Job Profile and Person Specification - Cafcass

CAFCASS GRADUATE JOB PROFILEJob Title:Accountable to:Area/Location:Key WorkingRelationships:Role Requirements:Cafcass GraduateLine manager of host team / departmentLeeds, London and ManchesterCorporate Management Team and other SeniorManagers, National Business Centre, Heads of Serviceand Internal and External Stakeholders(See attached person specification)Salary: £20,000 (with scope to progress to £22,000 after 12months, subject to effective performance)Term:Two years on a fixed term basis (successful applicants willhave the opportunity to apply for any suitable roles withinCafcass as they arise, in line with Cafcass recruitmentpolicies and procedures)Superannuation:The pension fund used by Cafcass is the West YorkshirePension Fund (a Local Government Pension Scheme).Membership of the scheme is voluntary, however, unlessnotified otherwise all staff will be brought into the scheme.Contribution rates are based on a tiered system.Annual Leave:28 days, inclusive of 3 statutory / privilege days to betaken between Christmas and New Year plus bankholidays.Graduate Job Profile 130304 1

JOB SUMMARY:As a member of the Graduate Development Programme, you will be responsible forsupporting and contributing to the work of your host Corporate function and team,delivering projects and day-to-day outcomes to meet business needs.The Graduate role will also assist the Corporate Management Team with long-termproject work through research, analysis and by taking ownership of specific workstrands (under suitable direction). With a focus on continually improving outcomes,you will develop and use best practice to deliver services, applying theoreticalknowledge and skills within a practical and complex work environment.MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:Safeguarding1. Understanding the values and purpose of Cafcass, and its commitment tosafeguarding and improving outcomes for children and families.2. Supporting and contributing to organisational wide activities to meet statutory andprofessional responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children.Service Effectiveness Including Information Management1. Working within various project teams, taking responsibility for the delivery ofspecific strands of project work, including research activities, analysing andpresenting information, liaison and negotiation with internal and externalstakeholders and arranging meetings and briefings.2. Undertaking research on a variety of topics and issues, and presenting findings ina confident and professional manner using a variety of media.3. Collating and analysing information as required, ensuring accuracy and deliveringto agreed timescales.4. Ensuring compliance with data protection legislation and the Cafcass informationassurance policy and procedure at all times.5. Constantly reviewing systems and processes, making recommendations forimprovements in effectiveness and identifying potential inefficiencies.6. Responsible for internal records, including input into databases and systems asinstructed, maintaining office records and filing systems (both physical andelectronic as appropriate).Support to Achieve Effective Service Delivery1. Developing and maintaining: policies; management guidance; processes andsystems.2. Demonstrating strong problem solving approaches, including the ability to analyseand implement changes to service delivery, and directly contribute to continuousservice improvements.3. Demonstrating strong written and verbal communications on a daily basis, byproducing reports, papers, briefings, policies, articles and other documentation,and presenting these as and when required.Graduate Job Profile 130304 2

4. Assisting in the implementation of recommendations from inspections, includingmonitoring and reviewing of action plans.5. Preparing business reports and communications appropriate to the intendedaudience that deliver the required impact and outcomes.Engagement & Partnership Working1. Liaising between Cafcass National Office and a number of key stakeholders, suchas: Local Offices; Heads of Service; inspectors and auditors; Governmentdepartments; the Judiciary; others as necessary.2. Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with all colleagueswithin the host function/team, project teams and other key contacts, internally andexternally, at all times.3. Becoming a pro-active team member, playing a full part in meetings and events,as appropriate and required.4. Maintaining communications materials, such as intranet and internet pages,ensuring guidance, policies and procedures are accessible to staff and serviceusers.5. Promoting diversity and equality to ensure that practice and engagement is freefrom discrimination, in accordance with Cafcass policy and equal opportunitieslegislation.General1. Taking responsibility for your continuing professional and personal development.2. Contributing to the wider planning of Cafcass as required.3. At all times acting in accordance with legislation, National Directives and Cafcasspolicies and procedures.4. Being seen as an effective representative for Cafcass, and acting at all times in aprofessional manner conducive to promoting a positive Cafcass image.This job profile is not a definitive list of responsibilities but identifies the key components ofthe role. The specific objectives of the post holder will be subject to review as part of theindividual performance review process.Graduate Job Profile 130304 3

GRADUATE TRAINEE PERSON SPECIFICATIONKey:Assessed by Application Form: AAssessed at Interview: IAssessed by Exercise EDocumentary Evidence DA I E DQualificationsDegree at 2:1 or above. X X XSkill Areas1. Service Effectiveness & Information ManagementSkills to be demonstrated:Ability to apply intellectual rigor and understanding, analyse, interpret,explain and summarise complex data and issues in a logical manner.Ability to think ahead and demonstrate effective problem solving skillsAbility to use a wide range of Microsoft Office packages particularly inthe areas of Word, Excel and Outlook.Excellent word processing skills, a good working knowledge andcomprehension of written English, including grammar.Excellent customer service and client care skills.Excellent listening and oral communication skills including the ability toadapt oral and written communication methods and styles to suit theaudience.Excellent level of numerical ability.Analytical skills and the ability to analyse and interpret numerical data.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX2. Support to achieve Effective Service DeliverySkills to be demonstrated:Knowledge of general office practice and protocols.Ability to prioritise conflicting tasks and a challenging workload.Ability to react appropriately to short and long-term issues and to bedecisive.Ability to adapt to a changing environment.Ability to plan and complete work to agreed timescales.Ability to work effectively as part of a team.The use of a variety of problem solving techniques to develop andimprove the service.Ability to work pro-actively and with minimal instruction.Able to act on own initiative within agreed limits.Ability to remain calm, confident and professional.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXGraduate Job Profile 130304 4

Ability to apply theoretical learning within a practical environment.Self motivated and committed to achieving targets.XXXXX3. Engagement and partnership workingSkills to be demonstrated:Ability to deal tactfully and sensitively with people and have anunderstanding of confidentiality issues.Highly developed teamwork skills, interpersonal skills and the ability towork with minimal supervision.Able to be assertive at times.Ability to pass on instructions without losing clarity.Ability to encourage positive working relationships.XXXXXXXXXX4. General and Personal QualitiesA collaborative team worker who can build positive relationships andwork effectively across boundaries and achieve results through others.Personal conduct, integrity and credibility that commands theconfidence of senior managers and staff at all levels, external partnersand stakeholders.Responds constructively to difficult situations.Understands the role of Cafcass.A commitment to social justice, equality and the needs of children.A pro-active self-starter able to manage multiple priorities withintimescales which may mean reconciling the demands of corporate andservice requirements.XXXXXXXXXXXXGraduate Job Profile 130304 5