Communications Officer

Job description

Job responsibilities

Person Specification

Our valuesHere at Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, your values are as important as the skills and competencies you bring with you and will learn here.

At the heart of our organisation are the values that guide how we work and interact with others. As a Communications Officer, you will be expected to demonstrate these values in your day-to-day work:

We are respectful and kind

We treat everyone with dignity and compassion, creating a positive and supportive environment.

This means:

• You communicate with empathy, professionalism, and courtesy.
• You value the perspectives and contributions of others.
• You are mindful of how your actions and words affect those around you.
• You challenge disrespectful behaviour and promote a culture of kindness.

We are inclusive

We embrace diversity and ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities and services.

This means:

• You actively consider and respond to the diverse needs of your audiences.
• You create accessible and inclusive communications.
• You involve others in decisions that affect them.
• You celebrate difference and promote equity in all aspects of your work.

We work together

We collaborate to achieve the best outcomes for our communities and colleagues.

This means:

• You build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• You share knowledge and support others to succeed.
• You contribute to a team culture that values openness and trust.
• You recognise and celebrate collective achievements.

We keep improving

We are committed to learning, innovation, and delivering high-quality services.

This means:

• You seek feedback and use it to improve your work.
• You are proactive in finding new and better ways to communicate
• You take responsibility for your development and performance
• You support others to grow and succeed

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Assessed via Application and Interview

Qualifications & Training

• Educated to degree level in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field, or equivalent experience
• A Level English or equivalent
• High level of competency in Microsoft Office and publishing software

Knowledge & Experience

• Strong understanding of communications, public relations, media relations, and marketing communication techniques and procedures
• Experience in writing and editing content for a range of audiences and channels
• Experience managing events
• Experience working with the media and liaising with journalists
• Understanding of design, branding, and print processes
• Experience working both independently and collaboratively across organisational boundaries
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, including urgent and unanticipated requests

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to convey complex or sensitive information clearly and persuasively
• Skilled in influencing, negotiating, and briefing staff and media contacts
• Confident in providing specialist communications advice and training to colleagues
• Able to build effective relationships and work as part of a team

Analytical & Judgement Skills

• Ability to analyse and evaluate communication activities and recommend improvements
• Skilled in interpreting audience needs and tailoring content accordingly
• Creative and lateral thinker with strong problem-solving abilities
• Able to assess and respond to media enquiries appropriately

Planning & Organisational Skills

• Proven ability to plan, develop and implement a wide range of communication activities
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise under pressure
• Experience arranging meetings, events, press conferences and photo opportunities
• Experience of managing budgets and contracts for communications services and materials

Digital & Technical Skills

• Proficient in using digital tools including website content management systems, social media platforms, Canva, and analytics tools such as Google Analytics
• Experience managing multiple corporate social media accounts
• Competency in Adobe Creative Cloud (desirable)
• Understanding of web software and accessibility standards (desirable)

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel within Sheffield and occasionally to regional or national meetings
• Flexible and responsive to changing priorities and urgent requests

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• Qualifications & Training

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Knowledge & Experience

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Essential

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Analytical & Judgement Skills

Essential

• Analytical & Judgement Skills

Planning & Organisational Skills

Essential

• Planning & Organisational Skills

Digital & Technical Skills

Essential

• Digital & Technical Skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Centre Court

Atlas Way

Sheffield

S4 7QQ

Employer's website

https://www.shsc.nhs.uk/working-us (Opens in a new tab)