Connect2Hackney

Deputy Head of Service - Access and Safeguarding Location: Hackney (Hybrid Working) Rate: £450 per day Contract Type: Interim / Contract We?re seeking an experienced Deputy Head of Service to join the Access and Safeguarding service within Adults Social Care on an interim basis. You will be helping to deliver high-quality, person-centred services that empower adults to live safe, independent, and fulfilling lives. About the Role As Deputy Head of Service, you will lead operational excellence across three critical service areas: Access & Duty Team Safeguarding Adults Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and the Safeguarding Adults Board functions You'll be responsible for ensuring services are safe, high-performing, and aligned with our strength-based, personalised approach. You?ll also play a key role in shaping strategic direction, managing budgets, and driving innovation across the department. Key Responsibilities Lead the delivery of high-quality, legally compliant services that promote independence, choice, and wellbeing. Provide strong leadership that fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture. Manage operational budgets and contribute to departmental savings and efficiencies. Build and maintain effective partnerships across the Council, Integrated Care System, and voluntary and community sectors. Champion continuous improvement, innovation, and learning across all service areas. Ensure robust performance management and quality assurance frameworks are in place. Support the Head of Service in delivering strategic objectives and representing the department at a senior level. About You We're looking for a confident and experienced leader who brings: A deep understanding of adult safeguarding, access services, and statutory responsibilities. Proven experience managing complex services and leading multi-disciplinary teams. Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and commissioning care. A collaborative and solution-focused approach to leadership and service development. A commitment to equity, inclusion, and co-production with residents and communities. Ready to lead with purpose and impact? For an informal conversation or to request the full job description, please contact: Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Job Title: Senior Occupational Therapist Location: Hackney Contract Type: Fixed Term Overview: We're looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Occupational Therapist to join our team and help drive meaningful outcomes for individuals across our service. This is a fantastic opportunity to take a lead role in shaping therapeutic interventions, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating across disciplines to deliver person-centred care. Key Responsibilities: Lead on complex assessments and interventions to support individuals in achieving independence and wellbeing. Provide clinical supervision and guidance to junior occupational therapists and support staff. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement care plans. Contribute to service development, quality improvement initiatives, and best practice sharing. Maintain accurate and timely documentation in line with professional standards. Essential Skills & Experience: HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist. Significant post-qualification experience in a relevant setting. Strong clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. Experience in supervising or mentoring others. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Desirable: Experience in community-based or integrated care settings. Knowledge of current legislation and frameworks relevant to occupational therapy. What We Offer: Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development. Access to training and CPD. Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Are you passionate about making a direct, positive impact on people's lives? Do you have a deep understanding of welfare rights and a drive to prevent homelessness? Connect2Hackney, the internal talent team for Hackney Council, is seeking a dedicated and empathetic Welfare Rights Officer to join us as a Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) specialist . This is more than just a processing role; it's a chance to provide a vital lifeline to residents facing financial hardship. You will be at the forefront of our mission to prevent homelessness, using your expertise to help individuals and families sustain their tenancies and move towards long-term financial stability. About the Role As a DHP specialist, you will take a holistic and compassionate approach to supporting residents who are struggling with their rent or housing costs. Your primary goal will be to use DHP awards to overcome immediate financial challenges while empowering residents to build a more secure future. You won't just look at the numbers; you'll consider the person. This means creating a larger package of support that includes maximising their income, providing clear advice and guidance, and effectively signposting them to other helpful services both within and outside the council. What You'll Be Doing Making a Difference: Assess residents' requests for support with their housing costs, making fair and effective decisions on DHP awards and other discretionary funds to help them sustain their tenancy or secure alternative accommodation. Empowering Residents: Work collaboratively with residents to create shared plans. You'll provide crucial advice on steps they can take (such as downsizing or increasing working hours) and work closely with our Benefits and Homelessness Prevention teams. Collaborating for Success: Liaise with landlords to prevent evictions and coordinate with other key professionals to ensure residents receive joined-up, comprehensive support. Providing Clarity and Empathy: Write clear, empathetic, and tailored decision letters that residents can easily understand. Maximising Income: Use your benefits knowledge to spot potential underclaiming of disability benefits and work with our 'Here to Help' colleagues to support residents with new applications. Ensuring Accuracy: Manage a weekly caseload of approximately 10-15 residents, ensuring all outcomes are accurately recorded and all data is held securely. Being a Team Player: Actively participate in team meetings and regular 1:1s with your line manager, contributing to a supportive and high-performing team environment. This is a hybrid role, and you will be expected to work in person at least one day a week. About You: Skills and Experience We're looking for an experienced Welfare Rights Officer or Housing Benefits Assessor who is ready to specialise and make an impact. You will have: In-depth knowledge of Discretionary Housing Payments , with proven experience in making DHP decisions in line with policy and guidance. Proficiency in using benefits systems, especially Academy . Experience with Comino and Searchlight is also beneficial. A strong background in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction assessments , including the ability to process Changes in Circumstances (CICs). A comprehensive understanding of the wider welfare benefits system and a talent for spotting opportunities for income maximisation. