidence of personal development
- Awareness of NHS governance frameworks, data protection regulations (GDPR), and information governance requirements
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in working in a large, complex IT environment
- Proven knowledge and experience of working in a large customer focused IT operations or application department
Value
Essential
- Working together - demonstrate collaborative and inclusive working and challenge behaviour that is not inclusive or acceptable
- Being at our best - professional and adaptable and takes pride in work
- Making a difference - act with compassion, kindness and integrity towards everyone
- Commitment to service excellence through open communication, continuous learning, and innovation
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.