Support Officer (Early Years Entitlements)

The Early Years Entitlements (EYE) team is an small established team that supports childcare providers and families, specifically relating to the delivery of funded childcare across Lincolnshire.  

We are looking to recruit a Support Officer to join the EYE team. The ideal candidate will support childcare providers, including schools, nurseries, pre-schools and childminders, to deliver the early years entitlements across Lincolnshire.  The role also includes supporting families to maximise their entitlement to government support with childcare costs. 

Specialism Social Care Director Area Children's Services Job Category Early Years and Childcare Support General Location Lincoln Salary £25,183 - £26,409 Contract Type Permanent Appointment Type Full-time Closing Date 19/02/2025 Job Reference 23668 Documents 03556+Support+Officer+(EYE)+JD.pdf
(PDF, 206.82kb) Job Information Pack July 24.pdf
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Main responsibilities are:

Processing claims and uploading data into systems to ensure payment is made to childcare providers accurately and on time Maintain accurate information on childcare provision across the county for auditing purposes, running queries and verifying information. Conduct virtual and face to face audits to ensure compliance with the EYE funding requirements across the county as directed by the Lead Consultant (EYE). To support other general administrative and clerical duties as requested, including report writing, data reporting and dealing with both parent and provider queries.

This is an administrative role and full training will be given on the relevant systems and software required to do this role. 

You will have an eye for detail and a flexible approach to be able to react and adapt on a daily basis. 

You will be required to build effective relationships both internally and externally, so effective communication skills are essential to be able to provide careful and considered responses.

A good working knowledge of MS Word and MS Excel would be advantageous.

Candidates are encouraged to visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk to better understand what government offers are available to families to support with the cost of childcare. 

The post holder will be required to have a driving license with access to a car and be able to travel and work in a timely and flexible manner to undertake the duties of the role.  Some travel will be required across the county to  meet service demand.  

This is an opportunity to join a dynamic team in a role that provides variety, challenges and an opportunity to drive positive change for the young children across Lincolnshire.

Along with a competitive salary we are offering;

A Contributory pension Comprehensive benefits package including excellent discount schemes and cycle to work Civil service sports council membership Flexible working policies Career progression opportunities An annual leave entitlement of up to 25 days plus the option to buy more

Further details can be found in our rewards and benefits brochure

If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact Claire Draper via email.claire.draper@lincolnshire.gov.uk or telephone: 07425 635575

Closing Date for applications: Thursday 20th February

Interviews planned for Friday 7th March 

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary.  Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

 

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. 

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.