Job overview
Communications Assistant (maternity cover)
We are looking for a band 3 full-time Communications Assistant to support the senior management and wider Communications and Engagement Team in the full spectrum of communications administration. The role will provide maternity cover for the substantive postholder from July 2024 for approximately one year). Based at Ladybridge Hall, Bolton the successful candidate will provide an organisational and administrative function in relation to communication projects and campaigns, event planning and media requests.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be the first point of contact for the team’s key digital mailboxes and oversee the distribution and logging of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests as well as the production of monthly returns and reports, record keeping, information provision and general administrative duties including the production of team dashboards; agenda and action logs.
The role is varied and provides an excellent grounding in communication administrative skills within the ambulance and NHS/emergency service. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required as well as attention to detail and excellent record keeping and planning. Creativity and enthusiasm for the job are essential.
Working for our organisation
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides 24 hour, 365 days a year accident and emergency services to those in need of emergency medical treatment and transport.
Our highly skilled staff provide life-saving care to patients in the community and take people to hospital or a place of care if needed.
We also provide non-emergency patient transport services for those patients who require non-emergency transport to and from hospital and who are unable to travel unaided because of their medical condition or clinical need.
Alongside the other emergency services, we also work to ensure the safety of the public and treatment of patients in the event of a major incident.
We also deliver the NHS 111 service in the North West. NHS 111 replaced NHS Direct in 2013. This service was introduced to make it easier for people to access local NHS healthcare services in England. It provides non-emergency medical help fast, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Person specification
Qualifications and Education
Essential criteria
1. At least five GCSEs in grades A – C including English and Mathematics
Desirable criteria
2. A level English, NVQ/SVQ Level 3, or a BTEC National qualification relating to business administration
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
4. Excellent organisational and administrative skills
5. An ability to co-ordinate your own work plans and manage your time effectively
6. Demonstrate excellent IT literate and keyboard skills
7. An ability to demonstrate flexibility and be able to adapt to a changing environment
8. Demonstrate effective planning skills
9. The ability to work within a team
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
10. 12 months experience of office administration
11. Experience of a range of IT software packages including Microsoft office
12. Experience of social media channels and their usage with different audiences
13. Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
14. Attention to detail and meticulous record keeping
Desirable criteria
15. Demonstrable interest in communications/public relations
16. Awareness of media and PR techniques
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
17. Desire to improve and develop communication skills and expertise
Desirable criteria
18. Enthusiasm and passion for communications