Children's Advice and Information Officer

Are you passionate about supporting children, young people and families? We are currently recruiting for a Children's Information and Advice Officer (CIAO) to join Hertfordshire County Council's Children's Services team. This is an excellent opportunity to play a vital role in supporting children and families by providing information, advice and guidance on the services available across Hertfordshire, helping to identify needs at an early stage and prevent concerns from escalating. This is a full time, temporary position with the potential to lead to a longer term role within the council.

The Role

As a Children's Information and Advice Officer, you will act as a key point of contact for enquiries and requests received from a variety of sources, ensuring that information is accurately recorded and appropriate support is identified. You will work closely with families, professionals and partner agencies to understand children's needs, provide advice on universal and Early Help services, and ensure referrals and concerns are directed to the most appropriate service. Working with management guidance and support, you will help assess levels of need and risk, using your knowledge of different service thresholds to ensure children and families receive the right response without unnecessary delay.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for enquiries and requests relating to children, young people and families.
• Gather, assess and accurately record relevant information, concerns and identified needs.
• Provide information, advice and guidance to families regarding universal services and Early Help provision across Hertfordshire.
• Identify potential risks and levels of need, ensuring concerns are directed to the appropriate level of service.
• Support effective screening and referral processes to ensure families receive the right response at the right time.
• Signpost families to appropriate services and support networks to help prevent concerns from escalating.
• Strengthen referral pathways into Specialist Social Care Teams, supporting timely and proportionate responses.
• Ensure all contacts receive appropriate feedback and that families and professionals are supported in addressing identified needs.
• Make effective use of computerised systems to gather, update and maintain accurate records.
• Attend team meetings and work collaboratively with colleagues and multi-\u2011agency professionals.

About You

• Full UK driving licence
• Enhanced DBS certificate
• Experience working within Children's Services, Early Help, Family Support or a similar environment.
• An understanding of safeguarding and the needs of children, young people and families.
• Knowledge of universal services, Early Help provision and different levels of service intervention.
• The ability to gather information, identify concerns and recognise when further support or intervention may be required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to deal with enquiries from families and professionals.
• Strong IT and administration skills, including experience using computerised recording systems.

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