Project Officer

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Walton On The Hill; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Walton On The Hill is seeking a dedicated Project Officer to assist in the delivery of the Direct Payments Strategy. This role is key in managing various projects within the Adults Health and Wellbeing team. Applicants should have a strong understanding of project management and legislation related to Adult Social Care. The role includes updating reports, supporting project plans, and working collaboratively with stakeholders. Join us to make a positive impact in the community.

Benefits

26 days' holiday, rising to 31 days

Employee Assistance Programme

Lifestyle discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in leading projects and service delivery improvements.
• Ability to assess and analyze complex situations.
• Understanding of national legislation related to Adult Social Care.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the Direct Payments Strategy.
• Prepare and update Highlight Reports for stakeholders.
• Assist in maintaining project plans and organizing meetings.

Skills

Project management

Understanding of Care Act 2014

Effective communication

Analytical skills

Job description

The starting salary for this role is £41,585 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

This is a fixed term contract/ secondment opportunity until 31st August 2026.

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Project Officer to join our Adults Health and Wellbeing (AWHP) Disabilities and Direct Payments Team. This role is essential in supporting the delivery of the Surrey County Council Direct Payments Strategy 2023, its predominant focus.

You will work within a political environment and have a good understanding of project management, national legislation, and policy for Adult Social Care, with a particular focus on the Care Act 2014 and the health and social care integration agenda.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Role

You will be joining a committed, enthusiastic, and supportive team, where your role will encompass a range of responsibilities. These include collaborating with staff and partners to ensure the successful delivery of various projects and service improvements. You will work closely with senior managers to identify and address any risks or issues that may arise during the course of these projects.

Part of your duties will involve preparing and updating Highlight Reports to provide progress updates on the implementation of the Direct Payments Strategy and the Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment (PDSI) Strategy. These updates will be shared with relevant boards and the Directorate Leadership Team (DLT).

You will also be responsible for maintaining and revising project plans to support the integration of a new Direct Payment Offer into standard operations, as well as the ongoing delivery of the PDSI Strategy. Effective engagement and consistent communication with stakeholders will be key to your success in this role.

Additionally, you will provide administrative support, which may include organising meetings, preparing agendas, and taking minutes.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Leading projects and reviews within a defined area of work as directed by their manager to support and enhance service delivery
• Assessing or conduct analysis, presenting results and putting forward recommendations on managing more complex situations to support decision making.
• A sound understanding of project management and of national legislation and policy for Adult Social Care, with a particular focus on the Care Act 2014 and the health and social care integration agenda
• Your ability to plan workloads and secure resources to enable the team/s to achieve a quality service.
• A clear understanding of the values and behaviours of the organisation and the ability to work inclusively, with a diverse range of stakeholders and promote equality of opportunity.

As part of your application, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions:

1. What strategies have you employed to support matrix teams/colleagues in remaining on track with their project plans and targets? (300 words)
2. Please describe a project you have managed that required collaboration across a range of internal and external stakeholders? How did you ensure effective communication and coordination among the team members? (350 words)
3. How do you maintain, develop, and review systems, processes, and procedures to maximize delivery? Can you provide an example of a time when you improved a system or process? (350 words)
4. Please give an example of how you have supported a number of projects (or the delivery of a range of support services) in a context of changing and sometimes conflicting priorities? How did you ensure that the teams achieved the objectives? (350 words)
5. How do you ensure initiatives you support embody a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. (150 words)

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 14th August 2025 with interviews to follow.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of adults across Surrey and have the skills and experience required for this role we would love to hear from you!

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.

Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!