Job Description

Job info	Job info details
Job title	Commissioning Officer
Strategic team/Directorate	Adults and Community Services
Service	Adult Social Care Commissioning Team
Business unit	Adult Social Care
Responsible to (day to day issues)	Strategic Commissioning Manager
Accountable to (line manager)	Strategic Commissioning Manager
Salary grade	I
JE ref	ADC041

1. Key purpose of job

As a member of the Adult Social Care Commissioning Team you will be responsible for the development and delivery of commissioning projects and plans across Adult Social Care, to ensure the very best outcomes for our communities in Torbay.
Providing commissioning support and activity at all levels in the development and implementation of the Adult Social Care Strategy and Care Act (2014) commissioning duties.
To undertake a range of project work to enable services, available from independent and third sector providers, to continually transform and evolve to match:
- the needs of the service users (as identified by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA));
- the priorities and resources of the commissioning authorities;
- best practice, national and local policy.
Responsible for ensuring a system wide and system led approach to commissioning adult social care services for Adults in Torbay.
Responsible for assisting the Strategic Commissioning Managers & Partnership Manager to effectively implement high quality & effective commissioning practice across Adult Social Care.
Responsible for holding a portfolio of commissioned services and/or projects and managing all aspects of the commissioning cycle in respect of these work programmes.
Systems and outcome frameworks that can be effectively monitored as an integral part of the contract management system to ensure contract compliance and performance of internally and externally commissioned services.
Responsible for ensuring that the shaping of an innovative and evidence-based approach to commissioning and service delivery is informed by:
- effective research;
- understanding of models of commissioning best practice (including co-production);
- evolving specification and service design;
- setting thresholds and analysis of demand and throughput;
- resource analysis (including analysis of staff and assets);
- establishment of collaborations or partnerships between services/ organisations/ departments for greater integration reducing duplication and improving efficiency.
To develop and draft contract frameworks that will ensure the delivery of services which meet those specifications at an agreed/usual cost, which represents Best Value for Torbay Council, NHS Devon and service users.
To work with service users, their Carers and providers to ensure innovation in the way that independent providers and third sector organisations work to meet the needs of the population and deliver creative solutions.
To lead, manage and be responsible for investigations into contract compliance where significant or sustained concerns have been reported to the Commissioning Team and, where necessary, initiate contract enforcement processes.
Contribute to the completion and return of stocktakes, reports and performance data for example: Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS).
To represent and enhance the profile of the Council with providers, peer organisations and the public.

2. Anticipated outcomes of post

To be responsible for the development, management and delivery of project work within a designated area of the market. This could be defined by service user group or service type (e.g. Mental Health, Learning Disability, SEND, Older People, Day Opportunities, Community Networks, Extra Care).
The right services are commissioned internally and externally to deliver the very best outcomes for our population, whilst ensuring best value within allocated and reducing resources.
Partnership working, joint commissioning, co-production and co-design are intrinsic to everything we do, and we have effective relationships in place with key strategic partners and stakeholders.
Commissioning policies, projects, plans and strategies are in place which effectively prioritise and deliver against the commissioning intentions through effective partnership working and the operationalisation of services.
There is a skilled, knowledgeable, informed and integrated workforce within Adult Social Care Commissioning and across to Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation trust engaged in the effective commissioning, delivery and contract management of services.
There is a robust quality assurance system in place which celebrates successes and address poor performance in a timely way.
The approach to commissioning is fully informed by best practice, a sound evidence base, local and national priorities, prevailing legislation and regulatory guidance.

3. List key duties and accountabilities of the post

As an Employee of Torbay Council all roles are expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Designated Senior Lead for Safeguarding is the Chief Executive and Director of Children’s Services.
To support the Strategic Commissioning Manager by leading and developing clear commissioning plans and project plans, in line with the priorities and resources of local commissioners, that will improve and transform the services available to local people.
Deputise for the Strategic Commissioning Manager when required to do so.
To promote the delivery of high-quality services and the delivery of continual service improvement in all contacts with providers of care services.
Responsible for delivering Adult Services commissioning and joint commissioning policy, strategies and approaches which evidence:
- the needs, aspirations, and ambitions for our community;
- that Council, local and national priorities for Adult Social Care are met;
- co-production with people with lived experience, their Carers and wider stakeholders;
- working with colleagues and partners to ensure effective stakeholder and market engagement, co-production and co-design principles at all stages;
- effective relationships with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector and the promotion of asset-based commissioning;
- value for money evaluation, including price negotiation, contract monitoring and wider market bench marking for externally commissioned services;
- needs and gap analysis and demand forecasting;
- service design and specification development;
- resource analysis in terms of staff and assets;
- establishment of collaborations or partnerships between services for greater integration reducing duplication and improving efficiency;
- effective procurement, evaluation and ongoing contract management.
Produce draft press releases and statements for Communications colleagues to review, which will promote the Council’s profile in respect of strategy and policy both national and local.
Support the commissioning manager to produce responses to Councillors and MP’s enquiries on issues relevant to the Adult Social Care portfolio.
To ensure that contracting policy and practice is consistent with national guidance, best practice and statutory requirements.
Responsible for co-ordinating and running regular meetings with providers, which provide a forum for the communication of information, the promotion of continual service improvement and quality development initiatives.
To work with providers to increase the range, choice and quality of services and develop an outcome-based approach to contracting and service delivery.
To build relationships within individual providers which deliver the vision for integrated health and care agreed between the Trust and Torbay Council.
To take responsibility for and lead on projects and to prepare and deliver reports and presentations as appropriate to operational and management teams within the Trust, Integrated Care System and Council.
To work at a strategic level with operational and strategic and professional leads, service managers and users/carers to ensure that good practice, (new) policies, protocols and service development plans are understood and implemented at a local level.
To promote the principle that the people who use our services, and their carers, should be at the centre of all we say and do in all contacts and interactions with providers, staff, people who use our services, carers, partner organisations and members of the public.
To work with the owners and managers of provider organisations to encourage them to adapt to changes in the market and adopt models of care and business solutions which are sustainable in the longer term.
It is the post holders’ responsibility to:
- Attend and complete all mandatory training and other courses/events as required by the Strategic Commissioning Manager.
- Take a full part in their own annual appraisals/performance reviews.
- Abide by the relevant HR and operational policies of the Council.

