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- Tasks: Manage fitness to practise hearings and support fair decision-making processes.
- Company: Social Work England, a specialist regulator focused on positive change in social work.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, inclusive culture, and employee recognition schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social work regulation and support vulnerable individuals.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, organisational abilities, and experience in administrative roles.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 34085 - 36520 £ per year.
The Role
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 investigation, the case examiners decide whether a hearing is required. The concern about the social worker will be considered by a panel of independent adjudicators at a final hearing who will decide whether the social worker’s fitness to practise is impaired. You will work with adjudicators, legal staff, and members of the hearings team, including hearings case managers, to progress hearings to conclusion while supporting fair and transparent processes. You will ensure hearings run smoothly and consistently and support adjudicators so they can make independent, evidence based, fair and transparent decisions. Our hearings are primarily heard virtually however some matters may be dealt with in person or a hybrid of the two.
What you will do
- Attend and manage the smooth running of fitness to practise hearings and meetings to support our objective of protecting the public.
- Provide support, advice and guidance to all parties at a hearing including the legal adviser, witnesses and social worker on our procedures, regulations and rules.
- Provide high quality and professional customer service to stakeholders at all stages of the hearing process.
- Anticipate and resolve issues that may arise during a hearing and keep cases on track in a sensitive public environment often under pressure.
- Work as a team to facilitate the planning, listing and running of in-person, hybrid or virtual fitness to practise hearings and meetings.
- Provide support for vulnerable witnesses or social workers at hearings, solving issues and removing barriers to their participation.
- Provide training and support to team members by assisting hearing support officers with bundle preparation and assisting hearing case managers with case progression and the scheduling of hearing events.
- Complete pre and post-hearing administrative tasks promptly including publishing case information, sending notifications of the outcome of cases and ensure our public register is accurate.
- Regularly exchange information with a range of internal and external stakeholders including senior professionals and lawyers.
- Support the development and improvement of procedures, processes and templates.
Your Skills, Knowledge And Experience
- Strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and oral communication skills that facilitate effective working relationships between diverse stakeholders; able to be assertive, diplomatic and professional at all times whilst under pressure.
- An understanding of professional regulation, legal process and case law (desirable).
- Able to interpret and apply legislation, regulations and guidance and explain procedures to our adjudicators and hearing participants.
- Able to adapt to new processes or ways of working and be comfortable with change.
- Experience of working at a senior administrative level with the ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team.
- Ability to work under pressure to solve problems and effectively prioritise and manage competing demands.
- Excellent organisation and time management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues within the team and across the organisation.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and follow data protection procedures.
- Strong IT skills with a good understanding of Microsoft programmes, including video conferencing and case management systems.
- 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: Fixed-term contact until 31st December 2026
- Working pattern: Full time. We offer flexible working subject to business need.
- Salary: £34,085 per year, rising to £36,520 per year after successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
- Location: Sheffield/Hybrid Working
Hearings Officer in Sheffield employer: Social Work England
Contact Detail:
Social Work England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hearings Officer in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Hearings Officers on LinkedIn or through professional groups. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. This can give you insider knowledge and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with Social Work England's mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in making a positive impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since the role involves interacting with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and professionally. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Hearings Officer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Hearings Officer role. Highlight your interpersonal skills and any relevant experience in professional regulation or legal processes.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. Use straightforward language to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for social work and how you can contribute to positive change in the field.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Work England
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Hearings Officer. Familiarise yourself with Social Work England's mission and how they regulate social workers. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and show that you're aligned with their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations during hearings. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've had to manage sensitive issues or support vulnerable individuals. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Hearings Officer, strong interpersonal skills are crucial. During the interview, focus on how you communicate clearly and professionally, especially under pressure. You might want to share instances where your communication made a positive impact on a situation or helped resolve a conflict.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you work well within a team. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success in previous roles, particularly in high-pressure environments. Highlight your adaptability and willingness to support colleagues, as this aligns with the collaborative culture at Social Work England.
