JOB DESCRIPTION
REPORTS TO: Attendance and Complex Cases Team Lead RESPONSIBLE FOR: Contributing and Leading on the development and delivery of a strategy and a suite of supporting interventions to promote and support employee health and wellbeing including attendance management. This includes wellbeing initiatives and services for staff. The Health and Wellbeing Senior Advisor will be responsible for continuously improving the Health & Wellbeing service provided to all within EA. The post holder will provide support across a number of key strategic areas to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and performance of EA functions and services. At present this is not a direct line management role (subject to change). The post will require regular travel throughout Northern Ireland.
Job Purpose
* Provide training, support, coaching, mentoring to school leaders, Board of Governors and EA managers in the implementation of robust health and wellbeing and attendance strategies to facilitate the management of people, ensuring health and wellbeing matters are effectively and consistently dealt with.
* Deliver key interventions to build capability of Governors, school leaders and line managers who have responsibility for people management, development and performance.
* Provide school leaders, Boards of Governors and EA managers with high quality guidance and support in developing and progressing HR health & wellbeing solutions to achieve business objectives.
* To provide guidance and support materials to EA managers and schools to promote a Health and Wellbeing culture.
* The post-holder will develop and give direction in relation to policy implementation and systems management.
* Represent EA at Department of Education and other education partner forums/ working groups focusing on improving employee health, wellbeing including attendance.
* To prepare updates and reports for EA senior management and committee meetings including Finance and General Purposes and by way of good governance, performance accountability and strategic leadership of their area of responsibility.
* Develop resources and signpost senior management on practice, policy and application which support EA’s strategic vision in the spirit of continuous improvement.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder will be expected to seek to continuously improve the quality and value of the Health & Wellbeing Service provided to the EA in the following key areas:
Main Activity Areas
Employee Health & Wellbeing
* Identify and contribute to the development of health and wellbeing strategy.
* Manage the implementation of programmes and activities to promote employee health and wellbeing.
* Apply professional expertise to build the confidence of managers and school leaders to effectively deal with staff related health concerns and to identify solutions.
* Maintain up to date knowledge of the health and wellbeing discipline, including developments and trends, associated legislation, regulation and good practice.
* Raise awareness of health and wellbeing issues within the EA.
* Support EA schools in the management of crisis situation as required.
Attendance Management
* Work in partnership with EA managers, school leaders and Boards of Governors on matters relating to the management of sickness related absence.
* Contribute to the development of effective organisational sickness absence management information systems and processes.
* Design and deliver programmes of training in the areas of attendance and wellbeing to EA management; school leaders and Board of Governors (including evenings).
* Ensure the provision of effective toolkits to assist EA managers and school leaders to confidently deal with employee attendance issues.
* Contribute to the identification, monitoring and dissemination of management information on attendance.
* Develop the provision of regular, timely and accurate statistical sickness absence reports to schools and EA directorates to assist with the identification of patterns/ trends and the targeting of interventions.
* Monitor the delivery of high quality and easily accessible occupational health referral services.
Policy Development
* Identify and develop of a robust single set of health and wellbeing policies and toolkits for managers.
* Assist in the review, revision and development of existing and new health and wellbeing related policies and procedures.
* Participate in EA/ Department of Education/TNC working groups established in relation to issue related to employee attendance, health and wellbeing.
Management Capability building
* Provide training, support, coaching, mentoring to school leaders, Board of Governors and EA managers linked to health and wellbeing of staff.
* Provide Attendance Management training to Principals, Managers and Board of Governors.
* Other training needs as identified.
* Seek to continuously improve the quality and value of the service provided to the EA.
* Support the implementation of new systems and processes as required.
* Advise and support managers on statutory obligations as they relate to health and wellbeing of staff and/ or specific projects.
Reporting and communications
* Prepare and deliver accurate and timely reports on behalf of EA as required.
* Provide accurate and timely management reporting information as required.
* Quarterly and annual reporting on Attendance management progress and milestones.
* Contribute to the identification, monitoring and dissemination of management information on attendance.
* Ensure the provision of regular, timely and accurate statistical sickness absence reports to schools and EA directorates to assist with the identification of patterns/ trends and the targeting of interventions.
* Report on Health and Wellbeing programme progress as required.
* Report on partnerships and new initiatives as required.
* Monitor and report on the delivery of high quality and easily accessible occupational health referral services.
* Analyse and report information to support with benchmarking and the development of strategies and solutions. Ensuring that all internal and external reporting requirements are satisfied through the provision of management information and returns.
Service Improvement
* Contribute to the Business Plan setting, reviewing, and/or identifying performance measures and targets for the effective and efficient delivery of service.
* Contribute to the delivery of programmes, projects and continuous improvement of the service.
* Assist with the review and revision of systems and work processes as required in consultation with senior staff.
* Provide support to senior management, teams and line managers with the objective of improving service performance.
* Provide an interface with managers to provide high quality guidance and support in developing and progressing solutions to achieve business objectives.
* In conjunction with line management ensure that business risks are identified, documented, controlled and mitigated.
* Review and challenge existing policies and practices and participate in relevant training and implementation activity as required, to ensure awareness, understanding and compliance.
* Support managers and challenge them to review the effectiveness of existing culture and practices.
* Promote a culture of supportive attendance management.
* Work in partnership with leaders, key stakeholders and colleagues to shape, develop and deliver plans and solutions in line with the needs and priorities of EA.
