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Directorate of Regeneration, Economy and Skills
Work Programme Senior Advisors
Fixed term until 30 June 2013
£24,646 - £28,636
Job reference: CVP 60
Contents
1. Letter from the Human Resources Manager
2. The council’s vision and objectives
3. Job description
4. Person specification
5. Conditions of service
6. Pension contribution rates
7. Information on exempted posts
8. Equality and diversity sub groups
Dear Applicant
Post of Work Programme Senior Advisors
This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
which means you must provide details of any convictions (including those
which are ‘spent’), in addition to any cautions and bindovers orders that you
have received in the last 12 months.
Thank you for your enquiry about the post at Knowsley Metropolitan Borough
Council.
Please find enclosed further details about the post and an application form for you to
complete and return by the 13 July 2012. You can find out more about Knowsley
Council from our website at www.knowsley.gov.uk.
Interviews are likely to take place within four weeks of the closing date. If you have
not heard by then you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful. If
you would like receipt of your application to be acknowledged, please enclose a
stamped addressed envelope with your completed form.
The council places great importance on maintaining high levels of attendance at work
and all Directorates operate under well-established guidelines to monitor and control
absence. If you are successful at interview, the council will be seeking references
and your present or last employer will also be asked to give details of your sickness
and attendance record over the last three years.
If you require any assistance during the selection process due to a disability, please
contact us as soon as possible on telephone number 0151 443 3434. For example
you may need a sign language interpreter, require an accessible interview room, or
need help completing a written application (taped applications may be submitted by
prior agreement).
Please note that the Council will disqualify any applicant who directly or indirectly
seeks or canvasses the support of any Councillor for any appointment with the
Council.
The council is working jointly with the trade unions to implement a fair and
equitable pay and grading structure in line with the 1997 Single Status
Agreement. This will be achieved by reviewing every post within the council
through the job evaluation exercise which is currently being conducted. All
posts are subject to the review and therefore advertised grades are provisional
and will not be confirmed until the outcome of this exercise. You should note
that you are applying for posts with the council on this basis.
You should email your application to: recruitment@knowsley.gov.uk
I look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in this
post.
Yours sincerely
Jaci Dick
Jaci Dick
Human Resources Manager
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Work Programme Senior Advisor
GRADE: Scale SO1 - 2
DIRECTORATE: Regeneration, Economy and Skills
SECTION: Employment and Skills
ACCOUNTABLE TO: IAG Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR: The delivery of the Work Programme contract to Knowsley
residents
DATE REVIEWED: 11/01/12
PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
Working within the Knowsley Works team, the Work Programme Senior Advisor will
provide ongoing support to Knowsley residents who have been referred to the service
because they are on the Government Work Programme.
The advisor will manage a personal client caseload, ensuring that each individual is
provided with a range of support activities all aimed at helping the person find and retain
employment. Each individual will remain on the advisor case load for the duration of the
time s/he is on the Work Programme.
The advisor will carry out his/her duties in accordance with the standards and procedures
prescribed by KMBC, A4e Ltd and the Department for Work and Pensions.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This is not a comprehensive list of all the tasks, which may be required of the post
holder. It is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be
undertaken.
1. To conduct individual information, advice or guidance interviews with clients which
identify, agree and record realistic goals and targets that are clearly documented
through SMART action planning.
2. To provide each client with a holistic and intensive range of ongoing support
activities aimed at improving the individual’s employment prospects. Contact with
each client will be on a regular basis and will continue for the whole of the time the
client is on the Work Programme; which is 104 weeks.
3. To effectively manage a personal client caseload ensuring that all work is carried
out in accordance with the standards, guidelines, practices and procedures set out
by KMBC, Knowsley Works, A4e Ltd and the Department for Work Pensions. This
includes the recording, completing and submitting of all records and documents
relating to the work being carried out with the individual or required by other relevant
organisations. Particular attention must be paid at all times to the safety, handling
and security of all client data.
4. To create, update and maintain all records and documents relating to all aspects of
work carried out either with or on behalf of the client, ensuring it is accurate and
carried out within the prescribed timescales and that it meets the high standards
and expectations of the Knowsley Works service.
5. To work towards a set of individual and team targets and develop strategies for
achieving them. You will also need to work collaboratively with colleagues and
partner organisations in developing holistic approaches to achieving the overalls
aims of the service.
6. To establish and sustain effective working relationships with organisations and local
providers which are able to provide additional assistance/ support to the individual
and so increase their employment prospects. This may include employers, training
organisations or non statutory services.
