Part-time Call Screening Officer (hours negotiable)

Bracknell Forest Council; Waterside; Hybrid; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is seeking two Call Screening Officers to join their team. This part-time, permanent role entails handling emergency social care referrals and requires excellent communication and organizational skills. The council promotes a supportive work environment with hybrid working options. Ideal candidates should demonstrate resilience and a passion for social justice, and be ready to work unsociable hours.

Benefits

25 days annual leave increasing to 28 days after 3 years

Hybrid working opportunities

Paid employee volunteering

Local government pension scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Comfortable recording accurate and concise information.
• Able to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Experience in dealing with professionals and the public.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for public and partner agencies.
• Screen and process incoming referrals ensuring records are kept.
• Provide clear and accurate signposting information.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Solid ICT skills

Emotional intelligence

Organizational skills

Investigative curiosity

Resilience

Job description

Overview

We have a great opportunity for two Call Screening Officers on a part-time, permanent basis (hours to be negotiated). Salary will be pro rata dependant on hours worked. At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service.

About You

You are someone who thrives under pressure, with excellent communication skills, both over the phone and in writing. You can prioritise tasks effectively, remain organised, and have solid ICT skills to support your work. Emotional intelligence, investigative curiosity, and a proactive attitude are at the heart of how you operate. You are comfortable recording accurate, concise information and confident in challenging both professionals and the public when needed. You are passionate about social justice, self-aware of your own biases, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. Prepared to work unsociable hours, you bring resilience, professionalism and the ability to deal with unrestricted demand in a calm and effective way.

About The Team

The Berkshire Emergency Duty Service (hosted by Bracknell Forest Council) delivers out-of-hours emergency social care across Berkshire. We are proud of the community we serve, the services we provide, and the strong networks we have built. Our team is supportive, collaborative and committed to making a difference. We value fresh ideas and give you the space to shape how we work, with excellent support from managers and colleagues. You will be given expert advice when you need it, opportunities to develop and the chance to make a real impact, both big and small, on the lives of residents.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for members of the public and partner agencies.
• Screen and process incoming referrals, ensuring accurate records are kept.
• Undertake database checks to support decision-making.
• Provide clear and accurate signposting information.
• Work as part of the team delivering crisis social work interventions.
• Be prepared to undertake training for the Appropriate Adult.

Our Benefits

• 25 days annual leave increasing to 28 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days. (pro rata for part time)
• Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Paid employee volunteering scheme.
• Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
• Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
• Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
• Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.

Other information

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process. We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Equal Opportunities: Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Interview date and process

Interviews will be held on 7th and 8th October 2025 and will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to meet the team and experience our work environment. We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, please submit your application as soon as possible. Please note AI is prohibited during the interview; any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.

How to apply and contact

Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form. For informal discussion or questions about this role, please contact Shelli Read, Business Manager, at 01344 353465.

Reasonable adjustments: We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting [e-mail]. Find out more about reasonable adjustments.

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Sponsorsip: Candidates residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS); sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. We cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis. No agencies please.

Closing Date: 28/09/2025 at 23:59. Reference: People/25/321257