West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust

Communications Assistant

This job is now closed

Job summary

West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and accessible workplace for everyone where our colleagues feel empowered to succeed.

Each person plays a vital part to ensuring our organisation meets the differing needs of our communities ultimately enabling us to save lives. We acknowledge that a workforce that reflects the communities that it serves provide better patient care and we are therefore looking for self-motivated, enthusiastic people from all backgrounds that care about making a difference to our patients.

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity at all levels. We are proud to have maintained Disability Confident Leader status and as part of our commitments to this we guarantee to invite all applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role to attend assessment or interview. If you have a disability or learning difficulty, and prefer to disclose it, please feel free to do so in your application. You can also contact the Recruitment Team via email at recruitment@wmas.nhs.uk if you wish to have a confidential discussion. We use this information, with your permission, to ensure you are fully supported during the recruitment process.

The Trust is proud to support our Armed Forces community and have signed up to the Step Into Health initiative. We welcome applications from Armed Forces Veterans and Service leavers.

Main duties of the job

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Communications Assistant in our small but well established Communications Team.

The successful applicant will play a key role within the Communications Team, supporting trust-wide internal and external communications along with supporting the communications officers and director to implement the public relations and external and internal strategies for West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust.

Applicants must hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above including Maths & English along with a NVQ level 3 qualification and hold or be working towards an NVQ Level 4 Communications / PR qualification.

**Interviews will be held on Wednesday 6th November 2024**

If this position involves a regulated activity it will require an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. The disclosure will, where appropriate to the role, include information against the Independent Safeguarding Authority barred lists for working with children, adults or both

Where a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is required for the post, all applicants are required to cover the cost of the check. The cost of £42.50 for an enhanced check is payable to our online provider at the time that the DBS application is submitted. Upon receipt of your DBS you will then be required to sign up to the DBS online update service.

About us

We do endeavour to respond to all candidates on an individual basis. Therefore we do ask for your co-operation and patience whilst the short listing process takes place. After the closing date please ensure you check your emails (including junk mail) regularly as contact is usually made via this method.

We are proud to offer flexible working options to support our colleagues to have a greater choice in when, where and how they work. During your interview we will explore this with you and discuss your individual needs and how this could be facilitated for this role to benefit patient experience, service delivery and the work-life balance of colleagues.

Date posted

21 October 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9217-172-24-25

Job locations

Ambulance Headquarters

Waterfront Business Park

Brierley Hill

West Midlands

DY5 1LX

Job description

Job responsibilities

To assist the Communications team in proactively promoting the trust via local, regional and national media, social media and to assist with reactive media enquiries.

To take a leading role in supporting trust-wide internal and external communication campaigns

Deal with general day to day queries from trust staff, members of the public, the media and partner organisations in a timely and efficient manner

Lead on the production and prompt distribution of regular staff communications, taking responsibility for editing copy and prioritising content

Work with the communications officers and communications director to provide regular PR updates for our social media channels, linking in with bigger PR stories and events, and identify opportunities for social media content

Work with the team as a point of contact for the media, receiving enquiries and ensuring they are prioritised, logged and dealt with appropriately

Monitor team activity to create regular reports on communications campaigns and media coverage, bringing new ideas on strategies moving forward

Maintain media contacts databases and distribution lists.

Work on specific projects relating to internal and external campaigns.

To develop and manage content and activity on social media platforms to promote WMAS as a caring organisation and a great place to work, as well as strengthening our overall brand.

To assist with the design and edits of a range of physical and online content including social media posts, graphics, videos or posters

To play an active role in the planning and facilitation of events (online or face-to-face)

Produce written communications for, and disseminate to, internal and external audiences, including Trust wide emails, staff bulletins for staff, website, intranet, press releases. This will involve researching content, interviewing staff, drafting and editing copy, seeking the necessary approvals, proof-reading and taking photographs/ videos.

To work collaboratively with colleagues in the department in providing general support where necessary and building networks with others in the trust to enable the work of the communications team.

To help identify new areas, opportunities, and methods of communications with internal and external audiences

Provide essential support for managing large or major incidents or issues such as COVID-19 or a potential terrorist attack with timely and effective messages and advice.

Coordinate and produce reports on media and social media performance (with tools provided) and analysing reputational impact

Provide and receive information electronically, verbally or in writing which may be of a confidential or sensitive nature and ensure that this is communicated properly within and external to the organisation.

Participate in Trust and team meetings.

To comply with Trust policy on confidentiality and data protection.

Ensure professionalism in all communication over the telephone and face-to-face

Ensure written information is easy to understand, well written and accurate

Ensure visual communications are clear, easy to understand and engaging

To share information in an appropriate, timely and accurate manner across a range of platforms

To work within the Trusts Social Media policy and guidelines

Work in partnership with all healthcare professionals; maintain effective communication that benefits patient and staff well-being, and strengthens overall confidence in the trust