7. To work collaboratively with colleagues from KMBC and other organisations in the
delivery of services or activities which aim to reduce levels of unemployment or
support the development and regeneration of the Knowsley economy. This can also
include providing cover for colleagues in the Employment & Skills team, so as to
minimise disruption to the service provided for clients.
8. To plan and prepare training sessions which can be delivered to individuals or
groups and which aim to support the advisor with the work being done with the
client. This will also involve the booking and preparation of the training venues and
resources.
9. To keep upto date with trends, developments and issues relating to the local labour
and jobs market and where appropriate, to adapt working practices in order to take
advantage of opportunities or challenges they may present.
10. To work from various locations in the borough including the Knowsley Works
centres and partner premises and if required, to open and close the Knowsley
Works centres.
11. To accept and take part in professional and personal development opportunities
provided by the Employment and Skills Service.
12. To be supportive of KMBC’s equality and diversity policy and to be mindful of these
principles at all times.
13. Any other duties that are considered appropriate to the level of the post.
14. To use equipment as instructed and trained and inform management of any health
and safety issues which could place individuals in danger.
Data Protection and Information Security
Implement and act in accordance with the Information Security Acceptable Use
policy and Data Protection Policy,
Protect the council’s information assets from unauthorised access, disclosure,
modification, destruction or interference,
Report actual or potential security incidents.
Knowsley Works is funded through the Dept of Work & Pensions, North
West Development Agency, European Social Fund, European Regional
Development Fund, and Working Neighbourhood Fund. The post holder
may work on a project funded through one, any or all of these funding
streams.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
POST TITLE Work Programme Senior Advisor GRADE Scale SO1/2
DIRECTORATE Regeneration, Economy & Skills SECTION/TEAM Employment and Skills
CRITERIA * M.O.A
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Skills, knowledge, experience etc
1 Experience of organising own workload and managing day to day activities in order to achieve targets A/I
2 Experience of delivering employment focused interventions to individuals or groups A/I
3 Experience of working in accordance with prescribed guidelines, policies and standards. In particular A/I
those related to the Department of Work and Pensions
4 Experience of working to weekly personal and team targets, particularly in relation to the progression of A/I
unemployed people into sustainable employment
5 Experience of managing a personal client caseload and ensuring all aspects of the work which is carried A/I
out with and on behalf of the client is completed to the highest of standards
6 Demonstrate ability to analyse data and information, so as report against performance management A/I
targets
7 Willingness to support senior colleagues in undertaking their duties in support of the overall aims of the A/I
Employment and Skills team
8 Experience of working to challenging targets and deadlines A/I
9 A willingness to work as part of a team in a flexible and responsive manner A/I
10 Ability to use a range of electronic office applications including spreadsheets and in particular, database A/I
Qualifications
11 Level 3 NVQ in Information Advice and Guidance or above C/A
12 Evidence of continuous professional development C/A
13 Willingness to undertake structured learning and training relevant to the role A
Health and Safety
14 Ability to use equipment as instructed and trained A
15 Ability to inform management of any health and safety issues which could place individuals in danger A
Personal attributes and circumstances
16 Good time management and organisational skills A/I
17 Good communication skills A/I
18 A commitment to equal opportunities A
19 A willingness to work from various locations throughout the Borough A
20 Flexible approach to working hours and a willingness to work unsocial hours as and when needed A
*METHOD OF ASSESSMENT (*M.O.A)
A = APPLICATION FORM C = CERTIFICATE E = EXERCISE I = INTERVIEW
P = PRESENTATION T = TEST AC = ASSESSMENT CENTRE
DATE APPROVED BY AUTHORISED MANAGER DESIGNATION
Jan 2012 Patrick McCarten Head of Service
Where the post involves working with children, in addition to a candidate’s ability to perform the duties of the post, the
interview will also explore issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including:
Motivation to work with children and young people
Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people
Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours
Attitudes to use of authority and maintaining discipline
We have a positive attitude to the employment of disabled people and guarantee an interview to those who meet all the
necessary criteria of the person specification.
Conditions of service
Directorate of Regeneration, Economy and Skills
Post Work Programme Senior Advisors
Employment status Fixed term until 30 June 2013
Grade SO 1 – SO 2
General The conditions in the National Joint Council for Local
Authority Services (Green Book) will apply.
Hours of work 36 hours per week
Salary £24,646 to £28,636
Basic annual leave 25 days per annum
Medical The successful applicant will be required to complete a
medical questionnaire and may also be required to undergo
a medical examination.
Training The Council is a recognised ‘Investor in People’ and
encourages training and development for all employees.
Pension You are automatically entered into the Local Government
Pension Scheme, unless you elect not to join. Employees
with contracts of employment of less than three months are
not eligible to join the scheme. Contributions rates are
dependant on salary as per the contribution rates shown
below.
