Band 5 Armed Forces Engagement Officer

NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board

Job summary

The post holder will support the Somerset ICS by leading on the engagement and involvement strategy to ensure that the implementation of the 9 Commitments is co-produced and delivered successfully. This will include organising and coordinating all work streams requiring stakeholder, public and Lay User engagement and involvement activities related to the implementation of the 9 Commitments.

Implementing the 9 Commitments will involve working in integrated teams with other staff and Directorates within the ICB, providers, Local Authority and regulators to engage and co-produce with, and deliver the 9 Commitments for, our local Armed Forces Community. This will require delivery of an innovative, measurable, evidence-based programme of patient and public involvement to support the implementation work, ensuring that all engagement is accessible for its targeted audiences.

In line with the goals of the NHS Long Term Plan, the post-holder will be responsible for communications, promotions and stakeholder/community engagement activities and feedback to ensure good coverage, uptake, and participation, including in respect of hard-to-reach groups, with the implementation of the 9 Commitments across the Somerset ICS. They will ensure that two-way discussions take place; views are heard and acted upon, and that close collaborative relationships are formed.

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Knowledge of a full range of engagement and view seeking methodologies
• Ability to deal with complex and sensitive situations, using a non-judgmental empathetic approach.
• Advanced level competence in standard range office IT programmes specifically Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Standard competency in Access and Excel.
• Ability to analyse data and create reports
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent time management skills and ability to adhere to strict deadlines
• Able to work to tight timescales and manage competing priorities
• Able to maintain confidentiality
• Motivated and resourceful able to secure co-operation of colleagues at all levels in addressing concerns
• Have a good understanding of the geography and population of Somerset
• Strong collaborator able to support work across the communications and engagement team

Desirable

• Ability to use website content management software to edit webpages
• Knowledge of the NHS public involvement agenda and complaints procedures.

Communication

Essential

• Ability to communicate clearly with excellent writing and data skills
• Capable of constructing and delivering clear information / instructions to colleagues and service users
• Ability to build and sustain internal and external relationships
• Demonstrated ability at exercising tact and diplomacy
• Ability to deal with potential difficult and challenging behaviors in a sensitive and confident manner

Desirable

• Working knowledge of communications functions including websites, ebulletins and social media

Main duties of the job

Supporting the full implementation of the 9 Commitments of Healthcare for the Armed Forces Community: a forward view for the people of Somerset

Organising and coordinating the patient public engagement function related to the implementation of the 9 Commitments and providing guidance to staff, managers, programme leads and other stakeholders about this work stream to ensure the patient voice is embedded in work programmes at the earliest opportunity

To assist the Armed Forces Community Delivery Liaison Project Manager in the development and implementation of communication, promotional ICS and professional stakeholders engagement activities that will gather intelligence and insight to ensure effective interface/integration, information dissemination/transfer and working relationships to the benefits of patient experience and safety.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Specifics

Band: 5

Proposed hours: 37.5 (job share will be considered)

Contract: Fixed Term (12 Months)

Directorate: Operations and Commissioning

Line Manager: Armed Forces Community Delivery Project Manager

Responsible to: Chief Nursing Officer

Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer

Base: Wynford House, Lufton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8HR

This post is designed to support the implementation of the 9 Commitments of Healthcare for the Armed Forces Community: a forward view, as part of Somerset’s Integrated Care System (ICS) by coordinating inputs and reporting to the wider system. The post holder will work with the Armed Forces Community Delivery Project Manager to better co-ordinate the network of support available for the Armed Forces Community, improving access to support and informing future planning decisions by coordinating all required engagement tasks. Experience of military culture and/or working in the Armed Forces Community would be highly desirable in a successful applicant.

The successful implementation of our 9 Commitments of Healthcare for the Armed Forces Community: a forward view will be judged by the following criteria:

improving engagement with the Armed Forces community in Somerset

facilitating the delivery of improved integrated health and social care in the County

reducing inequalities experienced by members of the Armed Forces community

raising awareness of the needs of, and improves the support available to, the Armed Forces community in Somerset

facilitating consultation, implementation, review, and adjustment of the plan via a process of co-production

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

This post will close at midnight on Sunday 29th January 2023. Please note however, that this post may close sooner and without warning, if we receive a large number of applications.

Interviews will take place on the 9th February 2023.

For further information or to express interest, please get in touch with the Employment & Education team via this email address or on 023 9298 1920.