Coram Children’s Legal Centre

Independent Review Mechanism

Based at: Unit 4, Pavilion Business Park, Royds Hall Road, Wortley, Leeds LS12 6AJ

Tel:0845 4503956

OFFICE ASSISTANT – INDEPENDENT REVIEW MECHANISM (35 hours)

This post is subject to a criminal records check at the enhanced level.

About the Independent Review Mechanism.

The IRM is a Government contract operated by Coram Children’s Legal Centre on behalf of the Department for Education. This is a review process which prospective or existing foster carers and adopters can use when they do not agree with the recommendation by their Agency or Fostering Service Provider. The Review process is conducted by a review panel, completely independent of their Agency or FSP. All administration is carried out by a small team in Leeds which covers cases from all over England.

JOB SPECIFICATION

The Role

As Office Assistant, you will be part of the administration team for the Independent Review Mechanism and as such your job role may occasionally be altered to help others within your team to complete their duties. The Administration team currently consists of two part-time Administrators, a Contract Manager and a Social Worker. Your job is to provide sound administration to enable the IRM Administrators to concentrate on more complex administrative tasks. This is an interesting role involving a wide range of tasks and requires a competent Administrative assistant who is able to think for themselves but also to work under direction. Attention to detail is essential as is excellent customer service skills and strong general secretarial knowledge. In return you will be part of a small team who pride themselves on working well under pressure and providing an excellent service.

1.0JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

1.1To provide administrative support to the IRM Administrators.

2.0ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

2.1Reports to the IRM Contract Manager.

2.2Supports the IRM Administrators.

3.0MAIN DUTIES

3.1To draft and despatch routine or standard letters.

3.2To answer general queries by telephone, including those from panel members, applicants and outside agencies.

3.3To photocopy, collate and circulate documents, as directed by the IRM Administrator, to panel members.

3.4To sort, open and log all in-coming and out-going post and to log telephone calls and other messages as they arrive.

3.5Database inputting, interrogation and report gathering.

3.6To maintain records, filing systems and computer files.

3.7To word-process letters and other documents.

3.8To order stationery and other items as required.

3.9To assist the IRM Administrators with other general tasks, as necessary.

3.10To provide cover for the IRM Administrator in the absence of either.

3.11To carry out all tasks within an equal opportunity framework.

3.12To participate in team and other meetings as required.

3.13To carry out any other duties that may be required from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Listed below are the skills, experience, knowledge and qualities required for this post. They form the selection criteria for appointment.

The successful candidate will need:

  • Experience of working in a busy office environment.
  • Ability to type accurately using a word processor – minimum speed 45 wpm.
  • Experience of using computer systems, including e-mail and databases.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail in handling enquiries and logging details.
  • A courteous and helpful manner in dealing with phone calls and e-mail enquiries.
  • Able to maintain confidentiality.
  • Familiarity with general office equipment including a fax machine, photocopier etc.
  • An ability to work under pressure and to deadline.
  • A flexible attitude and willingness to work collaboratively within a small team.
  • An interest adoption and fostering issues and in developing knowledge in this area.
  • An understanding of equal opportunity and diversity issues.