Job Title:Campaigns, Advocacy and Information Officer

Location:Head Office, Southwark Street, London SE1 0HL

Department:Campaigns, Care and Information

Responsible to:Information Manager

Responsible for:No direct reports but may supervise volunteers/interns

Main Purpose of Job:

Lead on enquiries to the MDC Information Serviceproviding a first class service at all times
Ongoing development of the MDC Advocacy service
Arrange and chair Muscle Groups and attend any similar meetings to promote our services and provide direct support to people living with muscle wasting conditions, as agreed
Co-ordinate, develop and update MDC written and online information materials
Ensure MDC service users receive high quality support at all times
To support the team in undertaking office administration, reception and support tasks as agreed.

Main areas of responsibility:

1. Lead on enquiries to the MDCInformation Service (giving telephone, letter, email and web-based advice)

To guide all enquirers with knowledge, sensitivity, professionalism and the utmost integrity.
To work in line with Information Service policies and proceduresat all times (with guidance and supervision from the Manager of the Information Service)
To useMDC data collection and monitoring systems to capture enquirer’s information on the RE database and conduct regular ongoing monitoring of,and reporting on, all services delivered.
To keep up to date with Information Service developments and ensure all parts of the Charity are advised accordingly.
When required, to support and co-ordinate the work of other staff and volunteers in the Campaigns, Advocacy and Information areas.

2. Ensure ongoing development of the MDC Advocacy service

Ensure ongoing development of the MDC Advocacy service, including monthly reporting of current case loads.
Take on individual advocacy cases and supporting enquirers with knowledge, sensitivity, professionalism; in line with Information Service policies and procedures at all times (with guidance and supervision from the Manager of the Information Service).
Travel to clinics to support patients with advocacy issues and provide follow-up and continued support.
Write letters and undertake casework involving statutory authorities, health professionals, local MPs and our pro bono law firm.
Manage improvement and updating of regional and national advocacy packs for our supporters to use, working closely with Neuromuscular Care Advisors and health professionals.
Work in conjunction with the charity’s pro bono law firm who are supporting the advocacy service; and identify cases requiring legal advice.

3.Arrange and chair Muscle Groups and attend any similar meetings to promote our services and provide direct support to people living with muscle wasting conditions, as agreed

To arrange and chair Muscle Group meetings and attend any similar events to promote the work of the Information and Advocacy teams.
To promote the role of the Charity and, in particular, the work of the Campaigns, Care and Information team to individuals and families living with muscle disease.
To support our work in the Parliaments and Assemblies, as agreed, ensuring that policy and campaigns issues are brought to the notice of parliamentarians.

4. Co-ordinate, develop and update MDC’s written and online support materials

To ensure all Information and Publication materials are available via MDC’s website.
Tonavigate callers around the website, feeding back suggestions of improvement to the manager of the Information Services.
To develop and review all written and online support materials.
Working with Communications colleagues, ensure the Charity complies with best practice in Information & Publication procedures, as agreed.
Work with colleagues to develop distribution channels for MDC Publications – through clinics, professional networks, schools, hospices and other key places.
To contribute ideas for Target MD articles (with Information Services Manager).

5. Ensure that MDC service users receive high quality support from the charity at all times

To ensure incoming/outgoing mail is dealt with effectively and, when requested, cash and cheques are recorded accurately to comply with agreed procedures.

To contribute to the overall development of the charity and, in particular, theAdvocacy and Information Services.

To ensure that all actions comply with the spirit of the Data Protection Act.

To liaise with external organisations to develop the support aims of the Charity.
To work with MDC staff and supporters to identify opportunities to develop further support to individuals.

6. To support the team in undertaking office administration, reception and support tasks as agreed.

To carry out administration and reception duties to ensure the efficient running of the office, as agreed.

To ensure that the switchboard is always covered by answering internal/external calls and ensuring back up is in place when needed.

Other:

To behave in accordance with the Charity’s values at all times
To prepareprogress reports for line manager and others as agreed
To attend monthly supervision sessions, team and project meetings as required
To undertake any other such tasks as requested by the line manager.

Education

Degree and/or relevant professional qualification /

Desirable

Good standard of Education /

Essential

Experience

Experience of working on a support telephone line in a health charity /

Desirable

Good understanding of policy issues relating to disability and/or medical advice issues and willing to develop knowledge /

Essential

Experience of training and/or group facilitation /

Essential

Experience of working in partnership with other groups /

Desirable

Experience of working with and supporting volunteers /

Essential

Interest in medial research and trials /

Desirable

Knowledge of Data Protection and also relevant aspects of Health & Safety legislation /

Essential

Skills and Personal Qualities

Understanding of the issues and the needs of people with disabilities

Essential

Strong telephone skills – negotiation and understanding skills /

Essential

Able to represent the Charity in a professional manner at all times

Essential

IT literate (MS Office preferable) including an understanding of relationship databases and their use in information management

Essential

Good analytical skills and numerate /

Essential

Very good written and verbal communication skills

Essential

Able to work as effective member of a team /

Essential

Able to carry out office administration tasks as part of role /

Essential

Very good organisational and time management skills

Essential

Professional conduct at all times with a positive and flexible attitude

Essential

Details

Hours – 35 per week.
Holidays – 25 days pro rata.

Evening and weekend activities involved – time off in lieu to be taken