Overview
Hearings Support Officer role at Social Work England.
Social Work England is the specialist regulator for social work in England, focusing on enabling positive change in social work and protecting the public. The fitness to practise function considers concerns about a social worker’s practice; after investigation, a hearing may be required, and a panel of independent adjudicators decides 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, assisting in the preparation of hearings and communicating with witnesses and social workers about hearing processes. Hearings are primarily conducted virtually, with some in-person or hybrid arrangements.
Responsibilities
* First point of contact for enquiries into the hearings team, handling queries from social workers, witnesses, representatives and the public.
* Support hearings case managers to schedule hearings and meetings and coordinate availability for social workers and witnesses.
* Provide high quality, professional customer service to people at all stages of the hearing process.
* Support hearings officers with the running of in-person, hybrid or virtual hearings and meetings, including arranging attendance.
* Send information and documents to parties ahead of hearings, and share outcomes and further information after conclusion.
* Liaise with representatives to ensure documentation and arrangements for witnesses are in place before and during hearings.
* Regularly exchange information with social workers, witnesses and adjudicators.
* Provide support for vulnerable witnesses or social workers at hearings, removing barriers to participation.
* Undertake general administrative duties as delegated and contribute to continuous improvement of procedures and templates.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work sensitively and professionally with a diverse range of people, including witnesses who may be vulnerable.
* Ability to quickly learn policy, procedures and guidance and apply them in work.
* Collaborative team player with the ability to work across the organisation.
* Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and follow data protection procedures.
* Flexible, proactive problem-solving approach within a defined procedural framework.
* Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office, video conferencing and case management systems.
* Ability to work under pressure to deadlines and manage a busy, varied workload with attention to detail.
* Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Details
* Job type: Permanent (multiple positions available)
* Working pattern: 37 hours; flexible working subject to business need
* Salary: £25,921 per year, rising to £27,064 after successful completion of a 6-month probation
* Location: Sheffield/Hybrid Working
* Benefits: Flexible working, contributory pension, life insurance and benefits portal
Application
During the application process, you will be asked to provide answers to three questions from the job description. Answer in as much detail as possible with examples where necessary.
Pre-employment checks include verifying references, confirming right to work in the UK, and a Basic DBS check. Checks are conducted in partnership with Amiqus. Offers are subject to satisfactory completion of these checks. For questions, contact recruitment@socialworkengland.org.uk.
How to apply
To apply, complete the application form by the closing date. The interview process will assess skills, knowledge, experience and motivation and will include routine pre-employment checks if successful.
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