Job summary
This post will be responsible for a caseload of staff who are on long term sickness absence. The role will manage long term sickness absence cases in an effective and consistent manner in line with trust policies and procedures and to provide evidence of improvements in sickness absence rates and management. To provide specialist advice to managers regarding the management of long term absence trust-wide.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will deal with highly sensitive and complex issues in all aspects of the role, using their judgement, discretion and initiative, to seek advice from the Team Manager where appropriate.
As sickness absence specialist the postholder will act as the first point of contact for line managers with members of staff absent on long term sick, responding to enquiries from managers and staff relating to the management of long term sickness absence, requiring the consideration of a range of information, to analyse data and consider all options. The post holder will be required to analyse complex issues relating to long term sickness and make decisions on how to progress on a case by case basis.
To liaise with staff absent from work due to long term sickness, maintaining frequent contact to see how they are and if there is any support the trust can put in place. Arranging regular contact, occupational health referrals and meetings and updating records accordingly.
About us
This 12 months fixed term role forms part of a small team of 3 staff working in the Sickness Absence Manager team. This team is part of the wider Health and Wellbeing team and will work closely with our Employee Support Service, Employee Psychology Service, the Reasonable Adjustments Team and our outsourced Occupational Health and Physiotherapy Service to provide a comprehensive support and advisory package for staff and managers.
We are committing to the health and wellbeing of our staff and particularly supporting staff whilst absence from work, helping them return to work as soon as possible, and ensuring they are aware of and able to access a range of support both within the Trust and externally. The team ensure a consistent and effective approach to the management of staff who are absent on a long term basis. They liaise closely with managers and have established good working relationships across the Trust. Each Long Term Sickness Manager will be responsible a specific area.
The role is autonomous and allows for a level of flexibility in how you manage your diary. Contact with staff is carried out virtually in the main but there is a requirement for face to face meetings and attendance at work site at least 2 days per week. The team regularly meet for case management reviews on a face to face basis and have established communications mechanisms in place for virtual contact in between the face to face to contact.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
This post will be responsible for a caseload of staff who are on long term sickness absence. The role will manage long term sickness absence cases in an effective and consistent manner in line with trust policies and procedures and to provide evidence of improvements in sickness absence rates and management. To provide specialist advice to managers regarding the management of long term absence trust-wide.
We welcome potential applicants contacting us to discuss the role. If you would wish to have an informal video / telephone call, you can also speak with Laura Swalwell, Long Term Sickness Absence Manager on the following contact details:
Tel: 07818 065216
E:mail [email protected]
Person Specification
Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Educated to degree level in a relevant subject.
- - Or in the absence of (the above qualification) the candidate must be willing to work towards within (given timeframe) and also have the following experience
- Knowledge of a range of Workforce related topics acquired through a relevant degree or equivalent qualification/experience to that of a degree level such as
- Substantial experience in a range of HR or related roles.
- Knowledge of specialist HR topic i.e management of sickness absence.
- Working knowledge and experience of the understanding the Equality Act in particular Reasonable Adjustments
- Willingness to undertake within 2 years master's degree in HR if equivalent qualification not already held.
- Up to date knowledge of and evidence of applying employment law and HR policies and procedures.
- Membership of CIPD
Skills
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to influence and mediate in conflict situations.
- Ability to communicate sensitively and demonstrate empathy
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website .
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants .
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website .
Employer details
Employer name
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Flatts Lane Centre
Flatts Lane
Normanby
TS6 0SZ