The Position
The Senior Staff Officer is a middle management position within the Council and is assigned responsibility for the day-to-day administration and management of a section or department handling an area of the local authority’s activities, including management and supervision of staff.

The Senior Staff Officer is responsible for ensuring that goals set out in Departmental and Team Plans become operational actions through the planning, allocation and prioritisation of work.

The Senior Staff Officer is a key point of contact and liaison with other Sections or Departments in relation to all operational matters for the service delivery section or sections for which they are responsible.

The Senior Staff Officer is expected to carry out their duties with an understanding of the political context of local government and in such a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making.
 

Duties & Responsibilities

The Senior Staff Officer responsibilities are set out below:

• To be responsible for the management and administration of a section or sections within the Council, including the management and supervision of staff.
• To support their line manager to ensure work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Council’s corporate and operational plans, including planning and prioritising work and allocating resources.
• To develop and maintain productive working relationships, including providing information and assistance when required.
• To act as a key point of contact and liaison in relation to all operational matters for the service delivery section or sections for which they are responsible.
• To research, analyse and communicate information on specific issues and policies as appropriate, including compiling, preparing and presenting reports, presentations, correspondence etc.
• To represent the local authority on committees and at meetings and to report on progress in his or her respective section or department as required.
• To provide support and administrative assistance in the delivery of projects as required.
• To be involved in the day-to-day financial management of capital and operational expenditure in the section or department.
• To identify opportunities for improvements in the service delivery within the relevant area of responsibility.
• To implement and manage change management initiatives within the relevant area of responsibility.
• To manage and supervise employees in supporting roles, including assigning and scheduling duties and workload, providing on-going support and handling day to day issues.
• To ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures within their area of responsibility and to provide assistance in the understanding and interpretation of policies and procedures to employees in their area of responsibility and to customers and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• To participate in corporate management activities and responsibilities appropriate to the grade.
• To be in compliance with Health and Safety legislative requirements, policies and procedures and safe systems of work.
• To deputise for the line manager or equivalent as required.
• To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility as may be required from time to time.

HR