Digital Communications Officer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Digital Communications Officer

🔹 Company: Suffolk County Council

🔹 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Part-time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Government Administration

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-01

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level to 2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with flexible working options

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Working in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Capturing and amplifying children and young people's views through digital means
• Collaborating with team members to create media content
• Supporting the co-production of services with children and young people
• Adapting to rapidly changing environments

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a passion for working with young people to ensure their voices are heard.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Work in a changing and fast-paced environment, with every day being different

✅ Collaborate with team members, including Co-production Advisors and Digital Information Officer, to capture children and young people's views in various digital ways

✅ Work directly with children and young people to capture their views and lived experiences

✅ Create films, voice clips, photographs, and other digital content to amplify young people's voices, particularly those using children and young people’s (CYP) services

✅ Support the creation of media content for social media and The Source website

✅ Attend events and meetings where young people are present to capture their views

✅ Support the wider team to co-produce with children and young people

✅ Advocate for CYP’s lived experience in meetings with CYP colleagues

ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working with vulnerable young people, requiring empathy, patience, and strong communication skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: No specific educational requirements mentioned, but relevant experience is essential.

Experience: Proven experience in using digital tools to engage with young people and adapt to changing environments.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong digital literacy skills, including proficiency in various digital tools and platforms
• Ability to work effectively with children and young people
• Adaptability and resilience in changing environments
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in media production or a related field
• Knowledge of the local area and CYP services
• Fluency in additional languages (beneficial but not required)

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, candidates should have a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £27,711 per annum pro rata (approximately £13.80 per hour)

Benefits:

• Flexible working options
• Pension scheme
• Employee discounts
• Learning and development opportunities

Working Hours: 22.2 hours per week, with flexible working options available

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the annual salary and working hours mentioned in the job description.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Government Administration, focusing on children and young people's services and engagement

Company Size: Large (5,001-10,000 employees), offering a wide range of career opportunities and a diverse work environment

Founded: 1974, with a rich history of serving the Suffolk community

Company Description:

• Suffolk County Council aims to empower children and young people by ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in the services they receive
• They work with children and young people, schools, professionals, youth support groups, service providers, and other organizations to gather insights and understand what's important to young people in Suffolk
• The council encourages authentic applications that showcase genuine skills and experiences, valuing diversity and inclusion

Company Specialties:

• Children and young people's services
• Community engagement and co-production
• Digital communication and media production

Company Website: www.suffolk.gov.uk

ASSUMPTION: Suffolk County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, expecting all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level to 2 years, with opportunities for growth and development within the council

Reporting Structure: The Digital Communications Officer will report to the Engagement Hub team and work closely with Co-production Advisors and the Digital Information Officer

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with one working day in Ipswich and flexible working options available

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression within the Engagement Hub team or related departments
• Broadening digital communication skills and expertise
• Developing leadership and management skills

ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working with vulnerable young people, requiring strong communication skills, empathy, and a commitment to safeguarding.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with one working day in Ipswich and flexible working options available

Office Location(s): Ipswich, Suffolk

Geographic Context:

• Ipswich is a historic market town and the county town of Suffolk, located on the estuary of the River Orwell
• The council offices are based at Endeavour House, a modern and accessible building
• The role may involve traveling to other locations within Suffolk to attend events and meetings

Work Schedule: 22.2 hours per week, with flexible working options available

ASSUMPTION: The role may require occasional evening or weekend work to attend events and meetings where young people are present.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Submit an online application, including a supporting statement answering specific questions
• Participate in an interview process, which may include a presentation or task
• Receive a job offer and complete onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Digital communication skills and experience
• Ability to work effectively with children and young people
• Adaptability and resilience in changing environments
• Alignment with the council's values and commitment to safeguarding

Application Tips:

• Tailor your supporting statement to the specific requirements and questions outlined in the job description
• Highlight relevant experience and skills, using examples where possible
• Demonstrate your understanding of the role and the council's mission
• Showcase your passion for working with young people and ensuring their voices are heard

ATS Keywords: Digital communication, youth engagement, co-production, media production, children and young people's services, adaptability, resilience

ASSUMPTION: The application process may involve assessments or tasks to evaluate the candidate's skills and fit for the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Various digital tools and platforms for capturing and presenting young people's views
• Social media platforms for promoting CYP services and engagement
• The Source website, co-produced with children and young people

ASSUMPTION: The role may require the use of specific digital tools and platforms, depending on the council's current technology stack.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Empowering everyone
• Reimagining possibilities
• Collaborating and building a bright future together

Work Style:

• Flexible and adaptable, with a focus on meeting the needs of children and young people
• Collaborative and inclusive, valuing the contributions of all team members
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a genuine passion for working with young people and ensuring their voices are heard?
• Are you adaptable and resilient in changing environments?
• Do you share the council's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people?

ASSUMPTION: Suffolk County Council values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all individuals, especially those from groups currently underrepresented in the organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working with vulnerable young people may be emotionally challenging at times
• Adapting to a fast-paced and changing environment may require strong organizational skills and resilience
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to attend events and meetings
• Working with diverse stakeholders, including children and young people, professionals, and other organizations, may present unique challenges

ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working with vulnerable young people, requiring strong communication skills, empathy, and a commitment to safeguarding.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other youth engagement roles, this position has a stronger focus on digital communication and media production
• As a government administration role, it offers a stable work environment and opportunities for career progression within the council
• Compared to other co-production roles, this position requires a stronger focus on digital communication and working directly with young people

ASSUMPTION: The role may require specific language proficiency, depending on the needs of the young people being served.

📝 Sample Projects

• Creating a short film to capture the experiences of young people using CYP services
• Developing a social media campaign to promote an upcoming event or initiative
• Co-producing a podcast series with young people to discuss local issues and concerns

ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working with young people from diverse backgrounds, requiring cultural competency and sensitivity.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe a typical day in this role and how I might adapt to changing environments?
• How does the team support each other and collaborate to ensure the voices of young people are heard?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Engagement Hub team or the wider council?
• How does the council ensure that the digital content created accurately represents the voices and experiences of young people?
• What support is available to help me understand the local area and CYP services, particularly if I am new to the region?

ASSUMPTION: The interview process may involve assessments or tasks to evaluate the candidate's skills and fit for the role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Read the Job and Person Profile (docx)
• Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application
• Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
• Follow the application guidelines and submit your application before the closing date
• Prepare for the interview process, including any assessments or tasks
• If selected, complete the onboarding process and start your new role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.