Job summary
Public Health Wales is looking for a committed, capable and experienced Assistant Communications Officer/Communications Coordinator to join its Communications and Engagement team.
Working with teams from across the organisation, including Screening, Sexual Health and Environmental Public Health, the Communications Coordinator will support in the planning and delivery of campaigns that seek to improve the health and well-being of the population of Wales.
The Communications Coordinator will be confident in using Government Communications Service frameworks to inform their campaign planning. They will be comfortable working with experts in public health and behavioural science to plan insight-driven and impactful campaigns.
The Communications Officer will work collaboratively with key stakeholders, including the Welsh Government and health boards in Wales, to plan and coordinate activities. They will also work closely with the wider Communications Division, including the Digital, News and External Affairs, and Internal and Corporate teams, to coordinate campaign activities.
We are a passionate, caring and values-led team. We thrive on making a difference. You'll be joining a team that is committed to continuous learning and improvement.
If you have experience of supporting the delivery of communications campaigns and you want to play a key role in achieving a healthier Wales, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
You will support in the planning and delivery of campaigns that seek to improve the health and well-being of the population of Wales.
Your duties will include:
- Supporting the Communications Manager in the planning and delivery of public health communications campaigns
- Providing expert communications advice and support to staff from across the organisation
- Supporting colleagues in the delivery of stakeholder communications and engagement activities
- Supporting the Senior Communications Manager in the administration of communications activities
- Writing and editing copy for a range of channels
- Working with the Digital Communications team in the development and delivery of digital and print assets
About us
We are Public Health Wales - the national public health organisation for Wales. Our purpose is 'working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help all people in Wales live longer, healthier lives. With our partners, we aim to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.
Together, our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the main source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. Never has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change.
Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.
To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/careers/
For guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/
Job description
Job responsibilities
We are advertising for a Band 5 Assistant Communications Officer / Communications Coordinator.
You will support in the planning and delivery of campaigns that seek to improve the health and well-being of the population of Wales.
Your main duties will include:
- Supporting the Communications Manager in the planning and delivery of public health communications campaigns
- Providing expert communications advice and support to staff from across the organisation
- Supporting colleagues in the delivery of stakeholder communications and engagement activities
- Supporting the Senior Communications Manager in the administration of communications activities
- Writing and editing copy for a range of channels
- Working with the Digital Communications team in the development and delivery of digital and print assets
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Communication and Relationship skills
- Provide and receive complex information; provide advice, instruction or training to groups
- Have good verbal and written communication skills, preferably in both English and Welsh
- Receive complex information for use in Public Health Wales campaigns, on websites and in public, system and staff-facing communications
- Work with and provide support to the Campaigns and Planning team and wider Communications Team
Knowledge, Training and Experience
- Expertise within a specialism or discipline, underpinned by theory
- Knowledge of communications, public relations, journalism and marketing communications techniques, approaches, procedures: acquired through training to relevant degree level or equivalent, and experience
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- Range of facts or situations requiring analysis
- Make judgements that involve a range of options about suitability of resources to meet users needs
- As appropriate collect, analyse and present statistics on campaigns, media, digital and use of relevant platforms
Planning and Organisational Skills
Plan and organise complex activities or programmes, requiring formulation, adjustment
- Formulate and adjust operational plans when situations require it, often at short notice
- Arranges meetings, events, press conferences, photocalls / coordinates communications campaigns
Physical Skills
- Advanced keyboard and computer skills for inputting data/conducting searches
- Some travel may be required.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care
- Assist patients, service users and the public with incidental and general public health advice
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development
- Analyse the communication implications of policy proposals (from within Public Health Wales and stakeholders) and provide advice on managing the implications
Responsibility for Financial and Physical Resources
- Order and purchase printing, translation, design and similar services
- Take responsibility for managing nominated project budgets
Responsibility for Human Resources
- Allocate and share tasks while working as a member of a number of teams
- May demonstrate duties to new starters or other staff
Responsibility for Information Resources
- Regular requirement to use software to create reports; maintain one or more information systems, significant job responsibility.
- Develops press releases, publications, presentations using desk-top publishing, website software; if systems are developed to maintain press cuttings, photo library, and similar departmental databases as required.
Responsibility for Research and Development
- Undertake surveys and audits as necessary for communications work
- Provide a knowledge base on key communications initiatives to inform research and implementation of effective practice
Freedom to Act
- Expected to work largely autonomously to plan and deliver the work of the communications team, guided by professional and industry standards but making own decisions on how best to interpret these for Public Health Wales.
- Work will be managed not supervised. Need to determine own work schedule and make own decisions about prioritisation.
- Develop appropriate partnerships in communications and across Public Health Wales divisions
Physical Effort
- Frequent sitting in restricted position; light effort for several short periods
- Desk based work using keyboard, mouse and monitor for prolonged periods on a daily basis.
- Occasional travel around Wales for meetings.
Mental Effort
- Frequent requirement for concentration where work pattern is predictable/frequent concentration, work pattern unpredictable.
- Concentration required for writing copy, data inputting, checking information and answering enquiries.
- Frequently required to change tasks to offer assistance to other colleagues, internal clients, agencies and other stakeholders as appropriate.
Emotional Effort
- Occasional/frequent indirect distressing or emotional circumstances
- Handles materials with graphic images of medical conditions or written case studies recording distressing information e.g. childhood diseases
- Responds to difficult organisational situations
Working Conditions
- Undertake communications and related work activity at home and in a modern office environment. During each working day there will be a frequent requirement to use a computer and related IT and equipment.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Job description
Job responsibilities
We are advertising for a Band 5 Assistant Communications Officer / Communications Coordinator.
You will support in the planning and delivery of campaigns that seek to improve the health and well-being of the population of Wales.
