At a Glance
- Tasks: Support inclusive Patient and Public Involvement activities and engage with diverse community groups.
- Company: Join a leading research centre partnered with the University of Leeds.
- Benefits: Enjoy 42 days off, a generous pension, and access to a top-notch gym.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by amplifying community voices in research.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Would you like to support the delivery of inclusive Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities for a leading research centre in a community organisation? Are you experienced in developing and delivering effective and inclusive PPIE activities within a community setting, evaluating the impact of activities and working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders? Do you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a desire to improve patient/public participation in research?
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) in partnership with the University of Leeds (UoL) manages the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) with funding of £22.24 million until March 2028. At present, there are just under two years of the contract remaining. The NIHR Leeds BRC comprises of research groups in musculoskeletal diseases, surgical technologies, haematology (with the University of York), cardiometabolic disease, pathology, and antimicrobial resistance.
To ensure our PPIE activities are inclusive and equitable for a wide range of groups, we have an on‑going partnership with Healthwatch Leeds. Healthwatch Leeds works with members of the public to make their voice count in health and social care services in Leeds to bring people's feedback to those who plan and deliver services. This supports the development of PPIE activities with groups that are often not represented in research to ensure the PPIE activities we develop, and deliver are co‑produced with Public Partners (by 'Public Partners' we mean members of the public, patients, community groups and care givers who you will be working with) and are accessible, meaningful, and relevant to a wide range of audiences.
Responsibilities
- Support the development and delivery of a variety of PPIE activities for the NIHR Leeds BRC, including focus groups, community outreach, events and other methods to support people to get involved.
- Work closely with the Community PPIE Co‑ordinator and link into Healthwatch Leeds team and networks, receiving operational support.
- Collaborate closely with other PPIE colleagues from across the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Benefits
- 26 days holiday plus approximately 16 bank holidays/ days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – total 42 days a year.
- Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.
- Health and Wellbeing: discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state‑of‑the‑art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
- Personal Development: access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team and self‑development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and more.
- Access to on‑site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes.
- And much more.
Community Engagement Officer employer: University of Leeds
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, in collaboration with the University of Leeds, offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment for the Community Engagement Officer role. With a strong focus on patient and public involvement, employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, a robust pension scheme, and extensive personal development opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful research that impacts the community. The supportive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about enhancing public participation in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Officer
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like University of Leeds.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at University of Leeds.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like University of Leeds, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at University of Leeds.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at University of Leeds.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to University of Leeds. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at University of Leeds. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research University of Leeds’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
