Democratic Services Officer Ref: 41-25

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

• Strong communication skills - on and offline, written and oral
• Good interpersonal skills - ability to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels
• Intrinsic motivation, positive attitude and a personal commitment to continued professional development
• Good planning and organisational skills, with experience of working to guidelines and instructions
• Strong IT Skills - with experience in using Microsoft Office programmes.
• Experience in managing your own time with the ability to work under pressure and to conflicting deadlines.
• Understanding of how to manage a project from start to finish with the ability to understand the uses and limitations of project planning techniques and to use them to deliver a project.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, senior management, including those from other departments and disciplines.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively to achieve a positive outcome and solve simple and complex problems.
• The ability to cope with conflicting and changing demands through good time management and the ability to work under pressure
• Proven initiative and judgement to identify opportunities and resolve problems.

Desirable

• Experience in preparing and presenting reports
• Experience of working in local government and/or public sector
• Experience of an office environment
• Excellent understanding of governance and compliance requirements
• Knowledge of local government structures and democratic processes

Qualifications

Essential

• A degree. Please note: we will consider internal applications who do not have a degree but have experience/knowledge relevant to the role

Desirable

• Minimum 4 GCSEs grades 4-9 (A-C) including English OR equivalent qualifications / experience.
• Driving licence

Essential Behaviours

Collaborative: look for ways to work in partnership with colleagues across services, Members and external partners #oneteam

Ambitious: a proud ambassador for the Council, taking pride and responsibility for the work we do and encouraging others to do the same

Results Driven: understand our council priorities and how you make a difference.

Empowering: show energy and drive to explore new opportunities and challenge the status quo

Supportive: treat others as you would want to be treated yourself ensuring you are welcoming, friendly and approachable

Mental Demands

• Will need to be able to manage a highly varied and changing workload and regularly reprioritise demands
• Ability to respond in sometimes high-pressure, time-sensitive situations
• Will need to be able to deal tactfully with sometimes confrontational situations,
• Will cope with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands

• Predominantly office role, typing etc. Possibly some remote working.
• Occasional events with associated set up and transportation of equipment
• Occasional requirements to work outside of normal office hours - eg. events, elections

Health & Safety (exposure to risk)

• Predominantly office role
• Will need to comply with all health and safety training