Communications Officer

Reporting Relationship

The Communications Officer will report directly to the Project Lead.

The post holder will work closely with the Project Lead and all Project Team Members; other members of the CHO Communications Team; Heads of Service; and the Office of the Chief Officer.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

Purpose of the Post

The post holder will be responsible for managing internal and external communications relating to a specific project and for any further communications work as may be assigned including generating positive stories to share across media, online and with external stakeholders. He/she will also be responsible for developing improved communication channels and providing quality information to key internal & external stakeholders.

The post holder will work closely with the Project Lead and will be responsible for developing and implementing the project Communication Strategy, managing press and parliamentary affairs questions, maintaining and monitoring content for all online platforms including website, internal channels and social media platforms.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Media Relations

·        Support the development of a Communications Strategy and implementation plan in relation to a specific project.

·        Be responsible for the implementation plan ensuring that appropriate information is communicated to a range of different stakeholders both internally and externally.

·        Work closely with the communications colleagues and relevant national and CHO personnel on communications for responding to a crisis or handling serious incidents.

• Assist in developing and sustaining positive relationships with the media, maximising positive coverage and ensuring balance in all media coverage to improve public perceptions of, and promote public confidence in, the CHO.
• Prepare press statements and media briefings as required.
• Ensure that the CHO’s views are always appropriately represented in the development of written materials including online content, press statements, Freedom of Information requests from the media, and Ministerial Briefings.
• Assist in the provision of an effective press office function which gives accurate and timely responses to media enquiries and monitors media coverage to identify weak areas and develop and maintain areas of strength.
• Ensure compliance with the Official Languages Act and any other relevant legislation and/or guidelines/recommendations.

External Communications & Public Affairs

·        Manage and respond to relevant parliamentary affair requests and work with relevant colleagues to maintain a log of requests, produce a monthly report, provide advice and guidance to relevant managers on parliamentary affairs.

·        Develop and maintain briefing information

·        Communicate the key messages and objectives in order to promote a positive image and when necessary limit adverse publicity using a range of media including website, stakeholder magazine, social media and special events..

·        Ensure that publicity / marketing materials and patient information are of a high standard and accessible to and appropriate for relevant audiences and reflect the diversity of the communities served by the CHO.

·        Assist in the implementation of the CHO’s procedures, standards and policies around media management, events, VIP visits, corporate identity, patient communications and other areas of communication and ensure they are implemented consistently and appropriately.

Digital Content Communications

·        Development of content for publication on all digital platforms.

·        Assist in the development of available online platforms to strengthen stakeholder engagement and reputation management

·        Help to provide guidance to internal staff, on social media best practices.

·        Provide a support and advisory service to relevant management and staff members on communication issues and opportunities.

·        Tailor communications appropriately to the requirements of target groups.

Monitoring

• Assess; measure and report on the impact of communications and press office initiatives.
• Maintain a media response log and diary which captures media queries & issues.
• Monitor, analyse and report on the CHO’s media coverage.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must have at the latest date of application: -

·          Significant experience in a senior communications role that has included some or all the following:

o   Development of content for online and offline publication

o   Development of communications campaigns

o   Dealing with media and press queries

o   Dealing with Parliamentary Affairs i.e. Parliamentary Questions

o   Public Relations

o   Management of social media

·        Proven experience of developing and implementing digital communication strategies.

·        Demonstrated capacity to achieve results through engagement with multiple stakeholders as relevant to this role.

·        Possess sufficient administrative capacity to discharge the functions of the grade

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for any person holding the office must be of good character.

Other requirements specific to the post

·        Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role - i.e. able to work across all Group sites if required.

·        Flexibility of location and hours - occasional out of hours working.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Demonstrate:

·        An understanding of health service provision.

·        A significant understanding and knowledge of effective digital and general communication strategies and systems.

·        A significant knowledge of Press and Media, especially those in the Health & Public Affairs Arena

·        Excellent Crisis Management techniques.

·        A significant knowledge of parliamentary affairs

·        Knowledge and understanding of press office functions.

·        Knowledge of health systems and the political environment.

·        Knowledge of Health Literacy guidelines and experience in creating accessible content suitable for a wide audience.

·        Knowledge and understanding of press office functions.

·        Excellent MS Office skills to include, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

·        Knowledge and experience of using an email system effectively e.g. Outlook, Lotus Notes.

·        Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Acts and other relevant legislation and policies.

Communications & Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrate:

·        Effective verbal communication skills, delivering complex information clearly, concisely and confidently.

·        Excellent written communication skills including strong report writing and presentation skills.

·        Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to deal effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Planning & Organising and Delivery of Results

Demonstrate:

·        The ability to successfully manage a range of different projects and work activities concurrently, utilising computer technology effectively and assigning work to others as appropriate to meet strict deadlines.

·        The ability to proactively identify areas for improvement and to develop practical solutions for their implementation.

·        The ability to embrace change and adapt local work practices accordingly by finding practical ways to make policies work, ensuring the team knows how to action changes.

·        The ability to use resources effectively, challenging processes to improve efficiencies where appropriate.

Evaluating Information, Problem Solving & Decision Making

Demonstrate:

·        Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision making skills.

·        The ability to quickly grasp and understand complex issues and the impact on service delivery.

·        The ability to confidently explain the rationale behind decision when faced with opposition.

·        Ability to make sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and to stand by these.

·        Initiative in the resolution of complex issues.

Building and Maintaining Relationships including Teamwork & Leadership Skills

Demonstrate:

·        The ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders and to achieve results through collaborative working.

·        The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team and multi stakeholder environment.

·        The ability to lead the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required.

·        Flexibility, adaptability and openness to working effectively in a changing environment.

Commitment to a Quality Service

Demonstrate:

·        Evidence of incorporating the needs of the service user into service delivery.

·        Evidence of practicing and promoting a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service for internal and external customers.

·        Commitment to developing own knowledge and expertise.

·        Evidence of setting high standards of performance for self and others, ensuring accurate attention to detail and consistent adherence to procedures and current standards within area of responsibility.

Tenure

The current vacancy available is a 3 year Fixed Term Contract

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.

Remuneration

The Salary scale for the post is: 01/10/2023 (Grade Code: 0582)

€55,849 €57,213 €58,807 €60,407 €62,012 €63,446 €64,906 €66,326 €67,737 €70,165 €72,602 LSIs

Working Week

The standard working week applying to the post is 35 hours per week

Flexibility of location and hours - occasional out of hours working

HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).

Infection Control

Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.

Health & Safety

It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a SSSS for the ward/department/service , as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work

• Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection

• Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters

• Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee

• Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant ward/department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures

• Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.

• Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.