Job Description

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.

Details

Job type:?Permanent (multiple positions available) Working pattern: Full time. We offer flexible working subject to business need. Salary:?32,932 per year, rising to 35,285 per year after successful completion of a 6-month probationary period. Location: Sheffield/Hybrid Working Benefits: Flexible working, contributory pension, life insurance and benefits portal.
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.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 32,932.00-35,285.00 per year

Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme Free flu jabs Life insurance On-site gym
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sheffield, S3 8JY