Referral and Information Assistant

Bath & North East Somerset Council; Clays End; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Children's Social Care Triages Team seeks a Referral and Information Assistant. This permanent, full-time role (37 hours) handles initial requests, assesses urgency, and signs post to appropriate services.

You’ll manage confidential data, work under pressure, and engage with councils, partners and the public to secure timely support. You’ll be supported by induction, supervision and ongoing training, with opportunities for career development through quarterly

Qualifications

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills when dealing with colleagues, professionals and the public.
• Friendly, patient and confident approach, including when dealing with distressed or anxious individuals.
• Excellent IT skills and ability to quickly learn new software and systems.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work under pressure while handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Process requests for service and assess urgency to signpost to appropriate services.
• Make initial judgements on suitability of requests for Children’s Social Care.
• Maintain confidential information in line with guidelines and work within a busy team.
• Collaborate with partner agencies and colleagues to ensure timely support.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Ability to work under pressure

Safeguarding knowledge (beneficial)

Tools

MS Office

IT systems

Job description

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.

About the Team

The Children’s Social Care Triage Team is looking to recruit a Referral and Information Assistant on a full-time basis. The team is the first point of contact for requests for service received by Children’s Social Care and plays a vital role in ensuring children and families receive the right support at the right time. Working within a busy and supportive environment, the team works closely with colleagues, partner agencies and members of the public to assess requests and signpost to appropriate services where required.

About the Role

This is a permanent, full-time position working 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The post holder will make an initial judgement about the appropriateness and urgency of requests for service received by Children’s Social Care and signpost to other services as appropriate.

In this role you will process confidential and sensitive information in line with corporate and national guidelines, while maintaining a professional and informed approach when dealing with customers and clients. You will be expected to work effectively under pressure, make decisions confidently and seek advice where appropriate. Flexibility is essential to meet the requirements of a busy team and changing service demands.

We offer a comprehensive induction, regular supervision with your line manager, extensive training opportunities through the council’s training package, and career development opportunities through quarterly PDCs, including apprenticeships, qualifications, shadowing and coaching opportunities. Good practice is recognised and celebrated through a quarterly newsletter.

About You

We are seeking applicants with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills who have a friendly, patient and confident approach when dealing with colleagues, professionals and members of the public, including those who may be distressed or anxious. Previous knowledge or experience within safeguarding would be beneficial.

You will be able to demonstrate excellent IT skills and the ability to quickly learn new software and systems. You will have strong organisational skills, be able to work effectively under pressure and understand the importance of handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately. In addition to these competencies, you will be flexible in your approach, professional in your manner and committed to providing a high-quality service.

Interview date: TBC

*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.

About Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits

At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity

We are a Disability Confident Employer – find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Please note that this role is subject to a Basic DBS Check.

Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.