4. Budgetary/Financial Responsibilities of the post

To manage and monitor a designated portfolio of contracts on behalf of the Council, CCG and Trust as appropriate, and within the agreed policy and processes for each organisation.

5. Supervision/Line Management Responsibilities of the post

Manage project teams consisting of staff, stakeholders and providers.

6. Working environment and conditions of the post

The post holder will work predominantly within an office environment or from home but will be required to travel as part of their role.
Normal working environment conditions.

7. Physical demands of the post

Normal physical demands.

8. Specific resources used by the post

Standard office equipment, laptop, etc.

9. Key contacts and relationships

External

Torbay and South Devon (NHS) Foundation Trust; NHS Devon; Devon Partnership NHS Trust; Integrated Care Systems (ICS) for Devon; Other local authorities, in particular Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Councils in the South West region; Association of Directors of Adult Services (ADASS) South West, and South West Councils; Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC); Care Quality Commission (CQC); Local Government Association (LGA); TDA, Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership;
Torbay and wider Devon voluntary sector organisations, including the local Healthwatch in Torbay. Devon and Plymouth (and Healthwatch England), Torbay Community Development Trust, Citizens Advice Torbay, Devon Link Up, Living Options Devon, etc.
Contract service providers such as care homes, home care agencies, supported living settings, extra care housing, day services, outreach services, community equipment, advocacy services, etc.
Service users, and their representatives including Torbay Learning Disability Partnership Board, Torbay Autism Partnership Board, Torbay Carers Service, etc.

Internal

Commercial Services; Financial Services; Human Resources; Governance Support; Information Governance; Legal Services; Public Health; Children’s Services; Housing Services; Policy, Performance & Community Engagement; Communications; Emergency Planning.
Cabinet Member for Adult and Public Health and other Councillors as required.

10. Other duties

To undertake additional duties as required, commensurate with the level of the job.

Other Information

All staff must commit to the Workplace Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Policy.
Torbay Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo the checks appropriate to the post applied for.
The post holder is expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. And are aware that the Chief Executive and the Director for Childrens Services are the Safeguarding Leads for the Council.
This post is office based at Tor Hill House, Torquay but the post holder may be required to move their base to any other location within the Council at a future date.
The post is eligible for both hybrid and permanent home working.
You will be asked to complete a Criminal Records Self Declaration Form. Criminal convictions will only be taken into account when they are relevant to the post. You will only be asked to disclose ‘unspent’ convictions.
The Council operates a Smoke-Free Policy and the post-holder is prohibited from smoking in any of the Council's buildings (including Council owned and Council leased buildings, but excluding designated areas in residential schemes), enclosed spaces within the curtilage of buildings, and Council vehicles. The Council does not permit smoking breaks within work time, however, in services where the flexi-scheme is in operation, employees may take reasonable break times outside of core hours, in accordance with flexi-time arrangements. Employees should follow the flexi-scheme procedure for agreeing time away from their duties in the normal manner with their immediate colleagues and line manager, with break start and finish times being recorded, as with any other break-time arrangement.
The post-holder is expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to all relevant Council Policies and Procedures.
The post-holder must comply with the Council’s Health and Safety requirements as outlined in the H&S policy appropriate to the role.
The post-holder must be committed to the Council’s Core Values for employees – “Torbay Council employees are committed to being forward thinking, people orientated and adaptable - always with integrity”. Evidence will be sought during the probation and appraisal processes.
If this post is customer facing, it will require the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
If you are required to access a government system such as HMRC, DWP or The Public services network (PSN) as part of your role with the Council you will be required to complete a basic disclose with your line manager before you can access these systems. Your manager will be required to complete a verification form that confirms your identity, nationality and immigration status, employment history and unspent convictions (third party).
If you are required to use your own vehicle on Council business or drive a council vehicle you will be asked to provide information on any driving endorsements by accessing gov.uk/view-driving-licence and providing a code to your Line Manager in order to share your driving licence information with the Council.

