Caseworker Competency Framework – 6-8 week secondment
The Ombudsman Association (OA) is offering the opportunity of a short secondment to undertake the first stage of a project to develop a generic Caseworker Competency Framework for the Association’s members.
The OA’s membership covers ombudsman schemes and complaint handlers across the public and private sectors in the UK, Ireland, the British Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories.
The Framework will support the development of the caseworker profession across our membership, focusing on the core skills that caseworkers need to be effective, and building on the commitments set out in the OA’s Service Standards Framework. The Caseworker Competency Framework will provide a model of best practice that members can refer to when commissioning caseworker training, rather than being prescriptive.
This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a cross-sectorial project that will lead to the establishment of international best practice.
Purpose of role and specification
To undertake a review of what competency frameworks currently exist across the membership, [and] internationally, in order to inform the second stage of the project.
The secondee could be an experienced HR specialist, an experienced caseworker or have a research background. Strong research and report writing skills will be required.
Key deliverables
Carry out a desk exercise and produce a report that identifies:
· what competency frameworks are currently in place for caseworkers across the OA’s membership;
· current best practice internationally;
· other cross cutting dependencies (such as the OA’s Principles and the Service Standards Framework);
· what existing training packages are being used by members.
Secondment arrangements
The secondment will be for a 6-8 week period during the 2017/18 financial year. There is flexibility in the timing of the secondment, although ideally the work will be completed by end December 2017. The secondee can either continue to work from their current office or work from home, depending on arrangements agreed with their organisation.
Some travel may be required across the UK and Ireland, which will be reimbursed by the OA. The OA will reimburse the home organisation for salary costs during the secondment. The secondee will remain an employee of their organisation during the secondment, and the terms and conditions of their home organisation will remain in place. The secondee will report to the Director of the OA.
Application
Those interested should send a 1 page letter setting out their relevant skills and experience, and a copy of their CV, to the Director () by 11:00, Thursday 14 September 2017.