Department for Education
Case Manager – HR Casework Service
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Summary
Location: Manchester (M1 2WD), Sheffield (S1 2FJ)
IMPORTANT - This vacancy is using the Civil Service Numerical and Verbal tests. The deadline for completing the tests is the same as the vacancy closing date. Please ensure you complete the tests with sufficient time to complete the written application.
We are building an in-house HR Casework Service which will provide high-quality, consistent, pragmatic and timely support and advice to managers across a wide range of employee relations matters. This is a key role within a growing team, helping to deliver a “single front door” for casework and improving how we manage performance, attendance, conduct and workplace issues.
As a Higher Executive Officer (HEO) Case Manager, you will manage your own caseload, from initial contact through to resolution, providing practical advice to line managers by applying judgement to assess risk, interpreting policy and setting out appropriate courses of action. You will play a central role in improving management capability, resolving issues early, and delivering better outcomes for both managers and employees.
Job Description
You will take ownership of a varied caseload of HR casework, supporting managers through the full lifecycle of cases, from initial advice through to resolution.
Your Responsibilities Will Include:
- Managing a portfolio of employee relations cases (e.g. performance, attendance, conduct, grievances and exits) from start to conclusion.
- Acting as a trusted adviser to line managers, providing clear, practical and proportionate advice tailored to the situation.
- Coaching managers to build confidence and capability in handling people issues.
- Identifying opportunities for early intervention to prevent escalation into formal processes.
- Analysing case information, identifying risks and recommending appropriate courses of action.
- Producing high-quality written outputs including case records, letters and guidance documents.
- Working collaboratively with HR colleagues, legal, Occupational Health and other stakeholders.
- Identifying trends and contributing to continuous improvement of the service and policies.
You will manage competing priorities, use sound judgement on complex cases, and provide a consistent, high-quality service to managers.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Person specification
Essential Criteria:
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
- Experience of handling or supporting casework, ideally within a HR environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to translate complex HR issues for non-expert audiences.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex situations, interpret policy and apply it to real-life situations.
- Proven ability to build relationships and deliver challenging messages to influence leaders while maintaining credibility.
- The ability to prioritise and manage multiple competing demands.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary: £37,260
- Pension: Department for Education contributes £10,794 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
- Leave: 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the King’s Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.
- Flexible working: We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
Selection process details
To apply for this role, please select 'Apply Now' at the top or bottom of this advert. CV details need to be included in the template within the application form; attached or emailed CVs will not be considered.
Stage 1: Civil Service Numerical Test (CSNT)
You must achieve the minimum pass mark to progress to the next stage.
Stage 2: Civil Service Verbal Test (CSVT)
You must achieve the minimum pass mark to progress to the next stage.
Stage 3: Written Application
At sift stage, you will be assessed on your Experience in line with the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job advert.
To Apply For This Role, Please Provide:
- A Short CV setting out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role.
- Your Statement of Suitability – In no more than 750 words, provide examples of how your personal skills, qualities and experience meet the essential criteria.
Stage 4: Assessment/Interview
The Interview Will Be a 2-part Process:
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Part 1: Candidates invited to interview will also undertake an assessment at the start of the interview. This will involve reviewing a technical scenario and preparing a response for the interview panel.
Part 2: The interview will last approximately 1 hour. You will be asked questions on the Essential criteria listed above to determine your level of experience in these areas.
Other Information
- We reserve the right to increase the minimum pass mark for the CSNT and CSVT where there is a high volume of applications or a particularly strong field of candidates.
- All communications will be electronic therefore it is vitally important that you check your Civil Service Jobs account regularly, as well as your spam/junk email folder.
- If you fail to complete the tests before the deadline, your application will be withdrawn.
- Applicants must complete the test on their own, without help, and Departments reserve the right to retest applicants under supervised conditions at later stages of the selection process.
- If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
- Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment unless otherwise stated.
- A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact:
- Name: Louise Fox
- Email: Louise.Fox@education.gov.uk
Recruitment team
Email: Centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk
Further information
The Department for Education’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly with the department concerned via CentralRecruitment.Operations@education.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London