Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend City Council are looking to appoint a full-time Social Service Brokerage Officer within a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Within this position you will need to ensure that people who need care in Southend can access the right care at the right time.

You will ensure that the people you support have adequate information to make their own choices and that they have effective movement across pathways of care, supporting a move towards independence.

You will provide advice using the brokerage team in a timely and effective manner that meets the needs of their clients within the available budget.

There will be a need to negotiate price and service offers to maximise the use of public funds in the interests of the residents of Southend, as well as developing supplier relationships to maximise the effectiveness of the service offer.

Using the results of brokerage, you will also generate and share market intelligence.

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week, you are required to be on site every Wednesday.

To be shortlisted for this position, you must have previous experience of brokerage and of supplying information, advice and guidance within the social care sector.

Have proven experience in complex supplier negotiations and market relationship building. Experience in strategy and market development, risk management, and resource management.

You must have excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as being IT literate (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Excellent project management skills, interpersonal skills and having strong time management skills will be an advantage.

You will need to be able to analyse, interpret and assess data and information, as well as have organisational awareness & strategic thinking.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.