Communications Assistant (Digital)
Service: Communications and Strategy
Grade scale: Grade 2 level 1
Reports to: Communications Manager
Purpose of the job
To undertake a range of support, processes or tasks in accordance with pre-determined procedures or instructions which contribute to an effective provision of the Communications and Strategy function whilst protecting the Council’s reputation at all times.
Key tasks and responsibilities
Provide support to Communications and Strategy management, ensuring a high level of confidentiality within the office to contribute to the effectiveness of the service.
Process communications and other documentation in order to communicate campaigns and present council information in a clear and concise manner.
Process and maintain sensitive information to pre-determined procedures and standards.
Undertake digital activities in accordance with pre-determined procedures, instructions and standards to support the effective provision of council communications. These will include reviewing and assigning social media posts, preparing content for social media posts and bulk communications, preparing content for intranet and website pages and running analytics and monitoring reports.
Person specification
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Criteria |
Essential |
Desirable |
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Education, qualification and training |
National level 5 Qualification in English. |
Communication qualification or demonstrate an understanding of social media and coding languages. Relevant work experience related to the requirements of the role. |
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Skills, knowledge and experience |
Demonstrates strong customer service skills and a flexible, adaptable approach to work. Ability to work under own initiative but also as part of a team. Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively. Good organisational skills and attention to detail. Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, with the ability to produce high-quality documents, manage data effectively, and communicate professionally. Knowledge of digital communications such as social media platforms. Demonstrate an understanding of how to handle confidential or sensitive information. |
Knowledge and experience of working in communications within a local authority function or similar environment. Experience or background in working in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are a priority. |
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Personal qualities |
Willingness to learn and adapt to new tasks and technologies. To work in a flexible, adaptable manner and to always act with discretion and tact. Inclusive and supportive team player. |
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Other |
To demonstrate behaviours consistent with honesty and openness: treating people consistently, fairly and with respect |
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Safer recruitment checks
As part of our approach to good practice and safer recruitment we carry out a number of pre-employment checks:
- Asylum and Immigration right to work in the UK.
- Reference check: external candidates require 2 references, one of which must be from present or most recent employer; Internal candidates require 1 reference from current line manager.
- Candidate Disclosure Scotland check, where applicable.
Behaviour framework
The council’s behaviour framework is a set of core behaviours that defines how employees approach work to enable the delivery of key tasks for the role. The expected behaviours for this role are:
Efficient
- Punctual and conscientious in your approach to work.
- Use council resources efficiently, avoiding waste and unnecessary expense.
- Identify inefficiency in processes and communicate this to your manager.
- Meet deadlines and targets in your day-to-day work.
- Understand the impact of wasteful behaviours on the environment and you act to minimise this impact.
- Use of information technology to achieve best outcomes.
Flexible
- Willing to learn new tasks and accept new ways of working.
- Willing to be flexible in your approach to work to meet changing service delivery needs, deadlines, and urgent priorities.
- Help team members when they have urgent deadlines and prioritise your work accordingly.
- Understand the need for change and are open to this across your working life.
Performing
- Is polite, professional and friendly to customers and apply customer care standards and attitudes at all times.
- Works safely to maintain the safety of yourself and other raising concerns about unsafe working practices.
- Meets standards of work required in your role in terms of quality and output.
- Uses initiative to solve problems and raise potential issues.
- Acknowledges when mistakes are made and learns from them.
- Seeks feedback on your performance to learn and improve.
Working with others
- Works alongside internal and external colleagues to meet common objectives.
- Has professional relationships with colleagues and is aware of dignity at work standards.
- Actively and respectfully listens to people in order to understand them and their views.
- Contributes appropriately in team and other meetings and discussions.
- Presents words and views clearly in a way that other people find meaningful.
- Respect diversity and promote equality of opportunity when working with colleagues and members of the public.
Leading
- Role models the standards of behaviours expected of a South Lanarkshire Council employee.
- Displays and enables leadership through sharing knowledge and skills, seeking guidance and providing support to your colleagues, team and the wider community.
- Is aware of and adheres to professional codes of practice and the council’s code of conduct and understand how these impact on employment with the council and public perception of council employees.