Policy, Strategy and Development Officer - Internal Only

This vacancy is only open to North Somerset Council employees and agency workers contracted to North Somerset Council.

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a skilled and creative social care professional to work as a Policy and Strategy Development Officer in our Strategy, Policy, Development and Engagement Team, within the Adult Social Services and Housing Directorate.

As a Policy, Strategy and Development officer, you will work as part of a small and dynamic team under the supervision of the Principal Social Worker and Principal Occupational Therapist and in close partnership with a dedicated Participation and Engagement Officer.

You will be responsible for:

1. Overseeing and coordinating the Adult Social Services and Housing directorate's strategy and policy development activity in line with our policy and strategy workplan.
2. Coproducing strategies, policies and guidance in partnership with our staff, other directorates, key partners and people with lived experience of adult social care in North Somerset.
3. Leading projects and working groups which ensure our strategies and policies are delivered to a high standard in accordance with relevant work plans.
4. Producing clear and accessible documentation in a variety of formats and styles that support best practice and provide clear and accessible information and advice to our staff and to the public.
5. Communicating widely using a range of methods to raise awareness of, and maximise adherence to, our strategies, policies and guidance.
6. Ensuring our documents are appropriately stored and accessible to both relevant staff and to the public.
7. Ensuring our policies and strategies are informed by relevant research evidence, lived expertise, data, legislation, quality assurance activity and best practice.
8. Ensuring strategy and policy development activity addresses inequalities in experience and outcomes for minoritised and seldom heard groups.

Our team plays a key role in promoting excellent practice in Adult Social Services, with a particular focus on our main professions, Social Work and Occupational Therapy.

You will work in close partnership with professionals across the Adult Social Services and Housing directorate, the wider Council, health, and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector (VCFSE).

You will use your creativity and communication skills to lead on the development and delivery of multi-agency strategies with the guidance of senior managers. You will be confident in navigating and building relationships across complex health and social care systems.

You will be passionate about making a difference in adult social care. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a strong commitment to the values and approaches outlined in our Adult Social Care Practice Framework.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

1. 2-3 days in the office
2. Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
3. Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Richard Orson (Principal Social Worker) at Richard.Orson@n-somerset.gov.uk or on 07776170122.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.