Person Specification

Note for Candidate

All Candidates

The supporting statement on your application form will be used to assess ability to meet the essential requirements of the role, so you should explain how you meet each of the numbered essential requirements within your supporting statement. In a competitive situation, the desirable criteria may be taken into consideration, so you are encouraged to show how you also meet each of the desirable criteria.

Candidates who consider that they have a disability

Reasonable adjustments will be made to the job, job requirements or recruitment process for candidates with a disability.

If you consider yourself to have a disability you should indicate this on your application form, providing any information you would like us to take into account with regard to your disability in order to offer a fair selection interview.

Where ever possible and reasonable we will make adjustments and offer alternatives to help you through the application and selection process.

If you have indicated that you have a disability on your application form you will be guaranteed an interview if you clearly demonstrate in your supporting evidence how you broadly meet the essential requirements of the role.

Job info	Job info details
Job Title	Commissioning Officer
Strategic team/Directorate	Adults and Community Services
Service	Adult Social Care Commissioning Team
Business unit	Adult Social Care

Skills and effectiveness

Essential skills and effectiveness

Ability to negotiate and influence internal colleagues, other public and private sector organisations and key partners to secure improved outcomes.
The ability to manage projects taking full accountability for all aspects of delivery, owning the projects and ensuring that all stakeholders are fully engaged.
Ability to plan, organise and manage resources effectively and efficiently.
Ability to assimilate, understand, analyse, interpret and communicate complex information and data to inform creative decision making.
Confident and competent when under external and internal security.
Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to identify causes and determine a range of informed, innovative and imaginative solutions.
The ability to manage conflicting deadlines and identify and manage change.
Ability to work to, and be motivated by deadlines involving complex problems, frequency changing circumstances and conflicting priorities.
Excellent communication and presentation skills and competent use of PowerPoint.
Numerate with analytical skills to evaluate data.
Preparing and presenting data to senior officers as well as presenting policy documents and business cases at team or business unit level.
Ability to use standard MS Office applications and a willingness to acquire new ICT skills.
Proven ability to work autonomously and without direction to meet the requirements of the role and Council priorities.
Ability to demonstrate the extensive communication skills necessary to be able to present complex information clearly, in a range of formats to varied audiences.
Proven ability to undertake and use research to inform practice, service improvement and change, and opportunities for the Council.
This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Desirable skills and effectiveness

Proven experience of working within and delivering excellent outcomes within a social care or health setting, ideally within a commissioning function.

Knowledge

Essential knowledge

A theoretical understanding and comprehension of the commissioning cycle and relevant practical experience of how this is then applied in real world scenarios.
An understanding of the application and impact of eligibility criteria in health and social care services.
Knowledge of the current trends and issues affecting the commissioning and delivery of social care services.
Knowledge of current requirements and of the developing agenda in regard to the commissioning of care services.
Knowledge, understanding and commitment to delivering excellence in customer care.
Knowledge and understanding of key health and social care legislation.
Knowledge and awareness of Safeguarding legislation and policy guidance.
Proven knowledge of and expertise of project management and delivery.
Working knowledge of techniques for planning, monitoring and controlling projects.
Knowledge, understanding and commitment to delivering excellence in customer care and the importance of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices in service planning and delivery.

Desirable knowledge

Understanding of the democratic process within public services.

Experience and achievements

Essential experience and achievements

Experience of contributing as a team player and managing individuals and teams within a project management role.
Experience of responding to changing priorities and competing deadlines.
A proven track record in the management of projects across organisational boundaries.
A proven track record in formulating and delivering presentations to a diverse audience, supported by the effective facilitation of group working and collaborative activities.
Experience of outcome-based models for contracting and care delivery.
Experience of application of the commissioning cycle (in part or whole).
Experience of co-production/and consultation with service users, carers and other key stakeholders in the design and delivery of outcome-focused services that meet their needs and aspirations.

Desirable experience and achievements

Experience of use of social media for publicity, engagement of the public, and service improvement.
Experience of developing, writing, manging and monitoring contract frameworks and specifications.
Experience of managing contract compliance processes, such as contract monitoring meetings.
Experience of negotiating service level agreements and monitoring performance/making changes to ensure value for money.

Qualifications/professional memberships

Essential qualifications/professional memberships

Educated to Degree level standard (including HND, professional/enhance skill qualification) or equivalent or demonstrable work-related experience in appropriate areas.
Evidence of continuing professional and personal development.

Desirable qualifications/professional memberships

Commissioning qualification.
Management qualification, such as the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) or equivalent.
PRINCE2 or equivalent.
Contract Management qualification.

Other requirements

Other requirements of the job role

Demonstrates a commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults, children and young people.
Ability to travel efficiently around the Bay/South West in order to carry out duties.
Ability to accommodate occasional homeworking.