About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Personal Assistant/Project Support Officer to join the Forensic Directorate at Oxford Health on a 14 month fixed term contract covering maternity leave.
The successful candidate plays a critical role in supporting the Director of Forensic Mental Health in leading and coordinating Directorate priorities, strategy and operational activities. Key responsibilities include diary, communications management and supporting project workstreams within the Forensic Directorate.
The role requires someone with strong organisational and support skills and an ability to effectively manage competing priorities, ensuring multiple tasks and activities are delivered to meet the needs of the Directorate.
You will be an effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills in order to establish and maintain strong working relationships. A high level of accuracy, judgement, and attention to detail are essential for this position.
Main duties of the job
You will be required to:
Provide comprehensive administrative and project support to the Director of Forensic Mental Health, acting as a first point of contact and managing communications with a high level of confidentiality and discretion. Effectively manage complex diaries, coordinate meetings and events, and ensure timely preparation and distribution of agendas, papers, and accurate minutes. Support the coordination, monitoring and reporting of project workstreams and Directorate priorities, ensuring deadlines are met and progress is tracked. Prepare reports, briefing documents and presentations, and maintain effective systems for information management and document control. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Act autonomously to prioritise workload, respond to changing demands, and implement efficient systems and processes to support service delivery. Provide line management and leadership support to administrative staff, contributing to team development and service improvement, while ensuring all work is delivered accurately, professionally and in line with organisational policies and governance requirements The ability to travel independently between sites within the Trust is essential for this role.
About us
Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application please read the "candidate guide to making an application" and ensure your supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses any essential criteria.
As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"
Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
Excellent opportunities for career progression Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers Competitive pension scheme Lease car scheme Cycle to work scheme Employee Assistance Programme Mental Health First Aiders Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists apply) Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team
Job description Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for further information about this post.
We hope that the advert has given you a clear understanding of the skills we are seeking and the opportunity at hand. You will need to use the supporting statement element of your application form to demonstrate your suitability for this role and you should refer to the job description, person specification and the guidance notes attached to this role to help you tailor your application.
The essential and desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview, and you should ensure that you refer to these within your application to increase your chances of being selected for interview.
We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. We kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of their experience and must take care to ensure the use of AI tools does not generate an application that does not accurately reflect their knowledge, skills and values.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Evidence of continuing professional development. Knowledge of project management and governance. Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification.
Desirable
PRINCE 2.
Knowledge Requirements Essential
Able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of operational business issues within the health and broader public sector community. Knowledge and understanding of programme & project management structures and governance. Understanding of confidentiality, commercially sensitive materials and boundaries.
Experience Essential
Experience of taking and transcribing formal minutes. Experience of management of small/medium sized projects.
Desirable
Experience at management level within a large NHS or public sector organisation.
Further Training/Job Related Aptitude and Skills Essential
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal). Extensive experience in the use of Microsoft Office Applications. Excellent organisational and time management skills with ability to prioritise own work. Ability to rapidly adapt to changing situations and develop solutions to meet changing and often competing priorities Accuracy and attention to detail Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish good working relationships.
Personal Qualities Essential
Ability to maintain professional behaviours in all circumstances. High level of integrity, probity and confidentiality. Ability to embrace change.
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.
Employer details Employer name Oxford Health NHS Trust
Address Littlemore Mental Health Centre
Oxford Clinic, Littlemore Mental Health Centre, Sandford Road, Littlemore
Oxford
OX4 4XN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)