About this role
Job summary
This role sits as part of the newly formed Group communications team, which supports the evolving partnership between The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.
The post holder will be an enthusiastic Communications Assistant who can help us deliver a range of targeted communications, ensuring our channels are a source of timely, accurate and relevant information for our audiences.
The Communications Assistant plays an invaluable role in day-to-day operational communications activity, working closely with all the members of the Group Communications and Engagement and Charity team. The post hold will report to the Communications Specialist.
The post holder will be someone who has excellent administrative and organisational skills, enjoys creative challenging work, has a keen eye for detail and can progress multiple tasks in a busy fast-paced office environment.
Main duties of the job
The following duties and responsibilities will apply:
Provide administrative support to ensure the efficient and effective running of the Joint Communications and Engagement team. Manage and maintain digital communication channels including the Trust website and intranet, publishing content, ensuring information is accurate. Provide support including diary management, meeting coordination, document preparation. monitoring media coverage, managing inboxes and social media channels responding. Answer the phone, taking accurate messages and signposting enquiries as appropriate, in a timely fashion. Maintain a yearly calendar of social posts for events and awareness days. Undertake the administrative process for scheduling and uploading content for social media. Proofread copy prepared by colleagues to ensure consistency of message and that it is in line with Plain English guidelines. Manage administration key communication channels, for example, website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and others. Help prepare e-bulletins, ensuring accurate copy, consistent format and timely distribution. Assist with the production and distribution of communication materials including newsletters, press releases, printed resources, photography, design projects and promotional activities. To support the team in the deliver of events. To support the team in the proactive research and publication of positive news. Responsible for planning activity including purchasing any items required.
About us
At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do and that is to provide a world class service that aligns with our vision of "excellent health care, improved health for all". We are seeking to recruit staff who share our vision and values of making Dudley Group an incredible workplace.
As part of the NHS People Promise, your wellbeing is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring our employees achieve a healthy work-life balance supported by our flexible working options and by making reasonable adjustments where possible. We believe no-one should have to sacrifice family, friends, or their personal interests for work. We are a modern employer able to attract and retain high quality staff through our commitment to the NHS People Promise.
As an employer, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. We want to ensure that our workforce is representative of the population we serve. More information - inclusive practice people promise.
Dudley Group offer many opportunities for our staff to develop and grow within their roles through our Learning & OD Team. These include topics such as communication, wellbeing, team development, cultural competency, and values.
Please click below to view our EDI page: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion - The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (dgft.nhs.uk)
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.
Person Specification
Qualification and Education Essential
GCSE English Language Grade C+ or equivalent Higher level education to NVQ level 2 or equivalent Willingness to undertake professional development at a suitable level
Desirable
A level English Language or equivalent Degree / professional qualification Evidence of continuing professional and personal development ECDL or equivalent
Knowledge and training Essential
Understand the importance of confidentiality
Desirable
Knowledge and interest in issues relating to the NHS
Experience Essential
Experience of dealing with the press and the general public Experience of undertaking administrative functions with the minimum of supervision Experience in the use of Microsoft packages, (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) Ability to plan and organise events, being able to implement those plans in order the support the running of events where appropriate Able to manage a complex workload and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines
Desirable
Use of social media Experience of working in communications and/or press office Have some knowledge and experience of working with Web content Minute taking expertise Compiling and presentation of information and statistics Some knowledge of design and video making software Experience of photography for publicity purposes
Communication and Relationship skills Essential
Able to deal effectively with all levels of staff within the organisation and external stakeholders Pay attention to detail Able to relate to general public/media calmly Committed and self-motivated Commitment to effective communications Enjoy a challenging and demanding workload Confident and professional telephone manner Effective communication skills, verbal and written Confident and assertive with the ability to deal positively with difficult queries and situations Team player Be flexible in hours Be professional and diplomatic
Desirable
Interested in working in a large public sector organisation Able to react in a confident manner when faced with difficult issues
Planning and Organisational Skills Essential
Able to work on own initiative Diary management
Physical skills Desirable
Car owner / drive with a valid license Able to travel to other hospitals
Equality, diversity, inclusion and Trust values Essential
Able to provide safe, caring, and effective services Values and behaviours that reflect the Trust values of Care, Respect and Responsibility Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and where people feel they belong and their contribution is valued
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Address Russells Hall Hospital
Pensnett Road
Dudley
DY1 2HQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dgft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)