This full-time, permanent role has a starting salary of £29,697 per annum based on a 36 hour working week. We have an exciting opportunity to join our fantastic Children's Request for Support Team, based within Surrey's award-winning Contact Centre at Dakota in Weybridge We are looking for two new Request for Support Officers to join our team. The role is open to hybrid working and as a team we split our time between working from home and collaborating together in the office. Rewards and Benefits 26 days' holiday rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service Option to buy up to 5 days of additional annual leave An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to support health and wellbeing Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave A generous local government salary related pension Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more 2 paid volunteering days per year Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources About the Role Are you passionate about supporting our goal for all children to be safe and seen? Do you have transferable skills from working with children and families and a flair for excellent customer service? This could be just the opportunity you're looking for The Request for Support Team is embedded within Customer Services, where you will find a supportive and innovative culture, and an ethos of providing excellent standards of service to our residents and partner agencies. The Request for Support Team is one of the three teams that form Surrey Children's Services Single Point of Access (C- SPA), the 'front door' to Children's Services. You will be working in a fast-paced environment, where the diverse experience and backgrounds of children and families are recognised and respected. As the public voice of the Council you will have an extremely important role to play, which demands a positive and proactive attitude. This is a varied role, but on a day-to-day basis you will: Provide high quality and efficient support to enable the smooth running of the Request for Support Team Handle calls from members of public and professionals who are requesting support for childrenTake accurate and pertinent information in order to identify risk and signpost where necessaryProgress to the most appropriate services in a timely mannerTriage all incoming requests from partner agencies identifying appropriate pathways based on detailed operational guidance and Surrey's Continuum of Support ThresholdInput referrals accurately onto databases and provide information to professional agencies where appropriate Shortlisting Criteria To be considered for shortlisting for interview your CV and personal statement will clearly evidence: Experience of providing high levels of customer care and professionalism Some understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures with ability to follow the surrounding processes and identify the risks Excellent IT skills and ability to use databases to a high standard of accuracy Ability to work effectively and flexibly and as part of a team Excellent spoken and written English Effective communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with families and fellow professionals Ability to travel to Brooklands, Weybridge You will be operating in sometimes challenging and emotionally charged situations, therefore you must have the resilience to cope with sensitive, and at times disturbing, information and be able to prioritise effectively, whilst remaining calm and professional. You'll have a responsibility to safeguard confidential information and respect the privacy of families at all times.The job advert closes at 23:59 on 26th February 2025 with interviews to follow.An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role. Our Commitment Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where: The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.