Job Title: Transport OfficerLocation: Hertford/StevenageStarting Salary: GBP25,545 progressing to GBP28,770 pa Hours: 37 per weekContract: Fixed Term contract until end October 2024

Diversity: We are an inclusive employer and value a diverse workforce

Job Duties:

Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, have great administrative skills, excellent customer service and a desire to support families?

The SEN School Transport team work closely with some of Hertfordshire's most vulnerable young people and their families, schools, colleges and internal & external partners to individually assess applications for transport for children and young people (up to the age of 25) with Education Health Care Plans (EHCP).

The SEN Transport team is part of the Admissions and Transport Service. Officers individually assess applications for transport support for young people with an Education Health and Care Plan and advise families about the available transport options to enable the young person to travel to school/college.

The role requires working with an individual caseload within a cohesive and supportive team. Requirements include the ability to work well under pressure, work within tight deadlines, the ability to interpret and implement transport policies successfully and consistently, and excellent written and oral communication skills.

The role also includes regular contact with schools, parents and other professionals and working closely with the Contracts Management team who are responsible for arranging the transport contracts.

Given the vulnerability of many children and their families; tact, courtesy, discretion and empathy are vital attributes. Whilst the SEN Transport team is based at County Hall, Hertford, working from home for part of the week is possible.

The role requires excellent customer service and the ability to work consistently to a high standard. Confidence in advising on phones is needed and a competence in using Microsoft packages, and familiarity with IT.

You can make a real difference to young people with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in helping them to access education whilst following Home to School policies.

Closing Date: 21st January 2024Interview Date: 1st February 2024

Benefits of working for us:• Flexible Working Arrangements (depending on the role)• Excellent Career Development• Salary Exchange for Additional Benefits• Excellent Pension Scheme with Employer Contributions• Shopping Discounts• Support Groups & Wellbeing Schemes

Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employerand 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 (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required).

Safeguarding: Safeguarding children and adults is of utmost importance to Hertfordshire County Council. The Council requires employees to abide by legislation and best practice to enable Hertfordshire to achieve this. This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Fixed Term and/or Secondment: This is a Fixed Term or Secondment vacancy. If you work for HCC or any other Local Authority and would like to be considered as a Secondment contract, please ensure you complete the attached Secondment Form as part of your application. If you do not, your application will be considered as a Fixed Term Contract only.

Driving Roles Only: As part of this role, you will be required to travel to other HCC Sites/Residences either using your own mode of transport or a company car. In light of this, the ability to drive and/or travel around the County is required for this role a DVLA check will be required on appointment.

CS Roles Only: We expect all Children Services employees to fulfil Hertfordshire's Professional Promise for how children, young people & young adults with special educational needs and / or disabilities and their families should be treated. It is our agreement to place families and children at the centre of what we do, and helps parents and carers to understand and be able to hold us to account for how we provide our services.

How to Apply

As part of the application, you will be required to upload your most recent CV ensuring gaps in employment have been addressed and asked to answer the 4 key questions which are located at the end of the advert and a template can be found in the 'Available Documents'.

1. Customer Service: Explain what skills and experience you have in delivering a high standard of customer service? What aspects do you feel are most important?

2. Organisation: Explain how you have organised and prioritised tasks, and worked to deadlines?

3.Team Work: Explain how you have worked as part of a team to deliver a service?

4. IT Skills: Explain your experience of working with Microsoft Office packages

If you do not provide answers to the questions and upload to your application, your application will be rejected.