At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and young people with disabilities by providing essential information and advice.
- Company: Join a dedicated team within the Children’s Services sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for supporting families are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27694 - 31022 £ per year.
Information and Advice Officer – 0-25 Disability Team
Salary: £27,694 progressing to £31,022 pa pro rata
Location: Countywide, based in Stevenage or Hemel Hempstead
Hours: Part time 18.5 hours
Contract: Permanent
Directorate: Children’s Services
About the Team
We are currently recruiting an Information and Advice Officer to work within the 0-25 Disability Service with children and adults. If you are passionate and committed to supporting children and families to access the right support at the right time and are interested in this area, this is the role for you.
About the Role
As an IAO, you will support families, children and adults up to 25 at the point of contact, offering advice and information on services available universally within 0-25. The signposting of information will support families in need to prevent an escalation of concern. Your work will be underpinned by the principle of improving outcomes for children, young people and their families through communicating with parents and agencies to best understand a child and family’s needs and to contribute towards identifying support services and signposting to these. In addition, you will be communicating via phone with multi‑agency professionals and members of the public, working within a supportive team and receiving full training to help you succeed.
About You
- Essential Qualifications
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to build rapport with families and professionals during telephone calls.
- Excellent keyboard skills and computer literacy.
- Professional curiosity and organisational skills to ensure work is completed within tight timescales.
- A team player, but also able to work autonomously.
- Understanding of disability and children, adults and family needs.
- Desirable Qualifications
- Previous experience working with children, families and adults.
Employment and Sponsorship
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Safeguarding
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. For those whose language is a signed language, a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the required standard of fluency will be required.
Information & Advice Officer employer: Hertfordshire County Council
As an Information & Advice Officer within the 0-25 Disability Team, you will join a dedicated and supportive environment that prioritises the well-being of children and families. With a commitment to professional development, we offer comprehensive training and opportunities for growth, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact in your community. Located in Stevenage or Hemel Hempstead, our team fosters a collaborative culture where your contributions are valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Information & Advice Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of disability services, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your phone skills! Since this role involves communicating with families and professionals over the phone, it’s crucial to be confident and clear. Try mock calls with friends or family to get comfortable with the kind of conversations you’ll be having.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your commitment to supporting children and families. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your dedication to making a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly through our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Information & Advice Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children and families shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight this.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Information & Advice Officer role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your communication skills come across well in your written application, as they are essential for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Information & Advice Officer and the specific needs of children and families with disabilities. Familiarise yourself with the services available within the 0-25 Disability Team, as well as any relevant legislation or frameworks that guide this work.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on how you would explain complex information in a simple way to parents or professionals.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
Be prepared to discuss scenarios where you've supported families or individuals in need. Share examples that highlight your ability to build rapport and show genuine concern for their situations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready that show your interest in the role and the team. You might ask about the training provided or how success is measured within the 0-25 Disability Service. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
