Job Number: HCC26763
Location: Stevenage
Directorate: Childrens Services
Salary Range: £41,511 with the opportunity to progress to £45,718 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Closing date: 22-Jan-2025
Job Title: Development Officer
Starting Salary: £41,511 with the opportunity to progress to £45,718 per annum
Hours: 37.0
Location: Hybrid working
Contract Type: Fixed Term contract to 31st March 2026
Directorate: Childrens Services
About the team
This post supports the county council statutory requirement to deliver the new free childcare entitlements to parents across Hertfordshire. The postholder will support the existing childcare network in Hertfordshire and build on these networks to ensure that there is sufficient childcare capacity to meet parental demand.
This is an exciting time to become involved in Early Years and be part of the rollout of the government's biggest ever childcare expansion of free childcare which will be available to working parents (eligibility criteria apply) of children aged 9 months and over.
The postholder will be part of a team responsible for the implementation of the Hertfordshire childcare expansion strategy.
About the role
Main areas of responsibility:
* Identify potential childcare providers to expand provision and support their expansion by accessing the capital grants available.
* Identifying trends in parental take-up of childcare and sharing this information with childcare providers.
* Set up network briefing sessions throughout the county to support childcare providers in overcoming challenges and sustainability issues - signposting to Business Support and Workforce Development activity.
* Ensure childcare providers are delivering the new entitlements within the statutory guidance.
* Work with childcare providers to expand their provision.
* Communicate what the new entitlements are with parents and encourage take-up.
* Engage with stakeholders and seek their commitment to the childcare expansion programme.
About you
* Essential that the successful candidate has a minimum of 2 years experience working within the childcare/early years sector.
* Knowledge of the early years and childcare marketplace.
* Knowledge of relevant legislation related to the childcare sector.
* Experience of analysing data.
* Demonstrated knowledge and experience of partnership working.
* Excellent communication skills.
* Confidence in developing and maintaining relationships with a range of professionals and agencies.
* Excellent report writing skills.
* This role will require travel throughout the county.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with early years/childcare experience and knowledge to support the sector in delivering these new entitlements.
Application Process
To hear more about this opportunity please contact David Shevlane (Development Manager) on 01992 556199 or via email at david.shevlane@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps) and includes any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert/job profile to allow the panel to fully recognize your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to provide additional information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Secondment
This position is open to secondments. If you work for HCC or any other Local Authority and would like to be considered for a Secondment contract, please ensure you complete the Secondment Form as part of your application. If you do not, your application will be considered as a Fixed Term Contract only.
Additional information
Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
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