Team Manager in Newtownabbey

Main Purpose of Job

Reporting to the relevant Directors, the post holder will be responsible for managing the casework, staff and performance within their team. As the lead of a team of investigative/casework staff, the post holder will ensure that organisational standards and targets for the team are met and provide high quality, technical advice, advice on jurisdiction, investigation strategy and case direction advice on a range of assessments/investigations within the jurisdiction of NIPSO. The post holder will also act as part of the relevant service leadership team to develop and implement changes to the way we work and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership
  • Ensure effective line management and professional development of team members including mentorship as required.
  • Participate in the recruitment, training and development of staff within their responsibility area to maintain capability and ensure the delivery of NIPSO core objectives.
  • Assist the relevant Directors in establishing an effective culture in teams consistent with NIPSO values.
  • Ensuring the NIPSO Performance Management and Mentoring CARE Framework for their direct reports is undertaken on a timely basis.
  • Proactively contribute to continuous improvement activity, taking the lead in quality or process improvement projects.
• Casework
  • Provide advice, direction and support to the team, demonstrating accountability for decision making in line with delegation, ensure quality results and exceptional levels of customer service while maintaining the independence of NIPSO.
  • Allocate cases and other work to team members to ensure equity in the use of resources and best use of skills and experience.
  • Ensure the assessment, investigation and further investigation of complaints are conducted in accordance with NIPSO's operational procedures and standards.
  • Ensure all written correspondence and reports meet NIPSO quality standards, providing clear feedback where necessary.
  • Act as the lead investigator in relation to significant and critical investigations, as required, overseeing the investigation team to help ensure ethical conduct in all aspects of the process including but not limited to, investigative methodology, data protection, publication practices, responsible authorship and collaborative research and reporting.
  • If required lead on ensuring access to a range of professional advisors and subject specialists to support the investigative work of NIPSO.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach
  • Develop and maintain good working relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Work collaboratively with other teams in NIPSO to enhance organisational performance and effectiveness.
  • Meet with complainants and public bodies and elected members as required to ensure appropriate progression of casework, in-depth systemic investigations and follow-up activity.
  • Represent NIPSO at events and deliver presentations to promote the role of NIPSO as required.
  • Collate the team's input towards Case Digests and other NIPSO publications.

This job description may be subject to review to reflect future office requirements.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of applications, be able to demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples on their application form that they have:
• Two years relevant work experience within the last five years in the management, leadership and development of a team to achieve organisational objectives.
• Possess significant experience (minimum of three years) of working within a legislative framework including experience of resolving complex procedural/compliance or investigative issues within the context of casework management.
• Experience of writing reports/correspondence/casework documentation and issuing of written evidence-based decisions.
• Ability to provide sound advice on case management and case direction.
• Strong analytical/problem-solving skills with ability to exercise sound and balanced judgement in handling complex issues.
• Ability to motivate a team, manage performance through coaching and mentoring to improve standards and engage with staff in their development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to provide feedback and supervision to staff effectively.
• Good organisational and planning skills and ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines to manage competing priorities.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Educated to degree standard or equivalent.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of the following skills, competencies and attributes which will be tested at interview and assessment:

• Oral and Written Communication
• Collaborative Working
• Organisation and Planning
• Continuous Improvement
• Alignment with NIPSO values

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications for the post can be made by clicking in the apply button below. Completed application and monitoring forms are to be completed no later than 12 noon on Monday 1 June 2025. Applicants who meet the shortlisting criteria will be invited to participate in a selection and assessment process. In the event of a high volume of applications NIPSO reserves the right to apply additional criteria in order to achieve a manageable shortlist of applicants.