At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential business support to a dynamic team helping young people transition to adulthood.
- Company: Join Bristol City Council, a vibrant and diverse organisation dedicated to community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; travel across the city required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care or education systems and strong organisational skills are essential.
This is an exciting opportunity for a Business Support Officer (BSO) to join our team as we continue with our multidisciplinary offer for young people transitioning between children's services and adults. We are a multi-disciplinary team working with Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Aides and Social Care Practitioners.
The Young Adults Transitions Service are a citywide team who can work with young people with additional needs from age 14-25 to support them to be as independent as possible as they reach adulthood. The team operate across the city and further afield (where the local authority continues to hold funding responsibility). The team complete Care Act assessments and support our young person through their transition into adulthood. They also complete support planning to support the commissioning of services to meet the young person's needs. We work alongside families and carers where we can as we understand the value in supporting a whole family approach. The teamwork from a multi-disciplinary perspective and work in partnership with a wide range of agencies and professionals including health, education, children’s services, housing, provider services and the police.
What you'll be doing?
- Providing vital business support to the team working across adult social care, education, and children services.
- Supporting professionals with day-to-day admin and coordination.
- Support with our duty desk - managing telephones, incoming referrals.
- Managing data, auditing and reporting.
- Handling Subject Access Requests (SARs).
- Using systems related to adult social care, education and children’s systems.
- Delivering general business and administrative support.
- Support with our Local Offer.
- Minute taking.
What are we looking from you?
- Knowledge or experience of working within adult social care, education and/or children's systems.
- Knowledge of relevant key legislation within social care.
- A good grasp of data handling and confidentiality, particularly around subject access requests.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills.
You will have a strong passion for Equalities and Inclusion to ensure people who draw on care and support are strengthened from their individuality. You will work closely with internal and external agencies and departments across all Adult Social Care. You will collaborate with partners across Children’s, Education and SEND partnerships. You would need to be able to travel across the city either from home or from City Hall where the service is based. Currently, working from home is permitted but you would be expected to work from the office a minimum of 2 days per week. Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
Why Bristol City Council?
Our Vision is that all of us will have the support we need to live in a place that we call home, with the people and things that we love, in communities where we all look out for one another, doing the things that matter to us. At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working. Join us and you'll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance.
In addition, you'll be working in a supportive environment where you'll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.
Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, we are therefore committed to ensuring diversity in our hiring process. We welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Black and racially minoritised and Male candidates who are currently under-represented within this Service of Bristol City Council. Appointments will be made on merit.
The personal information section (including your name) you'll complete as part of the application form will not be visible to hiring managers, but is used confidentially to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.
Business Support Officer employer: Bristol City Council
Bristol City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, hybrid working options, and a comprehensive rewards package, including generous annual leave and pension benefits, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Bristol. Join us in championing inclusive education and driving positive change within our vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Officer
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Bristol City Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Bristol City Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Bristol City Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Bristol City Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Bristol City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bristol City Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol City Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
