Research and Engagement Officer

Job Title: Research and Engagement Officer

Location: Healthwatch Wakefield, The Plex, 15 Margaret Street, Wakefield, WF1 2DQ, and Wakefield districts

Reports to: Operations and Impact Manager

Type: 1 year fixed term contract with the possibility of extending

Working Hours: Part-time, 15 hours per week

Salary: £27,000 per annum (pro-rata)

Pension: 5% employer contribution

Benefits: Flexible working, hybrid working, workplace pension

Job Purpose:

To plan and deliver engagement and research for Healthwatch Wakefield’s core and project work. To understand the experiences and concerns of people using health and social care services in Wakefield and represent this feedback to service providers and commissioners. The role involves some analysing of data and intelligence to influence change and improve services. The postholder will focus on engaging with seldom-heard groups and individuals.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Engagement:

• Work closely with the Healthwatch Wakefield Engagement Officer to put together engagement plans for specific projects and core healthwatch work
• Conduct engagement in public spaces appropriate to project needs, such as community centres, health venues, and libraries.
• Manage a program of outreach sessions, identifying and arranging visits to organisations and community groups.
• Employ innovative engagement methods and involve volunteers in outreach activities.
• Follow up on information requests and signpost effectively, ensuring high-quality information standards.

Research:

• Work with the Healthwatch Wakefield Research and Engagement Project Officer to support the design of research collection methods, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Provide support and advice for other staff and volunteers conducting research.

Data and Intelligence Analysis:

• Support the Healthwatch Wakefield Research and Engagement Project Officer to analyse data to produce a range of high-quality research outputs, including reports and presentations for various audiences.
• Input engagement data into databases as required by the organisation

General Responsibilities:

• Support a positive team environment, ensure compliance with policies, and promote equality and diversity.
• Participate in internal and external meetings and contribute to the periodic review of job roles.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Experience of engagement, particularly with hard to reach groups and communities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Capable of working independently and managing a varied workload.
• Experience of using various engagement methodologies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and community meetings.
• Experience working with, networking, and developing partnerships with a range of people, including project stakeholders, diverse community groups, and other organisations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Word.
• Commitment to the principles and values of Healthwatch.
• Demonstrates empathy, integrity, and a drive to influence positive change in health and social care.
• Willingness to travel within the Wakefield area.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Desirable:

• Experience in data analysis, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Experience producing impact-focused reports and summary documents.
• Familiarity with local services and community needs.
• Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector, especially in Wakefield District.
• Good understanding of health and social care sectors, especially within the Wakefield area