Senior Case Adviser

Overall responsibilities of the service/function are:

The HR case management teams are responsible for providing professional HR advice and expertise to managers and schools to resolve employee relations issues using a proactive approach, interpreting employment law and internal policies, procedures and guidance to the best advantage of the council and/or school, with the aim of reducing timescales for the decision making of case resolution.

In addition to the responsibilities described in the role profile, specific duties include:

• To provide professional HR advice on complex employee relations matters to managers. This requires significant knowledge of employment law and skills to apply council HR policies appropriately to employee relation cases.
• To have a professional presence with senior managers/headteachers to be able to persuade action to ensure employee matters are managed appropriately. To be able to provide flexibility and innovation to resolve matters whilst remaining within legal boundaries and to outline the options and associated risks. e.g. settlement agreements
• To have substantial safeguarding knowledge and attend safeguarding multi agency meetings as the HR lead for the council
• To provide HR professional advice for Employment tribunal cases and may attend as a witness
• When directed by the HR Operations Manager, liaise with the legal team over complex and contentious issues where advice is required from employment law experts. Work with the legal team to find a suitable solution, in order to mitigate risks to the organisation.
• Mentor and provide support and guidance to the Case Advisers when dealing with more complex casework.
• In conjunction with a member of the strategic delivery team, design and present briefings to a range of staff to include managers/headteachers on new or changed HR policies, this will include governors briefings. Knowledgeable and confident to be able to respond to queries and questions to ensure understanding by the audience
• Build effective working relationships with managers / head teachers to ensure HR advice is followed and complex issues are dealt with promptly.
• To provide HR support to heads of service /headteachers during large scale service restructures, and TUPE academy conversions. This will include consultation with the recognised unions; attendance at appropriate consultations when necessary ensure proper implementation of the procedures including redeployment opportunities from across the council for displaced staff.
• To embrace and deliver new HR initiatives, e.g. job families, and be a point of knowledge for managers on their application.
• Advise on transfer of undertakings, protection of employment (TUPE issues, restructures academy transfers and provide support to managers on cases and liaising with managers.
• To have a detailed knowledge of the various sets of different terms and conditions such as Teachers, Soulbury, NJC and JNC to be able to answer queries from managers.
• Attend employment law workshops and maintain continuous professional development to keep abreast of employment law changes.
• Provide advice to the HR and Payroll Administration team to resolve complex pay related issues. Consult and liaise with the recognised Trade Unions, professional associations and associated bodies to inform them of employee relations matters.
• Network with HR professionals in other organisations, local authorities and through forums.

In addition to the qualifications, knowledge, and skills required for roles at this level, this role requires:

• CIPD Level 5 intermediate certificate in Human Resources and / or working towards CIPD Level 7 advanced diploma in Human Resources.
• Extensive experience dealing with a diverse workforce, or able to demonstrate the skills and experience required to perform at this level
• Detailed knowledge of employment law
• Knowledge of local government employment practices
• Experience of working in a unionised environment
• Good communication skills
• Well developed organisational skills
• Ability to influence and persuade
• Ability to build and maintain key working relationships
• Ability to work at pace and in a pressurised environment
• Sound IT Skills

• CIPD Level 7 advanced diploma in Human Resources.