Job Introduction
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a small team delivering an important new project that will make a difference to people in Portsmouth affected by the cost of living crisis. This role is a Fixed Term Contract/Secondment until 31st March 2029, and is based at the Civic Offices in Portsmouth. Office attendance is required at least 2 days per week, as per our hybrid working policy.
Your new role
The council’s Tackling Poverty Co-ordinator is responsible for Portsmouth's Crisis and Resilience Fund, using grant funding from the Department for Work and Pensions to provide additional financial support with the costs of food, energy and other household essentials to residents in financial hardship. The new fund will commence from the 1st April 2026 and replace the current Household Support Fund. The Business Support Officer will play a vital role in the team and will have the opportunity to help shape the council's response to the cost of living crisis and provide essential support to people in financial hardship. The Local Welfare Business Support Officer will work as part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) project team, to deliver financial assistance to people in Portsmouth in financial hardship.
Please see the full job profile attached at the bottom of this page for full details of this role and what it will involve!
Who is the person?
You will be able to clearly demonstrate that you:
- Have an understanding of the impact of poverty on people’s lives, what poverty looks like for people who experience it, and how it affects people's life chances.
- Have a real passion for making a difference to people in financial hardship in the city.
- Have experience of developing relationships with staff of all levels and external stakeholders.
- Are organised and methodical when managing demands
- Have an understanding of Data Protection regulations and keeping data secure.
- Can work well in a small team and manage your time and prioritise effectively in a busy environment.
- Have the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team to resolve problems and find appropriate and effective solutions.
- Are able to liaise and communicate with both internal and external contacts when managing demands and responding to queries.
- Have effective communication and customer service skills.
- Have enthusiasm for innovating and trying new things, and the ability to problem solve.
- Are proficient in all Microsoft applications including Outlook and Excel.
- Have experience of working to tight deadlines and using own initiative to problem solve.
- Have the ability to think ahead and plan your workload.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
If applying as a secondment you will need permission from your current line manager releasing you for this secondment. Please state you have this on your personal statement on the application.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
