Commissioning & Contracts Officer

Our Commissioning & Contract Officers are an integral be part of the team that ensures good quality, affordable care is
available for all our residents. You will need to work proactively and develop relationships with providers and other professionals that ensure services are responsive and meet needs. The Commissioning & Contract Officers support the implementation of commissioning plans and contract management processes to improve quality
and outcomes for individuals, achieve value for money and ensure the best use of resources.

This role needs people who are passionate about making a positive difference for some of the most vulnerable residents. Additionally you need to have strong communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively and a keen eye for detail. To build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and partners you need great networking and partnership skills.

• Please note that you will need to travel around the county independently as some locations are not easily accessible by public transport. Pool cars and bikes are available.


Experience and Skills

Key Skills (these are the short listing criteria please ensure you cover within your application):
1. Excellent literacy and numeracy skills to understand relevant contract and commissioning processes, tender documents and contracts, and to check statistical financial information and other documents.
2. Good analytical skills to interpret complex information, and an ability to present information clearly, concisely, accurately and in ways that promote understanding, either verbally or in written/electronic form, with sound and
accurate IT skills.
3. Ability to organise, plan and meet set targets.
4. Good communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a range of partners and create and maintain effective working relationships.
This will include the ability to negotiate good outcomes and advise and guide others to make sound decisions.
5. Ability to work on your own initiative, anticipate problems, present solutions, and make frequent informed decisions
6. Ability to work flexibly as required across different areas within the Adults' Services Commissioning Team, embrace change and have the flexibility to respond to the needs of the service.,
• HNC / Level 4 qualification, or equivalent qualification or experience demonstrating that level of numeracy, literacy and communication skills.


• Experience of providing support in a public sector commissioning and or contracts setting


• Some knowledge of community-based social and health care services and regulation.


• Experience of working as part of a team, independently and with a range of professional groups.


• Some experience of working in an office environment with an understanding of the associated processes and procedures.


We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check.

At West Sussex we want every adult to have the opportunity to live a good life in the place they call home, with the people around them that they choose.

The Adults Commissioning Service is a key part of the Adults Services Directorate in West Sussex County Council. It helps to ensure that people can access appropriate and good quality services which enables them to live their lives as independently as possible. Our service is split into three areas:

• Older People Services


• Lifelong and Working Age Mental Health Services


• Enablement and Independence Services


We want to develop efficient and effective services to meet peoples' social care needs, as well deliver preventative services, that provide early intervention to stop needs escalating and help people recover. Our Council Plan and Adults Strategy sets out our ambitions and the key areas of development.

If you are thinking why join West Sussex there is a supportive culture that is second to none. Employees are genuinely valued, respected and there is an emphasis on work life balance. Hybrid working helps us deliver a great service and our employees enjoy the flexibility this gives to fit around their home lives.

The team has a supportive and caring culture and that shows in their everyday work but don't just take our word for it:

Abbie Johnson, Commissioning & Contracts Service Manager "I am proud that Adult Commissioning has a supportive and inclusive culture which is focused on supporting staff, I personally I have been given an opportunity to learn and develop my skills as a commissioner working in the Older People's Commissioning Team. There is a real focus and emphasis on working together and with partners and customers to develop and commission services that meet people's needs now and in the future".

West Sussex values and nurtures talent, and we're committed to helping you fulfil your potential. We can offer you a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment to grow and develop your career and skills. We're constantly striving to improve our ways of working so putting your ideas across however big or small; will be fully encouraged and supported by your colleagues and our experienced leadership team.