13.4.11Version 1.0

Job Profile

1. Post Information

Job Family / Organisational Support
Directorate / Office of the Chief Executive
Service / Strategy and Policy for People and Neighbourhoods
Job Title / Associate Policy Lead for Health
Grade / POG/H
Type of Worker
(Home, Remote, Agile or Office) / Agile
Tier / N/A
Reports to / Lead Policy Officer for Families
No. of Reports / N/A
Management responsibility for / Management of project teams
Reference No. / JP552
Purpose / To support Policy Leads in the delivery of a coherent strategic policy analysis and development capacity that covers health and wellbeing. To develop policy and strategy that is responsive to the needs and expectations of the different communities and neighbourhoods in the city.
The role will involve interpreting national and regional strategy and policy to determine local implications for the people of the city and the delivery of services.

2. Council’s Purpose and Values

The purpose of the Council is “to ensure the people and City of Sunderland fulfil their potential” by:
  • Raising aspirations, creating confidence and promoting opportunity (People)
  • Leading the investment in attractive and inclusive City and its communities (Place)
  • Creating the conditions in which business can establish and thrive (Economy)
Values: PROUD, DECENT, TOGETHER

3. Key Areas

Key Area / Statement Part 1
(Verb, what is done) / Statement Part 2
Output & Outcome
(How it is done, to what or whom, and with what result)
Communication / Communicate information verbally and / or in writing / To internal and external customers (Elected Members, officers, partners, Voluntary and community sector groups and the public) on community and neighbourhood policy matters on a daily basis both informally and formally. Service area knowledge is required and the support will include:-
(a) To plan and co-ordinate those items on the work programme that relate to community and neighbourhood policy matters;
(b) To provide high level advice and support on more complex queries (verbally and in writing) relevant to community and neighbourhood matters as and when required.
(d) To have an enhanced understanding of national, regional and local policy drivers / initiatives as well as the ability to interpret in the context of the city and region.
(e) To prepare and present reports, presentations, briefings and provision of relevant training.
Communicate information to different audiences / To internal and external customers (Elected Members, officers, partners, Voluntary and community sector groups and the general public) on community and neighbourhood policy matters on a daily basis both informally and formally e.g. provision of dedicated and impartial support to EMT, Cabinet, Scrutiny Committees and commissioning functions.
Provide information and / or advice and guidance / To staff, peers and senior management (together with service related implications).
To external and internal customers as to the preparation and implementation of community and neighbourhood policies as they affect the city.
Undertake complex / contentious negotiations / By supporting the Policy Lead and the appropriate elements of the Sunderland Partnership structures in negotiations with internal and external parties about the direction and funding of projects / developments that impact on the health and general wellbeing of communities and neighbourhoods in the city.
Undertake formal counselling / formal advocacy / By supporting the Policy Lead and the appropriate elements of the Sunderland Partnership structures with the development of cases that support improvements in the health and wellbeing of communities and neighbourhoods in the city.
Influence others to adopt policies and courses of action / To support the implementation of changes in corporate/service specific procedures.
Using the available evidence to report and recommend appropriate courses of action in health and wellbeing and neighbourhood development related policy related matters.
Customer Focus / Establish excellent relationships with customers / Including public, voluntary and community sector, development industry, internal/external partners, including elected members to establish the health, wellbeing and neighbourhood development plans of the city and develop most appropriate policies to deliver the long term health and wellbeing requirements of the city.
Assess and / or anticipate customer needs / To ensure that policies are sufficient to meet the needs of key stakeholders in relation to health and wellbeing issues in the city.
To support Policy Lead to ensure that the health, wellbeing and neighbourhood development policies/proposals meet the requirements of the council.
Assess service delivery requirements / Analyse and plan for future workload, resource allocation, requirements and management within the function and from other strategic services.
Exercise customer focus skills / Such as sound judgmental, research and analytical skills, to identify relevant data and assess and interpret legislative guidance in relation to health, wellbeing and neighbourhood development policy matters.
During meetings, where negotiation skills are required in order to balance competing demands by service users and professionals.
Such as creative skills to develop new solutions to issues as they arise.
Influence / Influence and persuade others / To support Policy Lead to help colleagues deal with changes in process and procedures.
To support Policy Lead on the correct policies to apply when considering health, wellbeing and neighbourhood development issues (specialist service area knowledge is required to carry this out effectively).
To influence the development of related plans and strategies eg Sunderland Strategy, Economic Master Plan and Housing Strategy.
In drafting recommendations to Committee on health, wellbeing and neighbourhood development matters.
Planning and decision making / Plan and organise / To support Policy Lead to manage workloads of others and ensure appropriate deadlines for projects are met.
Make decisions / Either independently, or with the support and advice of managers with regard to operating issues with staff and when acting on behalf of the Council
Deal with and solve problems / Associated with the delivery of the service and the development of effective responses to new policy developments.
Some of the problems may be complex and / or include unforeseeable occurrences and will require the application of swift, independent and informed responses that use existing procedures. It will be necessary to ensure that adequate validation for solutions is sought.
Analyse and interpret information / Which can be diverse and complex, to assess options and ensure the most appropriate decision is taken for the Council
Independence / Undertake independent actions / In response to requests for service from Policy Lead, can work independently on particular issues that are relevant to the efficient and effective operation of the team.
Ability to work independently to set workloads/and deliver actions.
Developing and motivating others / Demonstrate own duties to other employees / When supporting the induction of new employees.
Sharing knowledge of practice and procedures, to ensure effective understanding of the needs of the People and Neighbourhoods Policy function.
Advise, instruct, check work or train other employees / To support Policy Lead on a regular basis with regard to ongoing workloads, particularly where it involves new ways of working or the interpretation of new legislation / policy guidance to ensure the quality of work produced is of a high order.
Coach and / or mentor others / By supporting the delivery of training and support to groups of employees in policy matters relating to People and Neighbourhoods.
Providing knowledge and experience of own specialism.
Manage and develop employees / Supporting the management of work programmes, the allocation of workloads, the setting of deadlines.
To support, motivate and manage the section.
Lead and guide employees / To support Policy Lead in providing effective leadership, developing team working and delegating duties.
Composure and thoroughness / Ensure accuracy in work produced / In ensuring that all work produced is of an appropriate standard and quality to meet the needs of clients/customers, especially as it requires the correct interpretation of legislation, national guidance or policy.
Ensure work is carried out in an organised and effective way / To assist the Head of Service in ensuring all work across the team is delivered within designated timeframes.
By reviewing and implementing procedures, to ensure work is carried out effectively and efficiently.
By prioritising outstanding work based on the needs of the authority and partners.
Maintain focus on tasks, even in challenging circumstances / Leading and motivating staff to ensure that all work is produced to the required standard by the deadlines set.
Deal with deadlines / Such as to ensure that responses to policy developments and other relevant factors in the operating environment are timely and effective.
Such as meeting deadlines for reporting to committee.
Such as responding to other Government/regional reports within statutory timescales set.
Deal with interruptions and conflicting demands / In prioritising work of self and staff when urgent information is required by management/Members.
Partnership working / Work effectively with others to build relationships and find common solutions / Including working with other internal directorates, adjacent Councils, regional bodies, voluntary and community sector and members of the public, the development of appropriate and deliverable health, wellbeing and neighbourhood development policies and proposals.
Develop and maintain clear working objectives with internal and external partners / Working closely with internal customers to develop policies that deliver the corporate objectives.
Working with external partners/agencies to encourage the delivery of health, wellbeing and neighbourhood development policies.
Improvement / Develop and produce plans and / or strategies / In supporting the delivery of plans that set short, medium and long-term objectives for improving the health and wellbeing of the city.
Contribute to the effectiveness of improvement activity / In looking for improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the section through the proactive management of resources, the development of quality systems and performance management.
By applying knowledge from own service area and being aware of legislative changes and introducing working practices to support system development.
Measure the impact and effectiveness of plans / strategies / improvement activity / To support the preparation and adoption of monitoring reports to demonstrate the effectiveness of the health and wellbeing policies / proposals against the required objectives.
Through performance management techniques, monitor and inform the delivery of service plans and service improvements plans as appropriate to the service.
Innovation / Use creative skills to develop novel or unique ideas or products / In initiating work with staff to develop appropriate policies and proposals to deliver the aspirations of the city.
Implement and / or co-ordinate new technology and processes / Implement new processes as appropriate to the service area.

