Introduction
A Researcher gathers information on pre-determined topics around mental health and illness, and how certain things in life can affect someone's psychological well-being.
We're looking for volunteers with knowledge of mental health, within a professional capacity; however, this is not entirely necessary.
Responsibilities
Research focuses on gathering and providing information to the Social Media team, relieving them of the research needed. This helps our Social Media team be more efficient and productive.
Researchers will often work together, sharing their findings and information with one another to produce content for the Social Media department.
Here are examples of Researcher duties:
Determine areas of research to increase knowledge for a particular subject.
Work to complete research prior to deadlines set by Social Media.
Plan and perform surveys with the public on Social Media.
Collect information for the creation of resources.
Accurately record your work on our Research Complex.
Support the Relations team by gathering a multitude of destinations/establishments we can distribute resources to
What's Needed?
Written and verbal communication skills.
Previous experience in Research or Mental Health.
Computer literacy, specifically for Google Workspace.
Knowledge of information and data collection methods.
Ability to work within a team, but also demonstrate independent working.
Something for you:
Work experience in Research or Mental Health
Opportunity for continuous professional development and skill enhancement. Volunteers are empowered to volunteer in other roles that interest them.
Joining a diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to changing the narrative on mental health and challenging stigmas.
Time commitment:
We ask volunteers to contribute 4-8 hours a month, if they can.
Volunteers' Hub
Ensuring volunteers have easy access to resources to effectively contribute means having a place where it all lives. Ease of access means more efficiency and volunteers have the freedom to get tasks done without barriers.
Research Complex
Here's a small snippet of what we call the Task Tracker - quite simple, we know, but it shouldn't be overcomplicated, and volunteers find this tool very helpful and easy. We're always looking for ways to improve it, though.
We ask volunteers to work from the top to the bottom so nothing is missed; however, if they're on track, we appreciate them wanting to dive into the tasks lower on the list.
Research pre-determine what subjects will be covered in the months ahead and are added here; they'll be added to the SMC by a manager so the Content Creators can start preparing content for them.
So, you've decided you want to get started, huh? Awesome.
Generally, after onboarding, your role is self-led, under the supervision of the department manager.
Yes, even volunteers have these.
Although we guide and support volunteers, it's important for each individual to take ownership of tasks and ensure they are completed to a good standard. Spelling, punctuation and grammar is important. As an organisation - predominantly online - having good, well written consumer-facing content, is vital for our reputation and professionalism.
If a task is missed or forgotten, we can easily move it to a later date, but volunteers are accountable for any task they set their name against.
Responsible use of information found online is imperative and should be practised at all times. Responsible referencing and crediting of sources, and prevention of plagiarism by making findings your own voice. Do not copy & paste. Use the research compilation form to note your findings.