Strategy and Commissioning Officer – Older People

We have a fantastic opportunity available for a Strategy and Commissioning Officer - Older People to join our award-winning Adult Social Care Team, here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis.

It is an exciting time to join us. Wokingham Borough Council has joined the national Social Care Future movement and is committed to bringing about major positive change to adult social care.  We are also working towards becoming a 'Marmot Place'- joining over 50 places recognising that to create a community where everybody can thrive, we need all the right building blocks of health and wellbeing in place.

As the Strategy and Commissioning Officer - Older People, you will work together with the Older People Commissioning Manager and other members of the Strategy, Commissioning and Performance Team to drive and implement the transformation of the Adult Social Care services.

We want to organise social care differently, so that everyone can live in a place they call home, with the people and things they love, in communities where we look out for one another, doing things that matter to them.

If you are an experienced commissioner with a passion for social care and are excited by the opportunity to help us realise this vision, we look forward to hearing from you.

Benefits:

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays

⭐ An excellent local government pension scheme

⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts

⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

⭐ And much more! 

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertaking a wide-range of commissioning activity as part of the strategic commissioning team - including but not limited to:
• Lead on developing and delivering a range of strategies, coproduced with a range of internal and external stakeholders including residents with lived experience
• Procuring and contract managing a number of services which support older people in Wokingham
• Ensuring services we commission enable us to meet our statutory obligations and are high quality, effective, demonstrate value for money and maximise outcomes for residents
• Understanding and supporting our diverse range of care and support services in the local market

Candidate Requirements:

• Experience of working in strategic commissioning roles and delivering across all aspects of the commissioning cycle (services for older people would be advantageous)
• Knowledge of the Care Act 2014 and Local Authority market shaping responsibilities
• Proactive and driven commissioner with proven multitasking abilities, adept at problem-solving in uncertain situations and navigating complex environments through creative and innovative ideas
• Committed to realising the Social Care Futures ambition and a strong advocate of inclusion and equal opportunities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly express views both orally and in writing, prepare reports and briefing notes for various audiences, and collaborate effectively with all stakeholders

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. 

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life. 

Like many areas we have a growing and aging population, our adoption of Social Care Future demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that everyone has the support, resources and opportunities to achieve positive outcomes. 

For more information or to arrange a confidential call, please email Iftkhar Ahmed, Commissioning Manager Older People -  iftkhar.ahmed@wokingham.gov.uk

Strictly no agencies and previous applicants need not apply.

Closing date: 23rd March 2025, 11pm

Expected Interview date: TBC

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.