An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Business Officer within the Educational Psychology Service. This is a permanent, full-time position (37 hours) with the ability to develop additional business, finance and mentoring skills, whilst expanding your knowledge of Local Authority Educational Psychology Services and business operations. The successful candidate will be working closely with a supportive team of highly experienced professionals. This position is office based at Macclesfield Town Hall. An element of flexibility is required to ensure the service can be accessed by external professionals during school administration hours (8am/8.30am onwards).
The ideal candidate will be organised and efficient, with excellent communication skills and have a working knowledge and/or practical experience of Local Authority Educational Psychology and SEND Services responsibilities & statutory duties, as well as EP commissioned "traded" work. They will handle sensitive information with confidentiality and ensure compliance with data protection and information assurance regulations.
We’re seeking a valued colleague who thrives working in a busy environment; someone who is a great administrator with developed interpersonal and networking skills, a positive, confident ‘can do’ attitude, who has a willingness to learn, develop and progress in their role.
This is a brilliant opportunity to gain vast amounts of experience in a fast-paced environment, building on existing knowledge and working closely with the Service Business Manager, who will develop and support you, assisting team members and external locum EPs to drive the service forward.
Suitable candidates will have the ability to recognise and prioritise workload quickly and efficiently, have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to follow instruction consistently. They will be a strong team player, with a willingness to help others. They will be flexible and adaptable to meet targets and deadlines and possess the ability to work independently whilst maintaining lines of communication with their Line Manager and Senior Educational Psychologists.
The post holder will:
* Support the EPS Business Manager in providing the smooth, efficient and effective running of the service, maintaining business continuity and achieving local and central government departmental objectives, outcomes and deadlines.
* Be able to work flexibly independently under minimal supervision and as part of a team to meet operational needs within a fast paced and high-pressure environment.
* Provide comprehensive and confidential support to the Head of Service, including diary management to ensure effective business delivery.
* Appropriately collate and analyse data and information on a regular basis including complex, financial, confidential and sensitive data and information.
* Accurately input case related data into our client record management system.
* Support the central co-ordination, implementation and maintenance of departmental operations and internal governance including statutory and regulatory matters in a timely manner.
* Maintain accurate records of income and expenditure and investigate budget discrepancies or queries where instructed, by the EPS Business Manager.
* Provide administrative support across the Educational Psychology Service, supported by other Business Support Staff.
* Appropriately prioritise, triage, allocate and respond to complex enquiries from schools, parents, and other stakeholders.
* Be responsible for day-to-day operation of EPS Statutory Services - including (but not limited to) case allocation to both internal staff and external independently commissioned suppliers.
* Support Lead Practitioners with EPS Traded Services.
* Support Senior staff with quality assurance, timeliness, training and oversight of workflow through the service.
* Lead and undertake projects, as agreed with the Business Manager, and deputise for the Business Manager if and when required, as is appropriate.
* Support the review of operational systems and processes to ensure continuous improvement, in line with CEC Transformation and service development and expansion.
Requirements:
* Previous experience in business administration and local authority psychological services.
* Detailed knowledge of Unit4 and Liquid Logic case management systems.
* In depth understanding of the operational areas of the Educational Psychology Service and the wider SEND team along with a working knowledge of the relevant legislation that underpins statutory duties.
* Ability to follow instructions with minimal supervision, in a timely manner and to a consistent high standard.
* Proficiency in database management and data processing, including Excel and client record management systems.
* Strong problem-solving abilities.
* Effective communication and stakeholder networking skills.
* Working knowledge of confidentiality and data protection principles.
In return we are able to offer:
* Valuable experience and skills in a supportive environmentwith developmental opportunities for skills progression.
* Working as part of a collaborative and supportive team that values innovation and continuous improvement.
* Enhanced annual leave entitlement (Pro-rata for part-time staff).
* Purchase of additional annual leave –ability to purchase up to 10 extra days of annual leave each year, giving you the flexibility to balance work and life just the way you want (Pro-rata for part-time staff).
* Flexible working pattern - Enjoy a 37-hour standard full-time work week with the added perks of flexitime where appropriate in balance with the needs of service delivery.
* Employee assistance programme - access a completely free and confidential assistance service to help manage, reduce, and overcome life’s challenges, both at work and in your personal life.
* Discounted gym membership - stay active and healthy with corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure, including:
o Gym, Swim and Group Fitness at all 16 facilities
o Off-Peak Racket Sports
o Athletics Tracks
o Sauna/Steam/Spa
Join us and experience a workplace that truly values and supports you!
How to apply:
If you want to be part of our award-winning council and contribute to our ongoing success, have the flexibility and drive to enable us to innovate, are committed to working as part of a team and striving to deliver exceptional service wherever you can, we would especially like to hear from you. To apply for the role please click apply for this job at the bottom of the page
Applicants should ensure all sections of the application form are completed as failure to do so will result in their application being rejected.
Please note:This is a highly competitive opportunity within the Educational Psychology Team. Due to the specialist nature of the role and the high calibre of candidates we are seeking, we will begin shortlisting as applications are received. As such,the advert may close earlier than the stated deadlineonce a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received. Early application is strongly advised.
Further information:
If you have any questions about the role, please email your enquiry FAO the Interim Educational Psychology Business Manager, Laura Smith -laura.smith3@cheshireeast.gov.uk
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