About this role
Job summary The post is primarily based within the Virtual Ward service; however, the Trust operates a flexible workforce model and the post-holder may be required to support other service areas according to operational need.
The Operational Service Assistant will provide comprehensive, quality, confidential administrative support to the Community Teams employed by the Trust. The post holder will be expected to organise their own workload and co-ordinate their activities, in conjunction with and supervised by the Community Coordinator, to ensure that an efficient service is provided.
The post holder will be capable of the full administrative function within the team and will act as a flexible resource to support the Community Service teams across the CCICP footprint to ensure continuity of services. The post holder will have direct contact with service users, carers, the general public or other external stakeholders, as well as internal and external clinical and non-clinical colleagues. It is essential that the post holder is able to exercise initiative suitable to the role and is fully supportive of other colleagues within the team.
Main duties of the job
Provide administrative support to Community Teams, including managing calls, referrals, and patient flow. Liaise with internal and external services to coordinate referrals, appointments, records, and MDT activity. Handle and respond to enquiries, escalating when necessary. Maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and support appropriate signposting. Manage information and databases to support audits and reporting. Work flexibly within the admin team, providing cross-cover and supporting efficient use of resources. When necessary coordinate the GP Out of Hours/Urgent Care rota and annual leave processes to ensure service continuity.
About us
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community services for East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K). Our services include planned and unplanned/emergency care, cardiac and critical care, child health, maternity, and intermediate care across Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford.Through our community arm, Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, we deliver extensive services in 26 medical centres and schools in collaboration with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance. With 500 beds and around 5,500 staff, we are one of the area's largest employers.
Since the formation of Integrated Care Systems in July 2022, the Trust has become a key partner in Cheshire East & Cheshire West and Chester and in two provider collaboratives, aligning our strategic goals with the Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care System.As part of the national New Hospital Programme, we're reimagining Leighton Hospital to create a new health and care neighbourhood, transforming healthcare delivery for a Healthier Future. Learn more on our Healthier Futures website.
At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.
Job description Job responsibilities
Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Community Teams and associated Clinical Services including managing calls, referrals, and supporting the clinical staff to respond to the health needs of the population. This may include processing and monitoring patient flow or waiting times, liaising with clinical staff to ensure timely and efficient patient care.Support the Community Coordinator to liaise with a range of internal and external services and teams including clinical and non-clinical staff regarding referrals, appointments, patient records and multi-disciplinary meetings.October 2025Make, receive and respond to a variety of enquiries, using appropriate communication and judgement skills to resolve enquiries personally where possible, or escalate to relevant team members and colleagues, ensuring each enquiry is addressed with the necessary level of urgency.Build and maintain constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of services for patients and to support signposting to other services where appropriate.Understand when it is relevant and appropriate to provide and receive information to and from parents/carers/advocates on behalf of the patient, in accordance with the Trusts policies and guidelines.Adopt a flexible and supportive role, working effectively within the administration team by assisting with workload and providing cross cover for other administration staff when required, and to be flexible regarding working hours to meet the needs of the service.Support the Community Teams with audits, reports and other measurement activity, including managing databases, obtaining information, and presenting the results.Support the Community Teams in the efficient and effective use of resources, e.g. equipment, supplies and materials.Carry out any additional duties and responsibilities as appropriate and delegated by the Community Coordinator or other Senior Manager.Additional duties for GP Out of Hours/Urgent CareCo-ordinate the GP Out of Hours and Urgent Care GP rota, annual leave approval/recording process in line with Standard Operating Procedures ensuring that there are no gaps in service provision.
Person Specification
Qualification Essential
5 GCSE level A-C qualifications or equivalent in English and Math's or equivalent experience. Computer skills, ECDL or equivalent, Microsoft Office Proficient in Microsoft applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Desirable
Knowledge of medical terminology Level 3 Business Admin or Team Leading Qualification
Skills Essential
Verbal and written communication skills Ability to problem solve Good Interpersonal skills Excellent time management, organisational skills and ability to prioritise own workload Proactively manage change
Desirable
Understanding of health records/waiting lists Understanding of computer systems used by the department. Ability to Audio Type
Experience Essential
Previous administrative experience Awareness of the need for confidentiality in accordance with Data Protection Act and national/local guidelines
Desirable
Previous experience within the NHS
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 Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Leighton Hospital
Middlewich Road
Crewe
CW1 4QJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mcht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)