Applications Developer

Person specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• Educated to degree level (computer/computing science) or equivalent level of qualification in IT/Digital, or equivalent level of experience. Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in relevant fields (e.g. application development, testing/quality, secure development, or AI-enabled delivery).

Desirable

• Evidence of relevant certifications or structured learning (e.g. Microsoft/.NET, Azure fundamentals, security, testing, or similar). Evidence of learning in AI-assisted development and/or safe use of AI services/endpoints in application features.

Experience

Essential

• Experience working with industry standard coding languages / software development platforms. Experience designing, developing and supporting applications in a complex environment. Experience working with complex datasets, including designing queries and handling data quality issues. Experience designing, developing and querying large databases (e.g. SQL Server or equivalent). Experience of documenting solutions and system dependencies (e.g. requirements, technical notes, runbooks, release notes). Understanding of exceptions and error handling approaches in application services. Awareness of change impact and the need to update existing applications and dependent services. Experience of system management and support (e.g. supporting live applications, troubleshooting and assisting with releases).

Desirable

• NHS or public sector experience (or evidence of working in regulated environments). Experience building modern web applications and APIs using the Trust's core technology stack: .NET (C#), SQL Server, React, TypeScript, HTML and CSS (or demonstrably equivalent experience). Experience supporting application APIs/integration points and working with integration teams/suppliers to troubleshoot end-to-end issues. Experience contributing to AI-enabled application features (e.g. using approved AI services/endpoints in applications). Experience contributing to non-functional assurance (e.g. performance/load testing support, vulnerability remediation activities, DR/backup considerations). Experience working with SharePoint (M365/Online preferred) and/or web CMS platforms. Understanding of information flows between NHS organisations (e.g. cross-organisation data sharing and dependencies).

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Essential

• Strong hands-on software development skills, including analysis, solution design, clean coding and code review. Strong development capability in the Trust's core stack: .NET (C#), SQL Server, React, TypeScript, HTML and CSS (or demonstrably equivalent experience). Ability to define and apply effective testing approaches, including unit/integration testing and support for system/UAT. Ability to apply secure development practices, including awareness of common vulnerabilities (e.g. OWASP Top 10) and safe handling of sensitive data. Working knowledge of information handling controls relevant to NHS environments, including safe haven practices where applicable, and the ability to work appropriately with highly sensitive data. Ability to design and build supportable applications, including logging, monitoring/alerting awareness, and clear exception handling. Ability to use AI-assisted development safely and effectively (human-in-the-loop), maintaining strong controls such as peer review, testing and documentation. Strong documentation skills (technical notes, support notes/runbooks and user guidance) appropriate for operational support and audit needs. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, able to explain technical topics clearly to non-technical audiences. Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver work to deadlines; comfortable working with limited supervision and managing competing demands. Working knowledge of confidentiality, information governance and data protection requirements relevant to NHS environments. Ability to support users with adoption, including explaining changes and contributing to user guidance/training where required.

Desirable

• Familiarity with CI/CD practices and automated testing tooling. Familiarity with non-functional assurance concepts (backup/restore, DR testing, performance/load testing, vulnerability management/pen test remediation). Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design practices for digital services. Familiarity with NHS digital standards and assurance concepts relevant to applications (e.g. DTAC and DCB0129 awareness where applicable). Familiarity with structured evidence gathering for audit and assurance activities (e.g. DSPT contributions). Understanding of IM&T within the NHS (teams, ways of working, governance and operational processes). SharePoint administration experience.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Enthusiastic and proactive approach to improvements; takes ownership of tasks and follows through. Willingness and motivation to learn and self-develop; keeps skills current through CPD. Confident, positive and friendly approach; focused and detail oriented. Problem solving and analytical techniques; reliable and trustworthy. Strong planning and organisation skills, with the ability to work under pressure and produce high quality work to tight deadlines. Commitment to customer service principles and standards. Ability to support and coach others, sharing knowledge and contributing to a positive learning culture within the team. Reliable and flexible approach to changing priorities and service needs.

Desirable

• Sharing skills and knowledge with other members of the team (including coaching junior colleagues). Interest in AI-enabled capabilities and responsible use of AI in applications.

About the employer

By joining Team MPFT, you will be helping your communities and in return for this, we will support you by;