Job overview
Exciting opportunity to work in the Enhanced Recovery Services Care Hub (formerly Rehabilitation & High Support) part of the Specialist Network.
The post-holder will provide comprehensive personal assistant support to the Associate Director of Operations. They should be flexible and use own initiative to plan their workload, dependent upon the priorities and requirements at the time.
The Post-Holder will require excellent organisation skills be efficient, and able to use initiative, have a consistently high professional approach and high measure of independent judgement, including sensitivity, discretion and confidentiality.
The Post-Holder will be required to be flexible and willing to increase own professional skills and development.
The role is challenging and fast-paced with competing priorities requiring excellent administration and communication skills both verbal and written when dealing with all levels of staff, managers, and service users within and outside of the Trust.
The service provides inpatient care for males and females aged 18+ to 65 years of age in step-down, recovery and PICU inpatient units across the footprint of Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside and Stockport. Some units are based on hospital sites and some are standalone units.
Main duties of the job
Management and Communication
• Manage the AD's workload ensuring all urgent/sensitive issues are dealt with timely.
• Handle queries/information requests.
• Act as main point of contact for internal/external contacts.
• Handle/Communicate complex/sensitive information internally/externally.
• Liaise with AD re priorities, adjusting diary and workload accordingly.
• Ensure documents/actions for meetings are prepared on time.
• Maintain efficient/accessible systems to track responses/queries.
Communication Management
• Deal with all communications timely.
• Monitor emails daily; flagging tasks to AD, and archiving.
• Bring urgent matters to the attention of AD.
Diary Management
• Manage AD's diary efficiently and effectively. Arrange internal/external meetings/conferences/seminars/training courses. Make Travel/Accommodation/Room/Catering Bookings
• Ensure cover arrangements are in place in AD's absence.
Administration
• Prepare draft agendas, collate information, distribute paperwork, track actions and take minutes as required.
• Prepare presentations, reports and briefing papers using varied formats.
• Organise/maintain efficient electronic filing systems, including recording, sorting, archiving documents in accordance with Trust Policy.
• Order stock/non-stock items as required.
• Undertake training in new technology and participation in personal development and implementation of new skills/systems.
• Perform routine tasks for members of the Senior Management Team as requested.
Working for our organisation
The Enhanced Recovery Service (RHS) covers Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside and Stockport.
We provide Inpatient beds for Males and Females aged 18 to 65 years of age. Services include Low Secure Recovery, Step-down, and Male and Female PICU beds. Some on hospital sites and some are standalone units.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note essential criteria of the person specification to aid in your application.
Education/Qualifications/Certificates
Experience
Knowledge
Skills and Abilities
Work Related Circumstances.
Person specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential criteria
* RSA 2 or equivalent typing skills
* NVQ 3 in business administration or equivalent in training or experience
* Experience to diploma level
Desirable criteria
* Shorthand
Experience
Essential criteria
* Previous experience in a senior administrative position
* Experience of producing high quality documents within corporate identity standards
* Competent in Minute Taking
Desirable criteria
* Knowledge of working within a large complex organisation
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Sound knowledge of word processing packages including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook (email)
Desirable criteria
* Awareness of the structure of the NHS.
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Good communication skills to maintain effective relationships with managers and staff
* Ability to construct memos and letters from notes provided, by word of mouth, and from digital dictation
* Advanced keyboard skills
* Ability to demonstrate a high level of oral, written and presentation skills in dealing with external agencies and Trust staff at all levels
* Ability to improve operational effectiveness by using own initiative to meet departmental needs
* Planning and organisational skills to prioritise and manage own workload without any direct supervision, and working to tight deadlines whilst maintaining accuracy
* Ability to be assertive, reliable and focused and have a commitment to own personal and professional development
* Flexibility and adaptabilit
* Ability to maintain utmost confidentiality
* Ability to deal effectively with service users, according them respect and dignity at all times
* Ability to work under pressure whilst paying attention to detail.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team
* Professional attitude
📝 Application support - We recommend tailoring your application to each role you apply for, particularly your supporting information. This gives you the best chance of success. Your supporting information should clearly explain, with examples, how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
We understand that some candidates may use AI tools to help prepare their application. This is not restricted, however, any AI support should only be used to enhance your own writing and must reflect your genuine skills and experience. You will be asked to talk about your application at interview. Applications that contain false or misleading information may be removed from the recruitment process.
We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and need extra time or adjustments to complete your application, please contact us as soon as possible. We will ensure you are not disadvantaged where a reasonable adjustment is appropriate.