Health Information Officer

Are you a great communicator, passionate about helping people? Well-organised, with a keen eye for detail? The Information Services team at Alzheimer’s Research UK is responsible for providing information about dementia and dementia research to the public. The team operates the charity’s Dementia Research Infoline and produces and disseminates health information booklets and other resources. The team also has responsibility for promoting research involvement to the public, actively helps people to take part in studies and support the NHS service Join Dementia Research. We are looking for a confident, friendly and proactive person to join us as a Health Information Officer. Alongside other officers provide day-to-day operation of the Dementia Research Infoline, answering questions from the public with about dementia, dementia research and about opportunities to get involved in research. Reporting to the Information Services Manager, the Information Officer will also play a key role in maintaining the relationship of the partnership between Alzheimer’s Research UK and Join Dementia Research, support in the delivery of outreach projects to underserved audiences and help with the updating and production of the charity’s dementia health information resources. Key Responsibilities: Day-to-day delivery of the Dementia Research Infoline by responding to public enquiries and providing accurate, responsible and helpful information to the public. · Acting as the first point of contact for Dementia Research Infoline callers, providing information over the phone about dementia and dementia research, as well as signposting to other organisations. Note – the Infoline does not provide counselling or medical advice. · Responding to Dementia Research Infoline enquiries by letter, social media and email. · Registering people to Join Dementia Research, via the telephone and via paper registration form. This involves processing and recording volunteer health information and ensuring data is up-to-date and contact with registrants maintained appropriately. · Supporting existing volunteers on Join Dementia Research, with tech issues, keeping their data up to date, and discussing opportunities to take part in research. · Average enquiry volumes are around 5-10 per day per officer, and can be up to 30 minutes long. · Maintaining an up-to-date and evidence-based library of responses to common health and research enquiries relating to dementia. Promoting to the public the importance of participation in research and acting as an entry-point for the UK research register, Join Dementia Research and other ways to take part in research. · Discussing with the public, through the Dementia Research Infoline, the different ways people can get involved in research and the types of studies looking for volunteers. · Managing the confidential handling of personal data. · Finding ways to promote taking part in research to internal and external audiences, with a focus on reaching underserved audiences. Creation and dissemination of health information · Writing and updating evidence-based health information materials in line with inhouse standards and processes, including engaging and accessible materials in print, web and other formats. · Liaising with expert and lay user reviewer volunteers. Raising awareness of dementia research in underserved communities · Assisting in the dissemination of information and resources to underserved communities. · Looking for opportunities to raise awareness in hard to reach audiences. · Embedding inclusive practices throughout the work delivered by the Information Services team. Additional Ad-Hoc Responsibilities: · Making contributions to articles on Alzheimer’s Research UK website. · Contributing to staff Q&A sessions. · Attending conferences and supporting wider work of The Information and Involvement department. · Speaking at events and representing the charity in the community, as appropriate. · Undertaking any other relevant duties and projects delegated by the Information Services Manager in line with the responsibilities of the post. Knowledge, skills and experience needed: · Science graduate or equivalent level of education (biomedical or biological subject). · Experience of discussing health or research with the public. · Experience of writing complex health information in a simple and accessible way. · Knowledge of dementia. · Appreciation of the emotional impact of dementia on individuals. · Resilience for dealing with occasional challenging calls. · A sensitive and patient phone manner. · A confident, friendly and professional attitude; would feel at ease representing the charity to a range of audiences. · Willingness to work flexibly within a small team to ensure core Infoline hours (9am-5pm) are covered. · Strong written communication skills. · Willingness and ability to travel independently in the UK occasionally and to work outside of regular office hours when needed. Additional Information: Ways