Communications Specialist

Job overview

As a Communications Specialist, the role involves maintaining and supporting the Health Community's voice and data network infrastructure, ensuring seamless operation and reliability. This includes handling business-as-usual activities such as resolving service desk requests, performing planned maintenance and upgrades, and addressing complex technical faults that may impact service delivery.

The role requires active participation in project work to implement new systems and technologies, improve existing infrastructure, and plan for future capacity and functionality improvements. A key responsibility is to identify and resolve complex technical challenges that directly affect the delivery of patient care, ensuring that clinicians and staff have the best possible support from IT services.

• Assist in supporting the voice and data networks for the South Devon Health Community, where the HIS has responsibility for providing these services
• Good understanding of the TCP/IP network protocol and network addressing issues, including those specific to the NHS.
• Good knowledge of firewall technology and understanding of managing a secure IT environment.
• Assists with ensuring the voice and data communications networks perform to agreed service levels
• Assists in diagnosing networking faults, providing solutions and escalating to senior technical personnel or external suppliers where appropriate
• Assists in ensuring maximum availability of Network & Telephony services to users involving out of hours work where necessary.
• Take part in the out of hours on call rota to ensure availability of services 24x7x365
• Assists in managing the access control and operation of the secure gateway to the NHS network and the Internet, as defined by IT Security Policy.
• Ensures quality documentation for areas of responsibility
• Provides prompt resolution of problems and responds to emergency call-outs
• Ensures data network cabinets are routinely cleaned and inspected

Working for our organisation

Why Work With Us

You will be part of a small team responsible for managing the network infrastructure underpinning digital systems in the local health community and wider One Devon area.

You will contribute towards the achievement of our goal of making a positive impact upon the lives of patients and staff, through the provision of a robust and functional digital infrastructure. You will be working within a supportive, innovative and modern environment where ideas are shared and valued.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The role requires building and maintaining productive working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including clinicians, customer organisations, technical and non-technical teams, other NHS organisations, and suppliers. Effective communication within and between teams is essential, supported by timely and professional documentation to ensure transparency and collaboration.

The role also involves planning and organising work effectively, ensuring resources are scheduled and deployed efficiently. This includes managing BAU activities as well as project work, following established methodologies such as PRINCE to ensure smooth execution.

A key responsibility is the management, development, and maintenance of the Network & Telephony infrastructure. The role is accountable to the Networks & Telephony Manager, IT Operations Manager, Deputy IT Operations Manager, and HIS Director, while also being responsible for delivering high-quality service to external stakeholders, including project partners and healthcare organisations such as CCGs and GP practices.

The Communications Specialist also plays a role in the financial and resource management of network and telephony equipment, including carrying out procurement activities to support operational needs.

Leadership ability is integral to the role, with responsibilities including overseeing Telephony Analysts and Associate Communications Specialists in carrying out infrastructure tasks. Additionally, the role supports the SDHIS Apprenticeship Programme by providing training, mentorship, and guidance to apprentices, contributing to their professional development.

The role involves organising and managing meetings, producing professional documentation, and maintaining a high level of technical proficiency in voice and data networking technologies. Ensuring that all documentation and systems within the department are accurately maintained is a critical aspect of the position, supporting both operational efficiency and compliance with industry standards.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

• Good knowledge of all aspects of voice & data networking
• Good knowledge of network security devices such as firewalls
• Good knowledge of TCP/IP networking and associated network addressing issues, including addressing issues specific to the NHS

• Networking Certifications
• knowledge of HP Aruba products including ClearPass

You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.

If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.

• We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply promptly.
• Please read the job description carefully and tailor your application to reflect the requirements of the role.
• Applicants who identify in their application form they are a part of the Armed Forces community will be guaranteed an interview, provided they meet the minimum essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification for the role. Step into Health guidance can be found on our NHS Employers website.
• Correspondence will be sent via Trac, text, and email. Please ensure you check your email and Trac account regularly.
• Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band.
• If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
• It is your responsibility to ensure the timely receipt of appropriate references.

If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum which has representatives from all protected groups.