4. Statutory Requirements

In line with the Council’s Statutory Requirements, all employees of the Council should:
Comply with the principles and requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 in relation to the management of Council records and information, and respect the privacy of personal information held by the Council; Comply with the principles and requirements of the Freedom in Information Act 2000; Comply with the Council's information security standards, and requirements for the management and handling of information; Use Council information only for authorised purposes.

5. Person Specification

Achievement: A tendency to set and accomplish challenging goals, while persisting in the face of significant obstacles. Characteristics typically include: working hard, taking satisfaction and pride in producing high quality work; and being competitive.
Collaboration: A person's sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others, as well as the extent to which agreement among colleagues is valued. Characteristics typically include: valuing cohesion; being helpful and cooperative with others; and easily accepting other people.
Confidence and Optimism: A person's belief in their ability to get the job done. Characteristics typically include: optimism in the face of rejection; and a feeling of being successful and competent in a variety of areas.
Independence: A willingness to take action and to make decisions independently. Characteristics typically include: working effectively without immediate supervision; no requirement for the support or help of others; and being resourceful in the face of challenges.
Self Development: A person’s desire to understand how things work and to seek out opportunities to learn and grow. Characteristics typically include: a willingness to take advice; asking questions to better understand something; and applying new learning to relevant situations.
Thoroughness: A tendency to be thorough and precise in approaching work and managing personal activities. Characteristics typically include: being accurate; finding and correcting errors; and maintaining order in work and personal affairs.
Further Essential Requirements (assessed by other techniques)
Communicating
(verbal) / Able to share information, obtain information and have dialogue with others either in person or over the telephone. / Interview/
Presentation
Communicating
(written) / Able to share information and obtain information from others through written communication. / Application Form
(Personal Statement)
Democratic / Seeks and considers the views of others in setting and deciding plans, activities and progress. / Interview/Application Form
(Personal Statement)
Listening / Listens to others to assess requirements in order to respond appropriately and efficiently. / Interview/Application Form
(Personal Statement)
Management / Establish direction, influence other towards shared goals and empower, inspire and motivate individuals / Interview/Application Form
(Personal Statement)/
Managerial Scenarios Assessment)
Vigour / Works at a fast pace, copes well with higher levels of workload. / Interview/Work Based
Test/Application Form
(Personal Statement)
Political Awareness / Able to work effectively in a political environment and establish positive relationships with Elected Members, senior managers, staff and external partners, to establish confidence, trust and credibility. / Interview/Application Form (Personal Statement)
PC Skills / Able to effectively use a PC to prepare documents, record information or input data. / Interview/Work Based Test/
Application Form
(Personal Statement)
Equal Opportunities / Commitment to Equal Opportunities / Interview
Travel / Ability to meet the travel requirements of the post (travel within the region and UK, occasionally abroad). / Interview
Hours of work / Ability to work outside standard office hours where necessary. / Interview