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to contact residents directly and provide empathetic, human-to-human support. A collaborative mindset and experience working with different service areas to achieve the best outcomes for residents. If you have the expertise and the passion to support our community, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join a team that makes a real difference in Hackney. Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Are you an experienced and ambitious town planner ready to shape the future of one of London's most dynamic boroughs? Connect2Hackney, the internal talent team for the London Borough of Hackney, are recruiting a Major Projects Planner to join Hackney's high-performing Development Management team. This is a senior role for a planner who thrives on complexity and challenge. You will take the lead on a caseload of the borough's most strategically significant planning applications, from pre-application stage through to appeal. Your work will involve negotiating with developers to deliver high-quality, innovative schemes and secure vital community benefits for the residents of Hackney. This is your chance to leave a lasting mark on the built environment, working collaboratively to achieve timely and effective planning outcomes. About the Role As a Major Projects Planner, you will be a senior expert within the team, responsible for managing complex projects and providing specialist advice. You will deputise for senior managers as required and play a key role in the team's success. Your key responsibilities will include: Project Leadership: Taking lead responsibility for a full range of complex and strategically important Development Management projects, including major applications and appeals at Public Inquiries. Negotiation & Stakeholder Management: Working collaboratively with developers and stakeholders to resolve potential conflicts and negotiating to secure significant financial and other community benefits through S.106 legal agreements. Expert Advice & Communication: Acting as the Council's senior expert spokesperson on Development Management issues , preparing and presenting high-level, complex reports , and representing the Council at committees and other public forums. Team Contribution: Mentoring more junior staff , contributing to the team's performance management , and helping to develop a positive and customer-friendly planning service. About You We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced planner with a deep understanding of urban planning issues and a track record of successfully managing major applications. To be considered for this role, you must meet the following mandatory criteria: Qualifications: You must hold a Post-Graduate qualification in Town Planning and have membership of, or be eligible for, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). You will also have: Experience: A minimum of 5 years' knowledge of the legislative, policy, and procedural frameworks within which the planning service operates. Extensive post-qualification experience in Development Management. Proven experience negotiating on complex applications to secure community benefits. Experience mentoring staff. Skills & Knowledge: A thorough knowledge of planning law and procedures as they relate to complex applications (including those with Environmental Impact Assessments) and appeals. The ability to produce and present clear, concise, and effective reports, both written and oral. Excellent skills in negotiation, persuasion, and influence. The ability to manage an extensive and demanding workload to meet performance targets with minimal supervision. A working knowledge of relevant IT systems such as Word, planning databases, and GIS. Why Work for Hackney? Join a forward-thinking London borough committed to delivering excellent services. We offer: A competitive salary and a generous Local Government Pension Scheme. A commitment to your continuous professional development. Flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance. The opportunity to work on a diverse and exciting range of major developments. Please note: This post is politically restricted and will require you to be able and willing to attend meetings or undertake work outside of normal working hours. Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Are you passionate about providing direct support to residents and preventing homelessness? Do you have a deep understanding of the welfare benefits system? Connect2Hackney, the internal talent team for the London Borough of Hackney, are recruiting for Hackney's vital Here To Help service for a dedicated and empathetic Benefits and Housing Needs Officer . This is a crucial role where you will be the first point of contact for residents struggling with their housing costs. You will take a holistic and hands-on approach, using your expertise to provide immediate financial relief while empowering residents to achieve long-term financial stability. You will manage a varied caseload, where every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to make a tangible difference in someone's life. About the Role As a Benefits and Housing Needs Officer, you will be responsible for both the specialist assessment of applications and the administrative processes that ensure our service runs efficiently. You will be expected to support approximately 10-15 residents a week. Your key responsibilities will include: Casework and Assessment: Contacting residents to understand their circumstances and decide on the best package of financial and non-financial support to help them. Assessing, awarding, and processing Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs), using your discretion in line with internal guidance. Conducting comprehensive benefit checks with residents to identify underclaiming and maximise their income across benefits like Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit, and Pension Credit. Working with residents to develop shared plans to sustain their tenancy, which may include advice on downsizing or increasing working hours. Triaging and Administration: Reviewing and triaging incoming applications daily, assigning them to the correct officer or work tray. Managing the shared team inbox and responding to resident queries, especially those relating to supermarket vouchers. Processing payments for cash support schemes using BACS transfers. Maintaining accurate and secure records on systems including Academy and Jigsaw. Collaboration and Support: Liaising with landlords, with resident consent, to prevent evictions. Working closely with colleagues across Here To Help and other services to ensure joined-up support for