PALS Officer

To act as a facilitator in relation to the concerns of patients, theircarersand families, negotiating immediate solutions or resolution of issues as speedily as possible. Additionally,to refersuch matters to the Complaints & PALS Manager whenappropriate.

To referpatients onto external agencies eitherwhererequested to do so or where PALS feels this isappropriate.

Toprovidenon-clinical advice or information to patients/relatives/carers such as providing advise on how to access services/access healthcare advice.

To provideaccurateinformation about the Trust, the NHS and other appropriateorganisationsto patients,carersandrelativesincluding how to make a complaint about the services the Trust provides.

To identify with patients andcarersareasthat requirechange, and refer these to theappropriate professionals,in order toresolve problems and change practice whereappropriate.

To supportGroup Associate Director of theService in patient involvement activities, including the Trust's Patients Panel and other project-based work.

To deliver PALS training to Truststaffas necessary.

To work with Trust volunteers in support of patient experience activities

To act as a visible contact point for patients, theircarersand families.

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust (SWB) serves Birmingham and the Black Country - one of the country's most culturally diverse areas. It's a friendly and welcoming place - a place where you can belong, and a place where you can grow.

We care for our patients, we care about our population, and we care about our people.

Our values - Ambition, Respect and Compassion - are at the heart of who we are. They guide us every step of the way; how we work with each other, and how we look after our patients and their families; how we respect and value the rich diversity of our team and our community.

Our Trust has always aspired to be more than a hospital, more than a healthcare provider. Our purpose is to "Improve the Life Chances and Health Outcomes of our Population." It is what inspires, drives, and unites us every day. It's what makes us unique.

We want working at SWB to feel like more than just a job. We want our Trust to be a place where you can feel you belong. A place where you feel happy, safe, and rewarded. A place where you can develop your career in whatever way you choose. When we say we're 'with you all the way' we want you to know that we mean it. Visit the SWB website to find out more about our ambitions and people plans.

Experience

Essential: - Experience in a customer-facing role; - Experience handling sensitive information

Desirable: - Experience in NHS or healthcare setting; - Experience using Datix or similar systems

Qualifications

Essential: - GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths; - Evidence of continuous professional development

Desirable: - NVQ Level 3 in Customer Service or equivalent; - Training in complaints handling