Job summary We're looking for a Communications Apprentice to join our busy Communications team. This post offers an opportunity for an apprentice to develop skills in a wide range of communication functions including taking media enquiries, writing and issuing press releases, dealing with a range of internal communications functions, social media posts, engagement and monitoring, photography, video interviews, editing and publishing staff newsletter and administration tasks. You will work closely with all members of the Communications Team as well as a wide range of Trust staff. You will receive support in obtaining the Level 4 Public Relations and Communications Assistant Apprenticeship Standard. This is a fixed term apprenticeship for an 18-month period Main duties of the job Youwill be a key member of our communications team and will provide communications administration support, with opportunities to learn and develop in all aspects of communications. You will need excellent written and verbal skills, with the ability to work in a pressurised environment and will be used to working to tight deadlines. You will be highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks. About us As a mental health trust, Sussex Partnership places a huge focus on the wellbeing of our staff, as well as ensuring our reward packages reflect the immensely important work they do. Your benefits: Access to a host of discount schemes including Blue Light Card Generous holiday entitlement (starting at 27 days 8 bank holidays) Excellent NHS Pension Discounted gym memberships A position within a trust rated as 'Outstanding' for caring and 'Good' overall by the CQC Access to full psychological support via our internal wellbeing team Date posted 17 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum Contract Fixed term Duration 18 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 354-CO-21568-C Job locations Portland House Worthing BN11 1HS Job description Job responsibilities Develop skills in managing media enquiries and writing press releases as part of the busy press office function in providing information to the media. Develop skills in writing articles for the Trusts internal staff newsletter, working with other departments, to provide information to our staff and volunteers. With support from the Communications & Engagement Manager and Communications Officers, develop skills in planning and designing social media posts across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Develop skills in filming video interviews, editing and producing for release to the media/social media as part of campaign work, under the guidance of the Communications & Engagement Manager. Develop skills in desktop publishing and digital imaging under the guidance of the Communications & Engagement Manager. Be responsible for maintaining the social media monitoring report and produce updates for the Director of Communications. Monitor enquiries received via social media from members of the public. Engage and respond to questions as required, liaising with other departments when necessary. Maintain accurate contact distribution lists, social media access details, digital filing systems for all work produced within the department, update and maintain the Trusts YouTube channel video library. Provide a first point of contact, by telephone, email and face to face, for staff enquiring about communications matters, referring them to other members of the team where appropriate. To communicate effectively and liaise with healthcare professionals within the Trust in a clear concise and professional manner. Liaise with other agencies, departments and official bodies to assist in providing a high quality and efficient service sharing information as appropriate. Provide a range of administrative support functions to the team, including telephone answering, managing emails, and other duties as and when required. Input, retrieve and collate information using Departmental and Trust computer systems. Undertake statutory training as required in accordance with Health and Safety regulations. Maintain health and safety and security on own work environment. Other duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the position as directed by the team. To achieve the Public Relations and Communications Assistant Level 4 Apprenticeship, attending all study days with a minimum of 20% off the job training. To undertake tasks associated with this award. Develop and present social media analysis reports providing options and recommendations for improvement Job description Job responsibilities Develop skills in managing media enquiries and writing press releases as part of the busy press office function in providing information to the media. Develop skills in writing articles for the Trusts internal staff newsletter, working with other departments, to provide information to our staff and volunteers. With support from the Communications & Engagement Manager and Communications Officers, develop skills in planning and designing social media posts across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Develop skills in filming video interviews, editing and producing for release to the media/social media as part of campaign work, under the guidance of the Communications & Engagement Manager. Develop skills in desktop publishing and digital imaging under the guidance of the Communications & Engagement Manager. Be responsible for maintaining the social media monitoring report and produce updates for the Director of Communications. Monitor enquiries received via social media from members of the public. Engage and respond to questions as required, liaising with other departments when necessary. Maintain accurate contact distribution lists, social media access details, digital filing systems for all work produced within the department, update and maintain the Trusts YouTube channel video library. Provide a first point of contact, by telephone, email and face to face, for staff enquiring about communications matters, referring them to other members of the team where appropriate. To communicate effectively and liaise with healthcare professionals within the Trust in a clear concise and professional manner. Liaise with other agencies, departments and official bodies to assist in providing a high quality and efficient service sharing information as appropriate. Provide a range of administrative support functions to the team, including telephone answering, managing emails, and other duties as and when required. Input, retrieve and collate information using Departmental and Trust computer systems. Undertake statutory training as required in accordance with Health and Safety regulations. Maintain health and safety and security on own work environment. Other duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the position as directed by the team. To achieve the Public Relations and Communications Assistant Level 4 Apprenticeship, attending all study days with a minimum of 20% off the job training. To undertake tasks associated with this award. Develop and present social media analysis reports providing options and recommendations for improvement Person Specification Qualifications Essential English and Maths Level 2 qualification A Levels or equivalent in a relevant subject (journalism, communications, English, media, PR) or equivalent experience of working in a communications or engagement specialist area. Knowledge/Experience Essential Experience of working to deadlines Good working knowledge of social media, specifically Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Experience of team working Ability to multi-task and prioritise effectively Sound knowledge and interest in communications/marketing Person Specification Qualifications Essential English and Maths Level 2 qualification A Levels or equivalent in a relevant subject (journalism, communications, English, media, PR) or equivalent experience of working in a communications or engagement specialist area. Knowledge/Experience Essential Experience of working to deadlines Good working knowledge of social media, specifically Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Experience of team working Ability to multi-task and prioritise effectively Sound knowledge and interest in communications/marketing 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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). Employer details Employer name Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Address Portland House Worthing BN11 1HS Employer's website https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)