Childcare vouchers The Council is in partnership with a childcare voucher
provider which offers employees a salary sacrifice scheme.
Further details are available from Human Resources
Division.
Car status Casual
Disclosure The post is subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check.
You must ensure that you complete Section 8 of the
application form. If you fail to do so your application will not
be considered. Having a criminal record will not necessarily
prevent you from being appointed to the post.
Pension contribution rates
The table below sets out the contribution bands which will be effective from 1 April
2012. These are based on the pay bands for 2011/12 as increased by the September
2011 CPI figure of 5.2%, with the result rounded down to the nearest £100.
Pay Bands from
1 April 2012
Contribution
Earnings Band Range
rate
1 £0 to £13,500 5.5%
2 £13,501 to £15,800 5.8%
3 £15,801 to £20,400 5.9%
4 £20,401 to £34,000 6.5%
5 £34,001 to £45,500 6.8%
6 £45,501 to £85,300 7.2%
7 More than £85,300 7.5%
The pay ranges in the Contribution rate column of the table is increased on the 1st
of April each year by applying the rate of pension increase applied to public sector
pensions on the 1st of April that year and rounded down to the nearest £100.
If an active member has a permanent material change to his or her terms and
conditions of employment which affects his or her pensionable pay, the employer
may determine a different contribution rate to reflect that new annual pensionable
pay. This can be either an increase or a decrease.
Exempted posts – Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council aims to promote equality of opportunity for
all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome applications from
diverse candidates.
Certain posts are subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check due to the nature of
the work being undertaken. All candidates who are successful at interview for one of
these posts will be asked to complete an application form for a ‘disclosure’ check by
the Criminal Records Bureau before the appointment is confirmed.
Whilst the council supports the rehabilitation of ex-offenders, it is obliged in the
recruitment of all employees to use an Exemption Order of the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974 in order to ensure safe recruitment to posts where working with
children, vulnerable adults or other positions of trust are involved. If you apply for a
post that is subject to a disclosure, you will be advised in the recruitment job pack.
Having a conviction or a record of some type of unacceptable behaviour would not
necessarily bar you from being appointed to the post as any decision to employ will
be considered on the individual circumstances of each case.
If you are in doubt about what you should declare, you can ask advice from a
member of the Human Resources Division 0151 443 3434.
Further information about the Criminal Records Bureau, including how information is
assessed in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 can be found on their
website: www.crb.gov.uk
Safeguarding
Where the post involves working with children, in addition to a candidate’s ability to
perform the duties of the post, the interview will also explore issues relating to
safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including:
Motivation to work with children and young people
Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries
with children and young people
Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours
Attitudes to use of authority and maintaining discipline
Equality and Diversity sub groups
Knowsley Council has four established sub groups to support the equality and
diversity agenda, details below.
The groups are supported by the Corporate Equality and Diversity Manager, Paul
Peng who can be contacted on 443 3073.
Knowsley Black and Minority Workers’ Group (KBMWG)
The group's vision is to 'promote respect and value diverse cultures within Knowsley',
and they are committed to challenging all forms of discrimination, racial harassment
and bullying to promote race equality in employment and in the delivery of services.
Through development days, members of the KBMWG have established and
discussed terms of reference and decided on ways to be involved with the council
corporately.
Knowsley Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum
The group aims to promote the council positively as an employer which is supportive
of the LGBT workforce, as well as promoting LGBT within the larger community.
It acts as a consultation forum on new and exiting policies and strategies and
participates within equality impact assessment processes with the view to improving
and influencing change. Through the group there is a robust and systematic process
for exchanging ideas, problem solving and information sharing, this then raises
awareness and reduces discrimination within the workplace.
Disability workers' group
This group meet to discuss issues surrounding disability within Knowsley. The
council recognises that people are disabled by society and not their impairment.
The group advises on all policy and procedure, whether related to employment or
service delivery for the council and the Primary Care Trust. They also provide a
networking opportunity across the groups to discuss common issues and link with
similar employee forums in other local authorities.
Women's operational workers’ group
The group's primary focus is the consideration of gender equality issues relative to
every aspect of employment and service delivery. As with the other groups, there will
be representation at the Directorate Implementation Group which then feeds into the
Corporate Equality and Diversity Strategy Group meetings. The advice and guidance
which this forum is anticipated to contribute will be a valuable asset to the Equality
and Diversity agenda of Knowsley Council, particularly as women make up 63.9% of
the total workforce.
Equality and diversity information is available to view on
http://www.knowsley.gov.uk/your-council/equality-and-diversity.aspx
