Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for two Positive Action Engagement Officers to join the Inclusion and Engagement Team and support positive action recruitment work within the trust.
The positive action programme is a key organisational priority and supports the trust’s aim to have an engaged workforce which is representative of the communities we serve. Our positive action approach to recruitment enables us to deliver a range of measures and initiatives to break down barriers which may stand in the way of attracting applications from diverse backgrounds, focusing on black and minority ethnic communities.
As a Positive Action Engagement Officer, you will be supporting initiatives to improve diversity within our workforce. You will be regularly engaging with communities and groups which are currently under-represented in our workforce, and will provide support in bringing their talent, experiences, and expertise to roles within the trust.
This role is an ideal opportunity for someone who wants to make a real difference to local communities, is innovative and creative in engaging with diverse communities, and is passionate about inspiring people to fulfil their potential.
Main duties of the job
As a Positive Action Engagement Officer, you will engage and build relationships with the voluntary, community and faith sector and organisations who support individuals into employment and promote the trust as an employer of choice.
You will have previous experience of working in and engaging with local communities, be an effective communicator, and be committed to developing partnership working with a wide range of stakeholders, both externally and internally. You will understand the barriers and challenges facing various groups, communities and individuals seeking employment, and have experience of using your knowledge and skills to help overcome these barriers.
You will attend careers and community events, deliver workshops, careers-focused sessions, and explore innovative ways to engage local communities. Additionally, you will offer information, advice, and guidance and signposting to individuals and groups to improve their chances of obtaining employment within the trust.
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
Qualification and knowledge
Essential criteria
1. Good level of literacy and numeracy, educated to A-level standard or Level 3 equivalent
Skills / competencies
Essential criteria
2. Community engagement and development skills
3. Effective verbal, listening and written communication skills
4. Ability to hold sensitive and difficult conversations
5. Ability to build effective working relationships with a variety of diverse individuals
6. nsitivity to and ability to manage effective cross-cultural communication (verbal and non-verbal)
7. Ability to design and present materials to differing audiences in an appropriate format
8. Organisational and planning abilities to effectively prioritise work
9. Computer literate with competency using the full Microsoft Office package (preparing reports, presentations, tables) and strong keyboard skills
10. Understands the importance of and ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
11. Ability to act as a supportive team member
12. Ability to work as a team and to use own initiative
Qualification and knowledge
Essential criteria
13. Knowledge and understanding of the range of benefits of having a diverse workforce reflective of the local population, for the trust as whole, and specifically for employees, service users, and our communitie
14. Knowledge and understanding of the Equality Act 2010
15. Awareness and knowledge of challenges to increasing workforce diversity in the ambulance sector
16. Knowledge of HR recruitment processes
Experience
Essential criteria
17. Demonstrable experience of community engagement, including working with a wide range of community groups and individuals, particularly from culturally diverse backgrounds
18. Experience of building and maintaining effective working relationships both internally and externally
19. Experience of designing and delivering presentations or other materials to a wide range of audience in a variety of formats
20. Experience of supporting or advising individuals about careers, training, education or employment
21. Experience of supporting or advising individuals from groups that are currently under-represented in the Trust workforce, notably from black and minority ethnic communities
Values and behaviours
Essential criteria
22. Working together – demonstrate collaborative and inclusive working and challenge behaviour that is not inclusive or acceptable
Values and behaviours
Essential criteria
23. Being at our best – professional and adaptable and takes pride in work
24. Making a difference – act with compassion, kindness, and integrity towards everyone