Job summary
We are looking for a communication professional who wants to make a difference through their work and help us achieve our vision for a healthier Mid and West Wales.
The Communications Officer will support our journey to shift from a service focused on treating illness, to one that is focused on preventing ill health or worsening of ill-health, with more care provided closer to home.
The Communications Officer will deliver proactive and integrated communication campaigns. They will contribute to reactive issues, both internally and externally. We are looking for someone who is passionate about good communication and how this can impact health and well-being. They will thrive in a high paced environment.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be expected to;
1. Deliver content and mechanisms for dialogue between staff across the organisation
2. Influence behaviour change among staff and the public through communication
3. Provide the public with clear information.
The role requires a communications professional to contribute to innovative communication projects and campaigns, writing content for different formats, responding to enquiries from staff, journalists and social media users, and making best use of traditional and new media.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board is the planner and provider of NHS healthcare services for people in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and its bordering counties. Our 11,000 members of staff provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services for around 384,000 people across a quarter of the landmass of Wales. We do this in partnership with our three local authorities and public, private and third sector colleagues, including our volunteers, through:
Four main hospitals: Bronglais General in Aberystwyth, Glangwili General in Carmarthen, Prince Philip in Llanelli and Withybush General in Haverfordwest;
Seven community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron, Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire Hospital Health and Social Care Resource Centre in Pembrokeshire;
48 general practices (four of which are managed practices), 47 dental practices (including three orthodontic), 99 community pharmacies, 44 general ophthalmic practices (43 providing Eye Health Examination Wales and 34 low vision services) and 17 domiciliary only providers and 11 health centres;
Numerous locations providing mental health and learning disabilities services;
Highly specialised and tertiary services commissioned by the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee, a joint committee representing seven health boards across Wales.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on: 8/10/2024
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
4. Educated to degree level in relevant field or equivalent level of work experience including practical knowledge and experience of methods and approaches as they relate to public relations, communications and media
5. Knowledge of communications, journalistic practice, public relations and campaigning, including the various tools and techniques of communication and new media
6. Knowledge of health and public sector practices, as well as a thorough understanding of local and national political networks and infrastructure.
7. Demonstrable CPD
Desirable
8. Certified member of Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
9. Evidence of higher or further education with the appropriate professional/management qualifications. CIPR, NEC's CAM and Media Law Qualifications
10. Qualification or demonstrative knowledge of the legislation governing media, and slander/ libel laws for publishers
11. Understanding of Editor's Code of Conduct and the Chartered Institute of Public Relation's professional code of conduct and a willingness to act within accordance of them
12. Understanding of Welsh legislation and WG delegated powers
13. Knowledge of communications as an enabler of behavioural change
14. Working knowledge of media content and enquiry management systems
Experience
Essential
15. Previous experience of working in a communications team.
16. Evidence of delivering communication campaigns across internal, external and digital channels with a proven track record.
17. Experience of creating basic graphic design to help communicate messages.
18. Basic video shooting and editing experience.
Desirable
19. Experience of working with staff and journalists in a responsive role for the NHS or another large public sector organisation
20. Higher levels of experience and skills in filming, graphic design or marketing
Language Skills
Desirable
21. Welsh Speaker - Level 1