* Develop and implement key strategies, policies and training activities, and to support the operationalization of other organisational programmes as required, in a manner which proactively supports the delivery of service improvement and facilitates managers taking responsibility for the effective management of their staff.
* Harness new approaches and technology to maximise efficiencies.
* Promote Best practice / benchmarking.
* Agree performance targets with Senior HR and provide regular progress reports.
* Regularly monitor and review plans and make adjustments as required.
* Establish effective and rigorous quality assurance systems to maintain high standards.
* Investigate complaints and adverse incidents where outcomes are below expected standards.
Engaging stakeholders and partners
* Work in partnership with all managers by providing professional guidance.
* Build and maintain effective, professional and respectful stakeholder relationships.
* Ensure efficient and effective internal communication with staff.
* Work closely with partner organisations, the Senior Management and colleagues to benchmark services and lead/manage and monitor change.
* Build and maintain effective working relationships and clear lines of communication within the Directorate and with other Directorates.
* Develop and maintain clear lines of communication and effective working partnerships with relevant external stakeholders and service user groups.
* Lead/manage engagement with staff, schools and the public on major changes arising from projects that may affect them.
* Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with external agencies such as Health & Safety Executive NI; Public Health Agency NI; Employers for Disability etc. to ensure best practice in workplace health and wellbeing.
* Work with external agencies; for example, education sector partner organisations, to identify opportunities for joint working that might bring greater consistency across the sector, and/or improve efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
* Maintain good working relationships with school leaders, line managers and staffing associations/trade unions.
* Maintain appropriate networks and relationships with external organisations, medical health professionals and other relevant agencies.
* Support formal consultation processes with affected staff and trade unions.
* Represent EA at Department of Education and other education partner forums/ working groups focusing on improving employee health, wellbeing including attendance.
Resource Management
* Post holder may be required to manage the deployment of resources including staff and to plan work of others and will be responsible and accountable for service delivery in an assigned area.
* Where required the post-holder will manage others and duties will include assigning work, co-ordinating activities, dealing with recruitment and resourcing issues, approving annual leave requests, and dealing with any attendance management/disciplinary issues.
* Where required review the performance of reporting staff, identifying individual/team training requirements and initiating further training.
* Ensure that employees within the project team are provided with clear structure, roles and responsibilities and are supported to work in an integrated way.
* Ensure Value for Money on all procurement and all project expenditure.
Change Management
* Support the transformation of services, and all related processes and procedures.
* Contribute to the development and implementation of policies, strategies and business plans which enable operational and corporate aims and objectives to be achieved in line with strategic direction.
* Lead or support on a variety of change programmes/ projects focused on improving the efficiency and performance of EA services.
* Foster a culture that supports achievement of EA’s Strategic Plan by role modelling core values and leadership behaviours to staff.
* Lead/manage and communicate change and improvement initiatives.
* Encourage staff involvement and engagement in Health and Wellbeing planning.
* Actively encourage teamwork and self-development, and create opportunities to maximise individuals’ potential, stimulate innovation and connection at all levels with front-line services.
* Promote a positive culture of performance management through individual and small-team accountability. Fostering a culture of constructive feedback and learning, and a genuine commitment to regular and effective appraisals.
Other Responsibilities
* Hold budgetary approval at an appropriate level and ensure resources are managed within the agreed budget for the Service.
* Ensure that the Authority’s policy on Data Protection (in particular processing sensitive personal information) is properly complied with
* Ensure that the Authority’s Equal Opportunities Policy, relevant Codes of Employment and Practice and other relevant legislation are adhered to. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.
* Participate as required in the selection and appointment of staff in accordance with the policy and procedures laid down by the Authority.
* Undertake other related duties within the grade and competence of the post-holder as required.
* The post holder may also be required to work outside normal office hours on occasions.
This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here .
PERSON SPECIFICATION
NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.
Section 1 - Essential Criteria
The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and whichmay also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/
Experience
Hold a bachelor’s degree (UK Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification and have a minimum of three years’ experience of providing relevant HR Health and Wellbeing expert advice and support to managers or school management;
OR
Have a minimum of five years’ experience of providing expert advice and support to managers or school management on a range of non-routine, complex workforce issues.
Have experience of providing advice, guidance and support to senior managers in the handling of unacceptable attendance levels.
Have experience of successfully leading absence projects resulting in tangible attendance, policy and process improvements.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Knowledge
Knowledge of relevant HR policies and procedures.
Knowledge of relevant employment law relating to Health and Wellbeing in particular Attendance Management.
Shortlisting by Application Form & Interview
Other
Willingness to undertake some evening work to support schools and managers.
The successful candidate will be required:
to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;
OR
be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.
Shortlisting by Application Form & Interview
Section 2 - Essential Criteria
The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.
Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Skills/
Abilities
In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:
Ability to use judgement and make informed decisions
Effective communicator with good presentation a nd report writing skills
Ability to lead and work as part of a HR team across an organisation and with a wide range of external organisations and relevant agencies
Ability to work under pressure and meet specific deadlines and to cope with conflicting priorities and demands
Ability to manage change and motivate others
Confidentiality
Internal and external customer focused approach
Interview
Values Orientation
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here .
Interview
Section 3 - Desirable Criteria
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Experience
Demonstrable experience delivering Health and Wellbeing Programmes to more than one organisation to improve attendance levels.
Shortlisting by Application Form & Interview
Our Values
Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.Please note that youWILLbe expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further information can be accessed atNI Director theDepartment of Justice.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here .
To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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