General. The Regional Welfare Services Manager (RWM) is a hugely enjoyable and rewarding role - responsible for providing, managing and overseeing the delivery of progressive, holistic and high-quality veterans’ welfare service operations in NI and the Republic of Ireland (RoI). This includes supporting all tri-Service Armed Forces Service Leavers, Veterans & their Families. The RWM also deputises for OIC VWS NI where necessary and works to raise awareness of VWS NI; engage with MoD, Other Government Departments (OGDs), OVA NI, Defence Business Services (DBS) and Third Sector organisations; represent VWS NI in key DBS, Statutory and Third Sector meetings; support the delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant in NI and build/enhance relationships in what is a nuanced, devolved setting. The RWM will also maintain an in-depth understanding of the NI & ROI 'operating environments' and support key respite related activities in support of Ulster Defence Regiment and the Royal Irish Regiment (Home Service) Veteran and Family Groups (who served during Op BANNER).
Specifics. As the RWM (HEO) VWS NI, you will be responsible for:
• Overseeing and managing E2E delivery of welfare support operations (from point of request to case resolution) to tri-Service veterans, their dependants and serving personnel undergoing transition. The veterans’ community includes all UDR and R IRISH Home Service Family Groups, comprising widow(er)s, bereaved families and disabled ex-soldiers
• Management of all VWS NI Welfare Managers and the Centre Manager/Business Support Officer, in accordance with MoD and Civil Service policies
• Assisting with the recruitment, induction and development of newly recruited VWS NI Welfare staff
• Development of positive working relationships at the appropriate level - and regular engagement with DBS (Armed Forces and Veterans Services) and with Statutory and Third Sector Organisations (including Veterans' Champions, the Office of Veterans Affairs NI, the Veterans’ Commissioner/Team, VAPCs, Third Sector Organisations/Charities, Local Authorities, Health and Social Care services and Devolved Government Departments)
• Regular engagement with DBS (AFVS) in support of Veterans Services and One Service One Team One Way (OSOTOW) processes and procedures whilst also factoring in NI and RoI nuances to the design and development of new processes and initiatives to ensure they are landed appropriately and deliver the right effect.
• Day to day Casework Management/Oversight - and engagement (as appropriate) - with providers of MoD (VWS NI) Medical Contracts for psychological, psychiatric and physiotherapy provision/interventions - including regular engagement with the VWS NI Medical Services Manager (Contracts Lead)
• Appropriate and positive promotion/outreach of VWS NI across NI, RoI and across AFVS more widely
• Assist with other tasks in support of VWS NI outputs as required