Commissioning & Research Officer- 12 months fixed term contract

TN United Kingdom; Southend-on-Sea; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established local authority is seeking a Commissioning & Research Officer for a 12-month fixed-term contract. In this pivotal role, you will modernize care and support services by engaging with local residents and stakeholders to co-produce solutions. Your expertise in social care policy and quality improvement will be essential as you lead evidence-based commissioning programs. This position offers a collaborative work environment, hybrid working arrangements, and a chance to make a meaningful impact on the community's health and well-being. Join a team dedicated to improving lives and supporting the Southend 2050 ambition.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible Working

Family-Friendly Leave Options

25 to 32 Days of Leave

Qualifications

• Knowledge of current national social care policy and NHS priorities.
• Experience in quality improvement and policy review/writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating commissioning programs.
• Engage local people to co-produce change and assess service impacts.

Skills

Engagement Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Policy Review/Writing

Quality Improvement

Education

Degree or Equivalent Experience

Job description

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Commissioning & Research Officer - 12 months fixed term contract, Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the community. We employ around 1,800 staff who work alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the Southend 2050 ambition and improve lives. Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with flexible working practices to support work-life balance. As a Unitary Authority, we handle functions ranging from social services, transport, public health, parks, planning, trading standards, community safety, and education, offering a wide range of career opportunities. Our diverse economy and ongoing regeneration projects make our Council a great place to work, learn, and make a difference.

Your new role

Southend Council is looking to appoint a full-time, experienced Commissioning & Research Officer on a 12-month fixed-term basis to help modernize care and support services in Southend. You will work with people who need support, their families, and residents to co-produce change. You will be responsible for delivering outcomes by understanding population needs and service outcomes, and developing strategies to meet them. This involves:

• Putting local people at the heart of all initiatives.
• Assessing the impact of actions and on whom.
• Targeting services effectively to those most in need.
• Ensuring commissioned services are inclusive, accessible, and responsive.
• Engaging local people in identifying issues and co-producing solutions.

Under the direction of the Head of Service, you will lead on planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based commissioning programs. You will collaborate with colleagues across the council, partners, and commissioned organizations to achieve goals. Hybrid working arrangements are available, with a minimum of 2 days on-site per week.

What you'll need to succeed

You should have a degree or equivalent experience, with knowledge of current national social care policy and understanding of NHS priorities at regional and local levels. Knowledge of the local health and social care system in Southend, along with experience in quality improvement and policy review/writing, is essential. You must possess excellent engagement, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines.

What you'll get in return

Pension: Southend-on-Sea City Council offers membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), a generous scheme providing retirement benefits independent of market fluctuations.

Leave Entitlements: Employees receive 25 to 32 days of leave based on length of service, along with flexible working and family-friendly leave options.