Communications Officer

This post holder will contribute to the development and service delivery of the communications department within Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation. The role includes digital communications, media relations, publications and events. More broadly, you will work with and support all members of the team on implementing an effective, evidence-based communications strategy to promote the Trust’s achievements and future plans.

We're looking for someone creative, energetic and optimistic to join our communications team. We want you to help us communicate how we're using digital technology to improve patient, carer, family and staff experience. In terms of skills, you'll be able to translate technical IT language into plain English. Most importantly, you'll be someone who values teamwork, kindness and hard work - just like the team you'll be joining.

• Develop, deliver and evaluate communications projects
• Commission, research and write and edit complex information and content for corporate publications
• Respond to media enquiries, identify PR opportunities, write press releases and statements
• Contribute to and edit the Trust's website
• Help to develop the Trust's social media strategy and contribute to the day-to-day use of the Trust's social media channels
• Provide communications advice and support to staff across the organisation

We’re a large NHS Mental Health Trust in South East England. We’re looking for people to help us provide high quality services for the patients, carers and local communities we serve.

We want patients and staff to recommend our organisation as a place where they would be happy for their friends and family to be treated. You can help us do this by bringing your skills, experience and commitment to Sussex Partnership.

We encourage flexible working. We know that a positive work/ life balance brings about huge health-related benefits, which has a positive impact on the care we provide. Please speak to us about flexible working, for example, home-working, part time hours, flexible start/ finish times or anything else. If it works for you and works for the role, we'll do our best to make it happen.

General

• Develop, implement and evaluate communications projects (both for specific initiatives and in relation to issues affecting the whole organisation)
• Commission, write, edit, proof read and coordinate complex information.
• Respond to media enquiries, brief journalists and manage events.
• Provide digital communications expertise, including social media.
• Provide communications advice and support to staff across the organisation

Media relations

• Deal with enquiries from the media.
• Research, write and distribute press releases to raise the profile of the Trust across local and national media and trade press.
• Develop responses to media enquiries, often at short notice and under pressure.
• Manage the administration of the press office and ensure that all enquiries are logged and responded to.
• Maintain press release files, distribution lists and contact databases.
• Understand the sensitivities around complex / sensitive issues.

Digital media

• Support the ongoing development of the Trust website to ensure it is modern, innovative and user friendly. This will include working with other members of the communications team, staff and with external service providers to ensure we have a modern, innovative, user friendly website that draws on best practice elsewhere within the healthcare sector.
• Help develop the Trust’s social media strategy and coordinate the day-to-day use of Trust social media channels.
• Work with IT to manage contracts with external providers regarding web and intranet hosting and content management support.
• Develop the Trust’s intranet as a communications tool and platform to share content and to provide two-way feedback with frontline staff.
• Produce web content that is accessible and user-friendly.
• Support website research and usability / accessibility testing with staff, patients and public.
• Develop and manage online bulletins and communications to staff and stakeholders.
• Provide website and social media statistics and analysis.
• Develop online polls and surveys in support of communication plans and campaigns.
• Ensure the online Trust presence is maximised and kept up to date e.g. NHS Choices.
• Ensure the Trust website and staff intranet operate effectively, resolving issues alone and /or commissioning support from IT colleagues or external providers.
• Provide training, support, advice and expertise to other members of the communications team and various staff across the organisation in relation to content management systems.
• Ensure the Trust website and intranet resources are consistent, reliable and easy to use.