Informatics Skills Development Network
Undergraduate Sandwich Placements
ContentsExample Job Advert (Layout 1)
Example Job Advert (Layout 2)
Example Job Description
Example Programme Timetable
Suggested Recruitment Timetable
EXAMPLE JOB ADVERT (LAYOUT 1)
[INSERT ORGANISATION NAME AND LOGO]
ARE YOU CURRENTLY DOING A DEGREE IN xxxxxxxxxxxx?
WOULD YOU LIKE 12 MONTHS’ WORK EXPERIENCE IN A BUSY HOSPITAL INFORMATICS DEPARTMENT, DURING YOUR GAP YEAR?
[INSERT] would like to give someone the opportunity to gain invaluable experience of working in informatics to underpin the theoretical knowledge being taught.
The Trust operates from the [INSERT] site, which is situated in [INSERT]. The hospital serves a population of approximately [INSERT] residing in the surrounding area of [INSERT], and the town of [INSERT].
[INSERT BRIEF DETAILS OF DUTIES]
The post-holder will be required to work [INSERT] hours per week and the salary will be [insert](usually lowest point of a Band 2). Part time options may be available (delete/
amend as appropriate).
To apply to this post, please sent your CV with a covering letter to ……
EXAMPLE JOB ADVERT (LAYOUT 2)
INSERT ORGANISATION NAME AND LOGO]
ARE YOU CURRENTLY DOING A DEGREE IN xxxxxxxxxxxxx?
WOULD YOU LIKE 12 MONTHS’ WORK EXPERIENCE BASED IN A BUSY HOPSITAL’S INFORMATICS DEPARTMENT, DURING YOUR GAP YEAR?
JOB TITLE:[INSERT]
SALARY:[INSERT]
LOCATION:[INSERT]
HOURS:[INSERT]
REPORTING TO:[INSERT]
[INSERT ORGANISATION DETAIL]
[INSERT BRIEF JOB DETAIL – AS PER EXAMPLE BELOW]
Working in a small team, the [JOB TITLE] will gain first hand experience of the different functions of an Informatics department and the overall management of a large complex organisation. The role will support the provision of information services to the Trust managers and be involved with project work to enable the department to achieve its objectives. Current projects include [EXAMPLES e.g. PATIENT CARE RECORD]
The post holder will gain an insight into how the NHS is organised, funded and performance managed and will develop links with colleagues both within and outside of the organisation. They will also have the opportunity to rotate roles within the InformaticsDirectorate.
The placement format is [E.G. 6 months Information and 6 months Technical support which includes 3 months Help Desk experience]. This format will benefit the placement holder as all aspects of Informatics will be incorporated.
This would present an excellent development/placement opportunity for a student to support the organisation and deliver a professional service.
To apply to this post, please sent your CV with a covering letter to ……
EXAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTION
[INSERT ORGANISATION NAME AND LOGO]
Job title: [INSERT]
Salary: [INSERT]
Location: [INSERT]
Hours: [INSERT]
Reporting to:[NSERT]
[INSERT BRIEF ORGANISATION DETAIL]
EXAMPLE BELOW FOR AN HELP DESK ASSISTANT ROLE WITHIN A FOUNDATION TRUST
Working in a small team, the Help Desk Assistant will gain first hand experience of the department and the overall management of a large complex organisation. The role will support the provision of information services to the Trust Managers and be involved with project work to enable the department to achieve its objectives.
The post holder will gain an insight into how the NHS is organised, funded and performance managed and will develop links with colleagues both within and outside of the organisation.
This placement is also a unique opportunity to develop communication skills with a wide range of NHS professionals and develop presentational and IT skills by working for a hospital, which has a strong tradition of good financial and performance management.
Job Purpose:
The post holder will learn and understand the role and function of a busy informatics department undertaking a range of duties to achieve this. This may include
- User Support:
On a day-to-day basis as a member of the Service Desk Team, responding to and resolving users’ problems and queries relating to IT systems used throughout the Trust. Taking receipt of Service Desk support requests (primarily telephone but also email, written and in person) and logging them, either for resolution within the Service Desk Team or for escalation to other more specialised areas of the IM&T Department. Acting as a central point of contact within the IT Department, providing assistance to users to enable them to make effective use of available software and hardware.
- Systems Support:
Configuration and support of the Trust’s desktop systems. Investigating and resolving problems and providing information about hardware and software used within the Trust. Desktop Software currently used includes the following: MS Windows XP; MS Office applications (amongst them Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); plus various specialist software packages used throughout the Trust.
- User Administration
Ensure that the Trust’s IT asset and user databases are kept accurate and up-to-date. This includesadministration ofuser’s computer accounts (creation/modification and deletion), changing passwords, changing user’s workgroup membership.
- Provision of IT Training
Providing telephone or face-to-face training with the users of the Trust IT system as and when required. Providing one-to-one training sessions, Induction Training for new users and facilitating Service Desk Clinics around the Trust’s one hundred and twenty sites. Creation of IT training documents for use by Trust staff.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Receives requests for support or advice from users and other IM&T staff members takes ownership of and responsibility for the requests and prioritises them in accordance with procedures and any SLAs (Service Level Agreements) currently in operation.
2. Where necessary, liaises with and/or refer support requests to other IM&T staff members as well as IT department staff in other organisations.
3. Investigates faults, user problems and other requests for support and/or information and takes the most appropriate actions in order to reach a satisfactory resolution.
4. Monitors the progress of requests for support and ensures that users and other interested parties are kept informed.
5.Maintains the Trust’s desktop hardware and software to required standards.
6.Ensures that systems used by the IM&T department, such as the inventory of assets and Service Desk call system, are kept up-to-date and as accurate as possible.
7. Ensures that all work is carried out and documented in accordance with required standards, methods and procedures.
8. Monitors all user problems and system faults identifying trends and patterns and when necessary, feeds-back information to relevant IT staff (e.g. Operations, Implementations, management etc.) regarding any recurring problems or faults being experienced.
9. Provides expert guidance/advice and acts as a mentor to less experienced colleagues.
10. Undertakes such other duties as may reasonably be required of you commensurate with your general level of responsibility and the general scope of the post, as determined by the Service Desk Team Supervisor or the Service Desk Manager.
General/Other
- Takes all steps possible to ensure that all Trust users have read and understand the Trust’s Acceptable Use Policy and any other policies relevant to end-users and their managers.
- Undertakes such other duties as may reasonably be required of you commensurate with your general level of responsibility and the general scope of the post, as determined by the IT Customer Services Manager
Policies and Procedures
Trust employees are expected to follow Trust policies, procedures and guidance as well as professional standards and guidelines. Copies of Trust policies can be accessed via the staff intranet or from your manager.
EXAMPLE PROGRAMME TIMETABLE
July / August / Sept / October / Nov / Dec / Jan / Feb / March / April / May / June / July / AugustInformation Dept
It Help Desk
Technical support
Information Dept / IT Help Desk / Tech
Support
Duties
Brief Description of Duties / Brief Description of Duties / Brief Description of Duties
SUGGESTED RECRUITMENT TIMETABLE
(please note that this is only suggested and recruitment schedules can vary)
Action / DateJob Advert to be sent to Universities / January / February
Short listing & interview selections / February / March
Interviews / March / April
Start / July/August