Your main duties will include:
- Supporting the Communications Manager in the planning and delivery of public health communications campaigns
- Providing expert communications advice and support to staff from across the organisation
- Supporting colleagues in the delivery of stakeholder communications and engagement activities
- Supporting the Senior Communications Manager in the administration of communications activities
- Writing and editing copy for a range of channels
- Working with the Digital Communications team in the development and delivery of digital and print assets
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Communication and Relationship skills
- Provide and receive complex information; provide advice, instruction or training to groups
- Have good verbal and written communication skills, preferably in both English and Welsh
- Receive complex information for use in Public Health Wales campaigns, on websites and in public, system and staff-facing communications
- Work with and provide support to the Campaigns and Planning team and wider Communications Team
Knowledge, Training and Experience
- Expertise within a specialism or discipline, underpinned by theory
- Knowledge of communications, public relations, journalism and marketing communications techniques, approaches, procedures: acquired through training to relevant degree level or equivalent, and experience
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- Range of facts or situations requiring analysis
- Make judgements that involve a range of options about suitability of resources to meet users needs
- As appropriate collect, analyse and present statistics on campaigns, media, digital and use of relevant platforms
Planning and Organisational Skills
Plan and organise complex activities or programmes, requiring formulation, adjustment
- Formulate and adjust operational plans when situations require it, often at short notice
- Arranges meetings, events, press conferences, photocalls / coordinates communications campaigns
Physical Skills
- Advanced keyboard and computer skills for inputting data/conducting searches
- Some travel may be required.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care
- Assist patients, service users and the public with incidental and general public health advice
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development
- Analyse the communication implications of policy proposals (from within Public Health Wales and stakeholders) and provide advice on managing the implications
Responsibility for Financial and Physical Resources
- Order and purchase printing, translation, design and similar services
- Take responsibility for managing nominated project budgets
Responsibility for Human Resources
- Allocate and share tasks while working as a member of a number of teams
- May demonstrate duties to new starters or other staff
Responsibility for Information Resources
- Regular requirement to use software to create reports; maintain one or more information systems, significant job responsibility.
- Develops press releases, publications, presentations using desk-top publishing, website software; if systems are developed to maintain press cuttings, photo library, and similar departmental databases as required.
Responsibility for Research and Development
- Undertake surveys and audits as necessary for communications work
- Provide a knowledge base on key communications initiatives to inform research and implementation of effective practice
Freedom to Act
- Expected to work largely autonomously to plan and deliver the work of the communications team, guided by professional and industry standards but making own decisions on how best to interpret these for Public Health Wales.
- Work will be managed not supervised. Need to determine own work schedule and make own decisions about prioritisation.
- Develop appropriate partnerships in communications and across Public Health Wales divisions
Physical Effort
- Frequent sitting in restricted position; light effort for several short periods
- Desk based work using keyboard, mouse and monitor for prolonged periods on a daily basis.
- Occasional travel around Wales for meetings.
Mental Effort
- Frequent requirement for concentration where work pattern is predictable/frequent concentration, work pattern unpredictable.
- Concentration required for writing copy, data inputting, checking information and answering enquiries.
- Frequently required to change tasks to offer assistance to other colleagues, internal clients, agencies and other stakeholders as appropriate.
Emotional Effort
- Occasional/frequent indirect distressing or emotional circumstances
- Handles materials with graphic images of medical conditions or written case studies recording distressing information e.g. childhood diseases
- Responds to difficult organisational situations
Working Conditions
- Undertake communications and related work activity at home and in a modern office environment. During each working day there will be a frequent requirement to use a computer and related IT and equipment.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A degree or equivalent level in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Other relevant qualifications (PR, communications, marketing, journalism)
- Relevant professional memberships (CIPR, CIM, IOIC, PRCA)
- ECDL
Experience
Essential
- Experience in working in a communications, or similar role.
Desirable
- Experience in working in an NHS/Healthcare or Public Sector environment.
Skills
Essential
- Proficiency in using standard Microsoft Office software and the internet
- Writing for the web, print, press & social media
- Effective oral and written communication of complex information in English
- Ability to organise own work effectively and work on own initiative
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of workings of print, broadcast and digital media
- Understanding of Welsh language standards for NHS Wales
Desirable
- Knowledge of NHS structures and relations with partners
- Knowledge of risk assessment, communication and perception.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Self-motivated
- Professional, tactful and positive approach to work
- Flexible and adaptable to the service
- Ability to network and collaborate with a range of health and related professionals
- Willing to learn new skills
- Ability to work under own initiative, whilst being an effective member of a multi- disciplinary team.
Desirable
- Ability to speak and write in Welsh.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A degree or equivalent level in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Other relevant qualifications (PR, communications, marketing, journalism)
- Relevant professional memberships (CIPR, CIM, IOIC, PRCA)
- ECDL
Experience
Essential
- Experience in working in a communications, or similar role.
Desirable
- Experience in working in an NHS/Healthcare or Public Sector environment.
Skills
Essential
- Proficiency in using standard Microsoft Office software and the internet
- Writing for the web, print, press & social media
- Effective oral and written communication of complex information in English
- Ability to organise own work effectively and work on own initiative
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of workings of print, broadcast and digital media
- Understanding of Welsh language standards for NHS Wales
Desirable
- Knowledge of NHS structures and relations with partners
- Knowledge of risk assessment, communication and perception.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Self-motivated
- Professional, tactful and positive approach to work
- Flexible and adaptable to the service
- Ability to network and collaborate with a range of health and related professionals
- Willing to learn new skills
- Ability to work under own initiative, whilst being an effective member of a multi- disciplinary team.
Desirable
- Ability to speak and write in Welsh.
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.
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).
Additional information
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).
