Welfare Officer

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a professional to support new clinicians adapting to the NHS. The role involves setting up a supportive welfare service, signposting resources for new arrivals, and acting as a liaison with community organizations. Key qualifications include a degree and knowledge of NHS practices. The contract is fixed term for 12 months, offering a salary between £38,682 and £46,580 per annum, based on hours worked.

Qualifications

• Education to degree level or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of issues faced by New to the UK Clinicians.
• Experience in leading and managing teams.

Responsibilities

• Set up service and referral pathways.
• Act as main contact for partner organizations.
• Signpost clinicians to appropriate external support.
• Ensure timely handling of service referrals.
• Maintain accurate records of consultations.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Organizational skills

Knowledge of NHS

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

The NHS regularly recruits doctors and other clinicians from outside the UK. These individuals are fully qualified in their field but may be unfamiliar with NHS practices and procedures. They will be offered a Trust / specialty induction to help with this, but will still face other issues outside of work, such as being unfamiliar with housing, childcare, the school system, driving licenses, etc

This role has been developed to provide inclusive, tailored welfare support to new-to-UK Clinicians (in particular International Medical Graduate doctors) across the NHSE Wessex and Thames Valley Deanery footprints.

Support offered may include help with signposting and information with for example, accommodation, travel, childcare, national insurance, tax and linking with local support networks and existing health and wellbeing offers. This is not an exhaustive list.

The role will also support New to UK Clinicians\' immediate family.

The engagement will occur via phone/Microsoft Teams, and written correspondence including email and potentially other online mediums. Attendance at in person meetings / events will be required occasionally.

The key aim of this service is to help New to UK Clinicians integrate, both professionally and personally, as quickly and smoothly as possible. The most effective care is provided by those who are well-supported.

This is a new role, and the individual will be required to set up the service and referral processes, as well as undertaking consultations.

Main duties of the job

Set up the service, including referral pathways, databases, Standard Operating Procedures and publicity / promotion of the offer.

Make contact with New to the UK Clinicians early to ease transition and help troubleshoot common problems as soon as possible.

Act as the main point of contact for partner organisations with updates and queries dealt with in a timely manner

Signpost New to UK Clinicians to appropriate external support where necessary and form links with relevant community groups to ensure signposting for extra support

Provide expert knowledge on support available to New to the UK Clinicians

Act as a positive ambassador for the international workforce across Thames Valley and Wessex regions

To lead service developments and be responsible for implementing agreed changes in Services, this will include reviewing processes such as data collection

There may be the occasional requirement to travel to sites across the Thames Valley and Wessex regions.

About us

Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Job responsibilities

Work closely with the Royal Berkshire Health and Wellbeing team who can provide further avenues of support.

Develop knowledge of and ability to signpost to relevant community groups, statutory and third sector organisations in order to provide further support

Ensure all referrals to the service are handled promptly, empathetically, efficiently and within the agreed inclusive service provision and requirements

Provide excellent communication to internal and external stakeholders regarding development opportunities for New to the UK Clinicians

Attend meetings relevant to role and development

Be able to respond to changes in policies, national guidelines and strategy and reflect these in advice given

Effectively prioritise work to ensure that the competing demands on the service are met.

Link in with the evaluation provider to support as required

Responsible for the coordination and delivery of celebration/development days for New to the UK Clinicians

Ensure that day-to-day activities are delivered on time and to a high standard

Maintain positive working relationships with colleagues at all levels and across teams and sites

Maintain accurate records for all consultations and store securely

To investigate complaints/incidents in relation to the service and organise a response

To be responsible for compiling statistics and reports

To monitor and review all administration systems within the service to ensure efficient working practices to implement efficiency projects.

Appropriate risk and other assessments are completed and documented in a timely manner in accordance with Trust Policy

Keep up to date with government travel and immigration changes

Accurately record, analyse and report on required data and information for evaluation of service

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• Education to degree level or equivalent experience
• Evidence of continuous professional development

Knowledge and Training

• Knowledge and understanding of working in the NHS
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues that New to the UK Clinicians may face
• Knowledge and awareness of local area and community support
• Experience of leading and managing teams
• Knowledge of NHS policies and doctors training pathways.

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.

Royal Berkshire Hospital, with possibility of some travel within Thames Valley and Wessex

£38,682 to £46,580 a yearper annum pro rata (This will be pro rata depending on hours)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time,Part-time,Job share,Flexible working,Home or remote working

Reference number

193-7407951COR

Job locations

Royal Berkshire Hospital, with possibility of some travel within Thames Valley and Wessex