BEGIN Advice, Information and Referral Officer

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A place to inspire

BEGIN (Basic Educational Guidance in Nottinghamshire) is a well-established partnership service providing advice and placement for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and Functional Skills Maths and/or English courses. Nottingham College funds most of its work and the small team is a vital part of the College’s adult employability work.

BEGIN helps 3,500 to 4,000 people a year to find the right learning opportunities – from beginner levels to GCSE-equivalent levels. The service is integral to Nottingham College’s Adult, Community and 16-18-year ESOL provision. It also works with a wide range of external organisations to take enquiries, track people’s changing needs, and place them in a range of provision across Nottingham – from informal Conversation Groups to formal ESOL or Functional Skills Maths and English courses with exams.

A key function of our centralised ‘one-stop-shop' model is to cut duplicate ESOL enquiries whilst finding the best available learning opportunities for people to ‘get started’.

We are seeking a full-time permanent Advice, Information & Referral Officers to support this rewarding work. Key duties include telephone work to screen and log people’s needs, including language levels, UK residency, employment, income and benefit status. Detailed data inputting of enquiries, regularly updating people’s information and booking learner appointments are also significant parts of the work. Candidates must be able to undertake ‘hybrid working’ patterns, ie, 2 days at home and 3 days onsite at the Adams Building.

• Excellent administration experience and skills and ability to use a wide range of ICT systems
• Excellent listening and verbal communication skills, including the ability to support people with simplified language, empathy, patience and tact and a non-judgemental sensitive approach.
• Ability to write clearly, concisely and record information with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational skills, analytical skills and initiative, with the ability to problem-solve, to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to adapt work as needed, eg, to meet new funding rules, policy or procedures

Short-listing at application stage and interviews are scored against the essential and desirable criteria listed in the

PERSON SPECIFICATION at the end of the Job Profile.

• Competitive salary – £26,519 to £27,665 per annum FTE. (This will be pro-rata for term time only or part time posts)
• 35 days Annual Leave + 8 Bank Holidays + Opportunity to purchase up to 5 days annual leave
• Access to Local Government Pension Scheme
• Discounts at various stores and services across the UK via our Vivup App
• Various travel schemes including cycle to work, local transport season tickets and car salary sacrifice scheme
• Opportunities for professional development including 8 dedicated Continued Personal Development (CPD) days and our Request to Invest Programme

At Nottingham College, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued, and understood.

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