DBS AFVS Pensions EO

Job summary

Are you a dedicated person who is passionate about making a difference?

Would you like to work for the Ministry of Defence?

Defence Business Services (DBS) is one of the largest shared service organisations in Europe that provides a wide range of corporate services, to over 1.2 million end users, including serving and past military and families, as well as MoD civil servants and industry. DBS delivers large scale administration and smaller specialist services to enable the wider MOD to focus on its core aims, maintaining the UK’s Defence and Security. Services include Human Resources, Pay, Veterans, Finance and Procurement.

• Our Vision - To support UK defence customers with outstanding service every time.
• Our Mission - Together we will proudly support Defence, continuously improving and delivering flexible, timely, sustainable and value for money services that underpin the whole force and enhance operational capability.

DBS is committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues. We are building an inclusive culture and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society.

We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us through opportunities to develop your skills and experience. We also offer a range of flexible working patterns and support to make a fulfilling career accessible to you and offer a Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%. Where your role permits, we support a blended working approach alternatively known as hybrid working.

Come and join the DBS community today!

Job description

Veterans UK-Armed Forces Pensions is part of DBS, responsible for the award and maintenance of all service pensions. It is made up of two distinct sections: The MoD Authority, which is responsible for all discretionary and policy matters relating to pensions, and the business partner "Sopra Steria Limited", which is responsible for the day-to-day administration.

A Team Leader/Case Worker role exists within the MoD Authority section. This role involves making discretionary decisions on Armed Forces pension casework, and liaison with the business partner, providing advice and authority on a wide range of pension matters. A degree of collaborative working will be required in order to achieve operational goals.

The successful candidate will also have direct line management responsibilities for Administrative Officers (AO Grade) members of staff. Presently 1 AO, but this is subject to change due to business needs.

There will be a period of 3-6 months where the successful candidate will be required to attend the office on a full-time basis for training and peer support. After this, we can consider hybrid working which is a minimum of 60% office attendance.

Main Responsibilities:

• Investigate and action complaints and appeals received under the formal complaints procedures, ensuring that pension scheme rules have been correctly applied and that no maladministration has occurred.
• To identify, investigate and complete additional pension casework where required, including the progressing of and authorisation of all discretionary pension work.
• Check and authorise recommendations made by the "Administrative Officers" to ensure that the quality of casework is maintained to the highest standards.
• Liaise and consult with the scheme managers and business partner on the interpretation and application of scheme rules, including new legislation and/or policy.
• Line manage in accordance with department best practice, ensuring the ongoing personal development of yourself and your team members.
• Ensure that all correspondence and enquiries are acknowledged and that targets relating to these are met.
• Complete project work as requested by the management team.
  Direct line management responsibilities for "Administrative Officer" staff.

Person specification

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to analyse information and make sound evidence-based decisions.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• The ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• A customer-focused approach and a commitment to delivering excellent service.
Knowledge of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme(s), pensions administration, benefit delivery, complaints handling or casework would be advantageous but is not essential. Full training will be provided.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,740, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,905 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• An environment with flexible working options Monday-Friday
• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service (pro rata). In addition to 8 public holidays per year, you will also receive leave for His Majesty The King’s birthday
• Hybrid working where role permits
• An opportunity to be considered for Reward and Recognition
• Family-friendly policies including - parental leave and adoption leave
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• Professional and personal development of skills
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• Minimum of 15 days special leave in a rolling 12 month period for volunteer reserve commitments
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days per year
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already