Welsh Language Officer

Job Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and energetic individual to join the Welsh language unit of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

The Welsh Language Officer will, as part of the Welsh Language Unit, ensure that the Health Board delivers the best possible care the population we serve.

The successful candidate will be responsible as part of the larger team in ensuring that policies, procedures and support is in place to allow our staff to conform to the Welsh Language Standards and the targets of Welsh Governments More Than Just Words targets.

Main duties of the job

The post is integral in ensuring that the Health Board delivers its statutory legal requirements in relation to the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. The post holder will provide strategic direction, leadership and specialist advice to all divisions and departments across the Health Board in order to facilitate and strengthen the provision of bilingual healthcare services to patients and service users.

The post holder will be a member of the Welsh Language Strategic Group, supporting the strategic framework for implementation of the Welsh Language Standards and provide expertise in ensuring that the workforce is able to accommodate the demands of the Clinical Futures Strategy and on-going efficiency and effectiveness initiatives.

The post holder will work closely with workforce colleagues and all Divisions within the Health Board to comply with the Welsh Language Standards

The post holder will evaluate, analyse and contribute to progress reports for the Executive Board, the Welsh Language Commissioner, and the Welsh Assembly Government’s Welsh Language Unit. The post holder will also prepare reports independently within specific areas of work of the unit. These reports will be for both internal committees and key stakeholders, including Welsh Government and the Welsh language Commissioner.

The post holder will work autonomously and on own initiative and will report to the Head of Welsh Language Unit.

Working for our organisation

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation with a passion for caring. The Health Board provides an exceptional workplace where you can feel trusted and valued. Whatever your specialty or stage in your career, we have opportunities for everyone to start, grow and build your career. The health board provides integrated acute, primary and community care serving a population of 650,000 and employing over 16,000 staff.

We offer a fantastic benefits package and extensive training and development opportunities with paid mandatory training, excellent in-house programmes, opportunities to complete recognised qualifications and professional career pathways including a range of management development programmes. We offer flexible working and promote a healthy work life balance, provide occupational health support and an ambitious plan for a Wellbeing Centre of Excellence to support you at work.

Our Clinical Futures strategy continues to enhance and promote care closer to home as well as high quality hospital care when needed. Join us on our journey to pioneer new ways of working and deliver a world-class healthcare service fit for the future.

Other

Essential criteria

• Ability to travel to meetings/functions across Wales
  
  

Qualifications And Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Educated to Degree level or equivalent demonstrable level of knowledge and experience.
• Proficiency in Welsh language including listening, speaking, reading, understanding and writing (NHS Level 4)
  
  

Desirable criteria

• An understanding of the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011
• An understanding of the Strategic Framework: More than just words
  
  

Experience

Essential criteria

• Demonstrates an enthusiasm for the Welsh language and its relevance/importance to public sector organisations, particularly the NHS
• Experience of promoting bilingualism and/or understanding of the Welsh language agenda
• Strategy development
• Project Management experience
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Design & delivery of effective training and education
  
  

Skills and Attributes

Essential criteria

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Welsh, including an ability to communicate complex/sensitive information effectively to a range of people, including patients and their carers
• Ability to work at all levels, engaging managers, clinicians and Executive Board members
• Excellent presentation skills
• Ability to interpret complex issues in relation to legislation
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Demonstrates negotiation and motivational skills
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when working with others
• Demonstrates a commitment to continued improvement and professional development