Job description
We are committed to improving our services for the children and families we support in West Sussex. In May 2023 Ofsted Inspectors praised West Sussex County Council’s Children’s Services for its ‘relentless approach to improving practice,’ giving the service an overall rating of ‘requires improvement’, with ‘good’ judgements for children in care and leadership and management. The judgements on children needing help and protection and children leaving care are they ‘require improvement to be good’.
Inspectors recognised the ‘strong, determined and cohesive leadership team’ who have made significant improvements since 2019 and their commitment and focus to make further improvements.
For further information about us and about working in Children’s Social Care at West Sussex County Council, please visit Careers in children's social work in West Sussex.
About The Job
Salary: £35,411 to £38,296
Working Pattern:Full Time (37 hours)
Contract Length: Fixed Term Contract (ending 31/03/2025)
Location: Chichester
Interview date: The week commencing the 3rd July
The Data and Performance Team for Children’s Services process and analyse a range of data in support of the Local Authority’s statutory, strategic, and operational responsibilities. We provide information to enable performance to be effectively measured and monitored using software such as SQL and Power BI.
The post holder needs to be able to gather information actively from service operations and from a variety of sources and systems, externally and internally, using an inquisitive mind and good communication skills. You will need to cleanse, integrate, and analyse the data in order to present the results in an easy-to-understand way using data visualisation tools and techniques. You will have a good level of numeracy and literacy, with strong communication and written skills, as well as proven SQL report writing. The ability to work with large and complex datasets to produce comprehensive and clear analytical reports within tight timescales is a must. A knowledge and use of SQL and Power BI would be an advantage.
Experience and Skills
Key Skills:
- Highly computer literate with sound and accurate IT skills in order to develop new information systems, undertake qualitative and quantitative analysis of highly complex data, information and other documentation and to produce reports and create electronic presentations.
- Professional approach with the aptitude and confidence to provide clear advice with highly developed skills of negotiation and persuasion to influence and successfully convince others of the need to take a specific course of action.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to exchange complicated information with a range of audiences and to provide advice and guidance.
- Excellent literacy and numeracy skills in order to analyse complex and varied data and information, to understand and interpret findings and present results of analysis in the most appropriate and useable format.
- The ability to identify opportunities for continuous improvement to ensure effective use of resources and to organise, prioritise and plan own workload and to supervise others to meet deadlines and targets.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate problems and resolve issues independently, planning solutions and make sound pragmatic decisions.
Qualifications and/or experience:
- Relevant degree, or equivalent qualification or experience, demonstrating that level of applied knowledge in data management and analytical techniques.
- Demonstrable practical experience in undertaking complex data analysis which contributes to the development of strategic plans and policies.
- Experience of providing professional and accurate advice to a range of senior staff and partner organisations which impacts on the business.
- Experience and confidence in dealing with people and the ability to establish credibility at all levels of the organisation.
Rewards and Benefits
As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.
In addition to working within a great team and a brilliant opportunity you will receive:
- A competitive salary
- A generous pension scheme
- Training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring
- Flexible working
- A range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers with the opportunity to save over £1,000 (Including: Argos, Samsung, Asos, B&Q and many more)
- Free access to employee assistance programmes
- Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
- A range of commuting and business travel discounts and initiatives
For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.
Further Information
The reference number for this role is CAFHE04500 .
For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Ben Sawkins at [email protected] for issues or queries regarding your application please contact [email protected].
To apply, please follow the links below to upload your CV and cover letter. In your cover letter outline your motivations for applying and explain how you meet the key skills listed in full and the experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills) ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced SWE Registration, DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check.
West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged.
For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran’s Guaranteed Interview Scheme, this can be found on our application help page.
Job Reference: CAFHE04500
About West Sussex County Council
CEO: Becky Shaw
Revenue: Unknown / Non-Applicable
Size: 1001 to 5000 Employees
Type: Company - Public
Website: www.westsussex.gov.uk
Year Founded: 1898