How to become a patient advice and liaison service officer
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- applying directly
College
You could get some of the skills you need for this job by doing a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Customer Service. This will be useful for dealing with complaints and mediation work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
More Information
Apprenticeship
You could gain some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role through an intermediate customer service practitioner apprenticeship or a customer service specialist advanced apprenticeship.
You can search for NHS customer service apprenticeships on NHS Jobs.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
Work
You may be able to start as a patient advice and liaison service (PALS) secretary or administrator and work your way up to PALS officer.
Volunteering
A common entry route is through volunteering, particularly within the NHS. Some patient advice and liaison services are staffed by a mix of paid staff and volunteers. Contact the voluntary services co-ordinator or manager at your local NHS authority or trust or go directly to your local PALS service for advice.
Direct Application
To apply directly to become a PALS officer jobs, you'll need:
- a good general standard of education GCSEs (grades 9 to 4 or A* to C) including English and maths
- previous experience in a customer care or mediation role, including dealing with complaints
Some NHS organisations might want you to have a degree. Other employers may prefer you to have some working knowledge of the NHS. A background in a health profession such as nursing could be useful. Other relevant backgrounds are advice, advocacy and counselling.
More Information
Career tips
When applying for jobs, you'll be expected to show an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
Further information
You can find out more about working in healthcare from Health Careers.