Job Description

TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE YOU MUST GO TO https://

nipso.getgotjobs.co.uk/home

AND COMPLETE THE APPLICANT PACK, APPLICATION FORM AND MONITORING FORM ONLINE

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Investigating Officer

Reporting to:

Team Manager or Senior Investigation Officer (in Own Initiative)

Grade

: PO2 (NJC scale)

Salary

: 39,862 to 42,839 per annum

Location:

Belfast

Main purpose of job

The post holder may be placed and/or undertake roles across the following teams:

Maladministration - Complaint investigation team

To undertake impartial desk-based analysis and investigation of complaints from people who believe a public body caused them to sustain an injustice.

Own Initiative - Systemic investigation team

To support the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) within the 'Own Initiative' investigation function by impartially assessing and investigating concerns of possible systemic maladministration and/or systemic injustice by public bodies in the Ombudsman's jurisdiction.

LGES - Councillor Conduct investigation team

To assess and, in appropriate cases, investigate complaints alleging that a Councillor or a former Councillor may have breached the NI Local Government Code of Conduct for Councillors.

In each of these roles the post holder will be required to prepare detailed and analytical written reports in NIPSO's corporate style.

Summary of principal duties and responsibilities

Investigating Officers, acting in accordance with the scheme of delegation that is in place will:

Undertake analysis and investigations in accordance with the 2016 Public Services Ombudsman Act, Councillor Code of Conduct, Local Government Act 2014 and the operational procedures and standards of the Office.

Communicate effectively with service users, public bodies, and independent professional advisors in line with the values of the office.

Manage a caseload and other competing priorities while taking personal responsibility for completion of tasks and casework to meet organisational targets, individual performance indicators and service standards.

Identify key issues and make proportionate enquiries to gather relevant information.

Analyse large volumes of sensitive information from a range of sources, to make a determination on a case.

Interpret a range of legislation, policy, guidance and standards.

Interview parties to the investigation and witnesses, as appropriate.

For those investigations that involve professional judgement decisions, seek specialised advice from independent professional advisors, in line with internal guidance.

Reach finely balanced conclusions, propose findings and make recommendations.

Develop and issue relevant high quality internal and external communications, including evidence-based briefings for senior management.

Monitor and evaluate compliance with recommendations made to public bodies.

Maintain accurate information on the case management system.

Maintain professional working relationships with colleagues and key stakeholders; and promote the role of the Ombudsman's office at external events.

Maintain an awareness of changes in public sector policy and environment.

General Responsibilities & Duties

Adhere to the NIPSO values of independence, fairness, people focused, excellence;

Adhere to and promote the Office policies on Equality of Opportunity and Dignity at Work, demonstrating a commitment to the principles of equality, fairness and diversity in all aspects of work;

Have due regard for your own safety and wellbeing; and that of others, behaving appropriately at all times and reporting all accidents no matter how minor;

Take responsibility for the development of own skills and knowledge through proactive engagement in the internal performance review processes;

Undertake ad-hoc, cross-functional project work supporting the development of the Office and service provision as reasonably requested by your line manager.

This job description is subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolves. Therefore, the postholder will be required to be flexible and adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description but which are commensurate with the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of applications, be able to demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples on their application form that they have:

Qualifications

(i) Educated to degree level (or equivalent)

AND

a minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience in collecting and analysing information to arrive at evidence based, written conclusions (AF & I);

OR

A minimum of 4 years' relevant work experience in collecting and analysing information to arrive at evidence based, written conclusions (AF & I).

Experience

(ii) Strong analytical skills and the ability to use sound and balanced judgement to support well-reasoned and appropriate decisions (AF, AC & I);

(iii) Identifying and interpreting relevant legislation, codes and guidance, regulation or procedural requirements (AF, AC & I);

(iv) Excellent written communication skills with the ability to present and analyse evidence, and effectively communicate findings through letters and reports. (AF, AC & I);

(v) Excellent organisational and planning skills including the ability to manage a significant and complex caseload and meet tight timescales (AF & I);

(vi) Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to deal with robust challenge whilst showing appropriate empathy (I);

(vii) Experience of carrying out challenging interviews to gather information (AF, AC & I).

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

In addition to the above essential criteria, NIPSO reserves the right to only shortlist those

candidates who can also demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples on the

application form that they have:

(i) Knowledge of and experience in applying best practice investigation or inspection planning, policies and procedures (AF);

(ii) Handling complex issues in a sensitive and high-profile environment (AF).

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of the following skills, competencies and attributes which will be tested at assessment centre and/or final interview:

Oral and Written Communication

Collaborative Working

Analytical and Problem Solving

Decision making and accountability

Continuous Improvement

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 39,862.00-42,839.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexitime Transport links Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Belfast BT1 6GF

Reference ID: NIPSO/IO/03/26