Triage Services Frequently Asked Questions
What is a RSTP?
An RSTP manages emergency calls transferred directly from Triple Zero Victoria which are believed not to require an emergency vehicle response.
RSTPs will answer, triage, and refer calls appropriately within the specified operating procedures and provide health advice where appropriate. RSTPs provide support and guidance to patients through inbound and outbound communication channels in accordance with established protocols and procedures and they maintain records of interactions with patients in relevant systems.
What is the roster cycle?
There are full time (40 hrs per week) and part time (20 hrs per week) rosters available.
Triage Services operate a rotational roster comprising of:
1 x12 hr day shift (6am start),
1×10 hr day shift (6am start),
1×12 hr PM shift (start times vary from 9am to 2pm), and
1×12 hr night shift (6pm) start.
Days and nights can start 30 minutes later – depending on roster line assigned. This is then followed by 4 days off and repeats, 4 on 4 off. The part time roster is set up as 4 on followed by 12 off.
Can I work on a flexible roster which doesn't include night and weekends?
Your roster will include night shifts and weekends and also public holidays. Ambulance Victoria is a 24/7 service. There is potential to discuss flexible work arrangements (FWAs) after 12 months employment. FWA’s are negotiated based on both employee and operational need which requires nights and weekends.
How much annual leave is provided?
Full time employees receive 10 weeks leave per year made up of accrued ADO and annual leave. This is allocated in 4-week blocks every 5 months or so.
Part time (0.5) receive 8 weeks leave also in 4-week blocks about every 5 months.
If I work a part time roster, can I pick up overtime on my 12 days off?
Yes. You do not need to work full time hours, to claim overtime.
Can I have secondary employment?
Yes, it is possible to have secondary employment within a paid or volunteer capacity whilst employed with AV.
All AV staff need to declare secondary employment so it can be assessed for conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest. Please include details of secondary employment with your application so this may be considered.
How much training is provided?
The training and consolidation period is 8 weeks working a full-time roster. If you are applying for a part time position, you will be required to work full time for the first 8 weeks.
The first 2 weeks are Monday to Friday (8hr days) followed by 6 weeks working on a 4 on 4 off rotation, with mentorship and supervision.
Following the initial 8-week period, there is an additional 4-month ongoing consolidation and credentialling period that is provided either full or part time depending on an employee’s contract.
To be signed off as a credentialled RSTP, you will be required to meet all training outcomes throughout.
Will I be provided mentoring / support throughout my training?
Yes, as we have been expanding over the past 18 months, we have continuously improved and developed our training program. The first two weeks you will be in small groups or 1:1 with an experienced trainer. Once the initial 2 weeks training is complete the roster provides for a minimum of 9 RSTPs (over 30 during peak periods) for support.
All new RSTPs continue training with a 4-month credentialling period to provide weekly call audits and 1:1 feedback.
What nursing experience are you looking for?
We find that nurses with acute triage experience in an Emergency Department thrive as an RSTP. While we do seek nurses with ICU / Aged care / Community care / etc. experience this is generally “in addition” to ED triage experience. You will be assessing patients of every age, with the entire spectrum of complaint types. A critical care qualification is also desirable.
Can I maintain my nursing / paramedic registration by working for Triage Services?
Yes, additionally AV provide 30 hrs paid continuing professional education (CPE) per year, in addition to other learning modules available.
What career opportunities are available beyond that of the RSTP?
Within Triage Services and across AV there are continuous opportunities such as, leadership, clinical, improvement, and pathway development as subject matter experts.
The team is continually growing, and opportunities are available for those wanting to exceed.
If I get a job as an RSTP, can I work on road as a paramedic? I’m a qualified paramedic in another jurisdiction.
This recruitment is for RSTPs. The role is separate from that of an “on road” paramedic. If you accept the position, you will not be eligible to apply for a role on road for 2 years.
After the 2 years has passed you would be eligible to apply via recruitment if there is a position available, as an on-road Paramedic.
I am already an AV employed “on road paramedic” can I continue to work on road (on overtime)?
If you have (and continue to maintain) your ATP you can fill shifts on road via shift swap or overtime. If you do not have your ATP for on road there is currently no pathway to regain it while substantively employed as an RSTP.
I am a MICA (or equivalent) qualified paramedic, will I be able to carry my MICA qualification to the RSTP role.
We are currently advertising for ALS Referral Service Triage Practitioners. As a MICA qualified paramedic, you are eligible to apply, however you will be employed as an ALS RSTP.
Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
Yes, currently to work at Ambulance Victoria you must be able to provide evidence you are fully vaccinated with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
On 10 January 2022, the Victorian Government announced that workers in key sectors including Emergency Services who are already required to be fully vaccinated (two doses) against COVID-19 are now required to get their third dose within the specified timeline.
How is the secondary triage team structured?
Secondary Triage has nearly 200 RSTPs in the team, who report to a Team Leader and those positions report to a manager.
Team Leaders are rostered 24/7, to provide support and address operational requirements.
When can I start?
This is a rolling recruitment. The training program is run each week with 3 new RSTPs on each program.
If you are coming from overseas or interstate, all new RSTPs will need to be in Melbourne before your allocated start date. Our recruitment team will discuss this with you as you progress through the recruitment process.
What is the superannuation scheme?
You are eligible to join the ESSSuper with their defined benefits. See the link below for details:
https://www.esssuper.com.au/super/our-funds/emergency-services-funds/esss-defined-benefit-fund
What security / police checks are required?
You will be required to have a police check and have a valid Employee (not volunteer) Working with Children’s Check.
https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/individuals/applicants/how-to-apply-1
Can I bring my long service leave from another Australian health service?
Employees may apply to have service with previous employers counted as continuous service for the purpose of LSL. You will need to discuss this in detail with the recruitment team following success at interview. As it will depend on where you previously worked, any gaps in employment and any payments made when you left that employer, amongst other considerations.
Do I wear a uniform?
Yes, full uniform is provided and must be always worn when on shift.