Communications Officer

We are looking for an experienced Communications Officer to join us for 12 months and lead on delivering the communications plan for ourImproving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT)service.

It's an exciting time for our IAPT service who are in the process of developing a new brand, launching a new website and transforming their entire approach to communications.

You will play a key role in leading on this important work which is designed to help people in Sheffield who are struggling with their mental health get access to the support they need.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious person who wants to make a real difference. We're looking for a true all-rounder who is confident and has demonstrable experience.

You will be the first point of contact for all communications activity for the IAPT service.

Working closely with the Communications Manager you will lead on the delivery of key work areas, including:

- Website
- developing and updating the new IAPT website, including training staff to edit the site.
- Social media
- managing daily content (including advertising) for the IAPT service on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.
- Graphic design
- Copy writing
- writing engaging copy for a range of audiences and platforms.
- Media relations
- identifying proactive opportunities to promote the service and handling reactive media enquiries.
- Photography and videography
- capturing and editing photos and video.

All of the work carried out as part of this role will be captured in a communications strategy and delivery plan with key deliverable targets and evaluation built in at every stage.

You will be working in a fast paced environment where every day is different so we are looking for someone who is creative, a problem solver, organised and can work autonomously.

You will work alongside a team of enthusiastic communications professionals who will support you every step of the way. We are a close knit team who are all passionate about helping people - whether that's staff, service users or each other. At the Trust's most recent staff recognition awards the Communications Team won the award for Non-Clinical Team of the Year.

Our IAPT team is regularly recognised as one of the leading IAPT services in the country, and pride themselves on their innovative approach. Theirintegrated approach to mental and physical healthhas been highlighted by NHS England as a national example of best practice.

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust offers a range of staff benefits to employees, including:

- Free fast track physiotherapy service
- Free counselling and emotional support from our in-houseWorkplace Wellbeing Service
- A range of discounts for NHS staff
- Flexible working arrangements to support a work-life balance
- Lots of opportunities to access training and development
- A range ofstaff network groups, including our Rainbow Staff Network, Ethnically Diverse Staff Network Group and our newly launched Women's Staff Network Group

You can take a look at 10 reasons why we think you should choose SHSC as a place to work by clickinghere.

Job description

**Job title**: Communications Officer

**Band**: 5

**Reports to**: Communications Manager

**Accountable to**: Head of Communications

Job purpose

The Communications Officer will play a pivotal role in providing communications expertise across the organisation both internally and externally.

The role is key to enhancing communications and reputation with all stakeholders, including staff, members of the public and the media. The post holder will be responsible for leading a broad range of communications activities, including the management of communications channels, projects, events and campaigns.

A proactive attitude and the ability to build positive relationships with teams and individuals internal and external to the organisation, including journalists, is paramount.

General requirements

Minimum qualifications, knowledge, training and experience required for the post:

- Knowledge of communications, public relations, media relations and marketing communication techniques, approaches, procedures, acquired through training to relevant degree level or equivalent
- IT literacy - fluent in MS Office.

Communication and relationship skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to provide and interpret complex, sensitive information where co-operation, agreement, persuasion and negotiation is required
- Ability to influence and brief staff on marketing and communication issues
- Ability to brief media contacts
- Ability to work as a team as well as on own initiative
- Ability to work across organisational boundaries
- Ability to deal with potential conflict.

Analytical and judgement skills
- Analyse and compare options and justify decision making
- Ability to decide how to present articles for internal or external audiences
- Ability to decide on how to respond to media requests
- Proble