Hearings Support Officer

Overview

Social Work England are the specialist regulator for social work in England, focused on enabling positive change in social work. Every day, social workers support millions of people to improve their chances in life. We are taking a new approach to regulating social workers in their vital roles. We believe in the power of collaboration and share a common goal with those we regulate – to protect the public, enable positive change and ultimately improve people’s lives.

Our fitness to practise function is how we consider and address concerns about a social worker’s practice. Once a concern has been through an investigation, the case examiners decide whether a hearing is required. The concern about the social worker will then be considered by a panel of independent adjudicators at a final hearing where they will decide whether the social worker’s fitness to practise is impaired.

You will be the first point of contact for people attending fitness to practise hearings. Hearings support officers assist in the preparation of hearings, including corresponding with witnesses and social workers to explain the hearing processes. Our hearings are primarily heard virtually however some matters may be dealt with in person or a hybrid of the two.

Responsibilities

• First point of contact for enquiries into the hearings team, dealing with queries from social workers, witnesses, representatives and members of the public.
• Support the hearings case managers to schedule hearings and meetings and obtain dates of availability for social workers and witnesses to attend.
• Provide high quality and professional customer service to people at all stages of the hearing process.
• Support the hearings officers with the running of in-person, hybrid or virtual fitness to practise hearings and meetings including supporting hearings officers with arrangements.
• Send information and documents to parties ahead of hearings and meetings and sharing outcomes and further information after the conclusion of these.
• Liaise with our representatives to ensure documentation and arrangements for witnesses are in place before and during the hearing.
• Regularly exchange information with a range of people including social workers, witnesses and the adjudicators.
• Provide support for vulnerable witnesses or social workers at hearings, solving issues and removing barriers to their participation.
• Perform general administrative duties as delegated.
• Support the development and improvement of procedures, processes and templates

Your Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with a range of people sensitively and professionally; including witnesses who may be vulnerable, people with health concerns and people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to quickly gain knowledge and understanding of policy, procedures, and guidance; and experience of applying these in your work.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and follow data protection procedures.
• Sensitive to the needs of others and flexible in your approach whilst managing expectations.
• Strong IT skills with a good understanding of Microsoft programmes, including video conferencing and case management systems.
• Ability to work creatively and proactively within a team to solve problems within a clearly defined procedural framework.
• Ability to work under pressure to deadlines as part of a team in an organised and efficient manner, handling a busy and varied workload.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• A demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

• Hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in the office.
• 25 days annual leave, rising with service to 30 days per annum, plus bank holidays.
• The option to purchase up to an additional 5 days of annual leave per annum.
• A TIDE award winning inclusive culture, made up of staff networks, social events and forums.
• A pension scheme, life insurance, an employee recognition scheme and cycle to work scheme.

Details

• Job type: Permanent (2x roles available)
• Working pattern: Full time (37 hours per week). We offer flexible working subject to business need.
• Salary: £26,828 per year, rising to £28,011 per year after successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
• Location: Sheffield/Hybrid Working.

Application

During the application process, you\\\’ll be asked to provide answers to three questions from the job description. These answers will be what your application is scored on, please answer in as much detail as possible using examples where necessary.

About Us

Join us – Social Work England

Our behaviours and values – Social Work England

What our people say – Social Work England

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful at interview, we will carry out a series of routine pre-employment checks. These include verifying your references, confirming your right to work in the UK, and completing a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

These checks are conducted in partnership with our third-party provider, Amiqus, who will guide you through the process.

Please note that all offers of employment are subject to the satisfactory completion of these checks. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our recruitment team via recruitment@socialworkengland.org.uk and our team will be happy to help.

Contact

If you have any queries about the recruitment process, or would like to discuss the role, please contact recruitment@socialworkengland.org.uk.

How to apply

To apply, complete the application form by the closing date.

Interview

At interview we will seek to further understand your skills, knowledge, experience and motivation and test the key competencies of the role. If you are successful, we will undertake routine pre-employment checks.

Find out more about our application and interview process.