residents with complex needs. Writing clear, empathetic, and tailored decision letters that explain the support being offered. About You We are looking for a proactive and highly organised individual with a strong background in welfare benefits and a genuine desire to help people. You must be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced team environment. To be successful, you will need: Essential Experience & Knowledge: A strong understanding of welfare benefits and the ability to spot opportunities for income maximisation. Experience assessing DHPs in line with policy and guidance. Proficiency in using benefits systems, including Academy, Comino, and Searchlight . Proven experience in an administrative or support role, preferably within a welfare or social care environment. Experience handling sensitive and confidential information with care and integrity. Skills and Abilities: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to show sensitivity and empathy when dealing with people in challenging situations. The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure. Strong organisational skills with a keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently. A collaborative, team-player attitude and a flexible approach to changing priorities. Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Job Title: Senior Occupational Therapist Location: Hackney Contract Type: Fixed Term Overview: We're looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Occupational Therapist to join our team and help drive meaningful outcomes for individuals across our service. This is a fantastic opportunity to take a lead role in shaping therapeutic interventions, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating across disciplines to deliver person-centred care. Key Responsibilities: Lead on complex assessments and interventions to support individuals in achieving independence and wellbeing. Provide clinical supervision and guidance to junior occupational therapists and support staff. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement care plans. Contribute to service development, quality improvement initiatives, and best practice sharing. Maintain accurate and timely documentation in line with professional standards. Essential Skills & Experience: HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist. Significant post-qualification experience in a relevant setting. Strong clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. Experience in supervising or mentoring others. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Desirable: Experience in community-based or integrated care settings. Knowledge of current legislation and frameworks relevant to occupational therapy. What We Offer: Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development. Access to training and CPD. Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Are you a meticulous finance and data professional with a passion for making a difference in children's lives? Connect2Hackney, the internal talent team for the London Borough of Hackney, are seeking a dedicated Early Years Entitlement Funding, Payments and Monitoring Officer to join Hackney Education team. This is a crucial role ensuring that vital funding reaches early years providers across the borough, supporting free childcare entitlements for two, three, and four-year-olds. You will be at the heart of the system, enabling our youngest residents to get the best start in life while "working for every child". In this position, you will take ownership of the financial and data processes that underpin our early years funding schemes, managing a small team and ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency every step of the way. About the Role As the Funding, Payments and Monitoring Officer, you will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including: Financial Management: Managing the day-to-day payments process for the Free Entitlement schemes, Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP), Disability Access Fund (DAF), and Inclusion funding. You will also support the monitoring of income and expenditure against designated budgets p3 . Data & Compliance: Conducting the termly data collection process, including the statutory DfE Early Years Census, and ensuring all data is validated to DfE standards. You will also support the scheduling of financial monitoring visits to providers to ensure compliance with statutory guidance. Stakeholder Engagement & Support: Acting as a key point of contact for early years providers (including schools, PVI providers, and childminders), offering guidance, support, and training on funding claims and the census process. You'll also build strong working relationships with internal teams and partners p3 . Team Leadership: Providing direct line management for two Funding and Monitoring Team Administrators, guiding their work and professional development. Systems & Reporting: Utilising spreadsheets, databases, and the Synergy system to manage data, facilitate payments, and produce a range of financial and performance reports for internal and external evaluation. About You We are looking for a proactive, solutions-focused individual who can confidently manage complex financial and data processes. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail and the ability to interpret and apply government policy in a local context. To be successful, you will need: Qualifications & Experience: To be educated to a degree level p4 . At least 3 years of experience in a performance management, information analysis, or financial management setting p4 . Proven experience in performance management within a large organisation, including target setting and monitoring. Experience using spreadsheets and databases to manipulate complex data and produce user-friendly management reports. Experience working collaboratively with schools or community/voluntary sector providers. Knowledge & Skills: Essential knowledge of the free entitlement funding for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds. A wide range of well-developed ICT skills, with a strong working knowledge of databases and accounting systems. Excellent project management skills, with the ability to coordinate large data returns to central government. Personal Attributes: You will embody the Hackney Education Leadership Qualities, including resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of direction and purpose. Why Work for Hackney? When you join Hackney Education, you become part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to excellence and innovation. We offer: A competitive salary and a generous Local Government Pension Scheme. Flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance. A commitment to your continuous professional development and training opportunities. A supportive and collaborative team environment. Please note: This role requires an enhanced DBS check. Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.