At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and analyse information requests to support children's welfare in Hackney.
- Company: Hackney Council, dedicated to building a fairer and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a commitment to professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on anti-racism and community empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in admin roles, strong communication skills, and tech-savviness required.
Directorate: Children and Education
Pay: £19.98 Per Hour PAYE / £26.92 Per Hour Umbrella
Location: Hackney Service Centre - E8
Start: ASAP
Enhanced DBS Needed
About Us
At Hackney Council, we are committed to building a fairer, safer, and more inclusive borough. Within our Children and Education directorate, we place the wellbeing of children and families at the heart of everything we do. Hackney aspires to be a proudly anti-racist organisation. We actively work to dismantle systemic racism, discrimination, and injustice, cultivating an inclusive environment that celebrates cultural, heritage, and religious diversity. If you share our commitment to public service, quality, equality, and empowerment, we want you on our team.
The Role
Are you a motivated and enthusiastic professional with a keen eye for detail? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your work directly impacts the community? As an Information Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting the efficient running of our service. Working under the supervision of the Senior Information Officer, you will manage, analyse, and load information requests including Subject Access Requests (SARs) and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. Your thorough scrutiny and robust data analysis will ensure that timely and proportionate information is provided to managers, partner agencies, and external forums to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in Hackney.
Key Responsibilities
- Request Management: Process and respond to statutory information requests (SARs and FOIs) from professionals and the public, consistently meeting strict statutory and local deadlines.
- Data Integrity & Reporting: Maintain accurate records, manage data entry, and produce clear, concise, and accurate reports summarising complex information regarding children and families.
- Discretion & Compliance: Handle highly sensitive, confidential data with the utmost discretion, ensuring strict adherence to the Data Protection Act and confidentiality policies.
- Innovation & Collaboration: Collaborate across the Council to maintain a seamless response process. You will take a proactive approach to exploring and championing new digital tools (such as AI) to streamline tasks and enhance the customer experience.
- Administrative Support: Provide essential business support, including filing, scanning, managing mail, and data system maintenance.
About You
To succeed in this role, you will need:
- Experience: A strong background in administrative or business support roles, ideally within a busy environment managing multiple, competing priorities. (Experience processing SARs/FOIs or working within Children's Services is highly desirable).
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to summarise and evaluate complex info and build positive relationships with professionals, foster carers, and families.
- Tech-Savviness: Proficiency in digital technology (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) and a strong adaptability to bespoke case recording systems.
- Data Literacy: A firm understanding of the Data Protection Act and the secure, lawful sharing of information.
- Core Values: A demonstrable personal and professional commitment to anti-racism, equal opportunities, and anti-oppressive practices.
Additional Information
- DBS Check: Because this role involves supporting services for children and vulnerable adults, a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level is required.
- Flexibility: You should possess the flexibility to occasionally meet service demands outside of usual office hours or participate in a staff presence cover rota if required.
Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Information Officer employer: Connect2Hackney
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a fairer and more inclusive community. With a strong commitment to anti-racism and empowerment, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Hackney. The collaborative work culture, coupled with opportunities for innovation and the use of digital tools, ensures that every team member can contribute to enhancing service delivery in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Officer
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Information Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Connect2Hackney.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Connect2Hackney that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
