People and Families Support Officer - 78 Squadron

Overview

78 Squadron, located at NATS Swanwick in Hampshire, seeks a dedicated People & Families Support Officer (PFSO). This crucial position focuses on enhancing the welfare and support services for squadron personnel and their families, aiming to reduce routine administrative burdens on operational staff and increase overall squadron efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and periodically review service level agreements related to parenting support, serving as the primary point of contact for parenting welfare matters.
• Coordinate pastoral care and resilience support by liaising with Padre services, facilitating access for personnel and their families.
• Maintain and share up-to-date information regarding welfare, housing, and education; act as the primary HIVE information focal point as needed.
• Oversee low-value procurement activities, ensuring adherence to Ministry of Defence financial policies while securing best value.
• Create and manage internal communications and collaborate with Station Media for external messaging.
• Foster connections with local authorities, charitable organizations, and community groups; represent the squadron at community events.
• Identify community needs, develop initiatives to bolster morale and cohesion, prepare business cases, and monitor outcomes.
• Serve as the main welfare contact within the station and squadron, triaging concerns and directing individuals to appropriate services.
• Maintain liaison with SSAFA representatives to promote awareness and facilitate timely support.
• Perform IPT Change Officer duties, including residual change tasks and assistance with FMARS contract renewal processes.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be people-oriented with the ability to swiftly build strong relationships across squadron executives, parent units, and service families. Exceptional interpersonal communication skills are essential given the regular interactions required with various stakeholders.

Behaviours Assessed

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others

Compensation and Benefits

A salary of £37,720 is offered along with a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme contribution of £10,927. Additional benefits include role-specific learning and development, flexible work arrangements promoting inclusion and diversity, and an employer pension contribution rate of 28.97%.

Working Conditions and Policies

While primarily office-based, some hybrid working arrangements may be possible, requiring a minimum of 60% on-site presence subject to site capacity. Relocation expenses are not provided. New civil service entrants will be subject to a six-month probation period. Smoking is prohibited in all Defence facilities with certain exemptions per local guidance.

Recruitment Process & Additional Notes

The selection process includes assessment of behaviours and experience via CV sift and interviews held at 78 Squadron. The MOD adheres to zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, and discrimination, with background criminal record and security checks enforced. Applications requiring visa sponsorship will not be considered as this role is not business critical for sponsorship purposes. The MOD values diversity and offers support via the Disability Confident Scheme, although interview limitations may apply during high demand periods.

Nationality Eligibility

• UK nationals
• Republic of Ireland nationals
• Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK
• EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic, or Liechtenstein nationals (and family members) with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or valid applications thereof