Further Information

Job Description

Job Title: Database and IT Systems Specialist

Department: Information Technology

Reports to: IT Services Manager

Location: Head Office, Hammersmith, London, with occasional travel

Purpose of the Role: To manage and maintain the information technology and information systems of Turn2us (‘the Charity’) and its subsidiary Elizabeth Finn Homes Limited (‘EFHL’). To be the subject expert in database systems and applications, including design, management and maintenance.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

To work with the IT Services Manager and Director of IT to create, deliver, manage and evaluate the provision of Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS) for both Turn2us and EFHL:

1. Be the organisation’s expert in database systems management, administration and reporting.
2. Ensure the Charity’s database systems and applications are maintained, supported and managed to meet operational and user requirements. Provide similar services to EFHL.
3. Participate in IT and IS planning, development and ongoing systems management, to ensure capabilities are responsive to the needs of both Turn2us’ and EFHL’s objectives.
4. Ensure the security and effectiveness of IT, IS and networks.

Duties:

Be the organisation’s expert in database systems management, administration and reporting

• Contribute to the development of, and take appropriate responsibility for, the on-going management, monitoring, integration and reporting of the organisation’s database systems.
• Communicate effectively with other members of the IT team, other Turn2us and EFHL staff, and where necessary externally. Produce concise, accurate, coherent reports and data analysis as required.
• Maintain on-going relationships with the system and technology suppliers and vendors.
• Work independently and consult when appropriate.

Ensure the Charity’s database systems and applications are maintained, supported and managed to meet operational and user requirements. Provide similar services to EFHL.

• Provide effective user support as required. Implement and maintain systems and procedures that support end users.
• Train Turn2us and EFHL staff as required.

Participate in IT and IS planning, development and ongoing systems management, to ensure capabilities are responsive to the needs of both Turn2us’ and EFHL’s objectives.

• Contribute to the development of new systems.
• Take responsibility for the on-going management and monitoring of new and existing database systems as required by the IT Services Manager and Director of Information Technology. Make appropriate recommendations based on personal observations and experience.
• Deputise for other IT staff when necessary.
• Participate in the general IT support offered by the IT Team.
• Serve on committees, planning groups and support Turn2us and EFHL departments on matters related to database systems and information management. Produce summary reports as required.
• Identify emerging technologies and determine the potential value for Turn2us and EFHL. Make recommendations to the Director of Information Technology.
  

Ensure the security and effectiveness of IT, IS and networks.

• On both a predetermined and ongoing basis, evaluate both the security and overall operations of IT and IS functions with special focus on database systems. Discuss and recommend enhancements to the IT Services Manager and Director of Information Technology.
• Together with the rest of the IT team, ensure our systems meet legal and regulatory requirements such as GDPR.

These are the normal duties, which the Charity requires from the position. However, it is necessary for all staff to be flexible and all employees will be required from time to time to perform other duties as may be required by the Charity for the efficient running of the charity.  This Job Description is non-contractual. It will be reviewed from time to time and may be subject to change. The post holder will be expected to ensure that their work complies with contractual terms and conditions, the Charity’s policies and procedures and key legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and charity law.

Person Specification

Education:                

Necessary: 

• Undergraduate degree in technology, science or engineering discipline or equivalent experience

Desirable: 

• Professional qualifications (e.g. MBCS, CITP)

Skills:

Necessary: 

• Strong analysis and problem solving skills
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail (accuracy fanatic)
• Good communication and people skills; Able to interact well with users, managers and non-IT staff
• Able to build relationships both internally and externally
• Ability to keep good and accurate records of work
• Strong presentation, writing and editing skills to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Able to acquire new knowledge and keep up to date in all relevant areas
• Can work in a flexible and organised manner, meeting objectives and deadlines

Knowledge:

Necessary: 

• Very good/expert level knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server, T-SQL and database driven applications
• Good general knowledge of a variety of IT and IS.

Desirable:

• Good knowledge of Windows Server 2008 onwards
• Understanding of Active Directory, Group Policy and related Windows technology.
• Good understanding of legal obligations including FOI and DPA/GDPR 
• Understanding of PCs, networking and troubleshooting.

Experience:

Necessary:

• In depth knowledge and experience of implementing and maintaining Microsoft based SQL Server infrastructures including programming (SQL) and reporting using SQLServer tools.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a second/third level database/IT support/technical role or equivalent
• Proven ability to support and advise end users on a wide range of technology related issues

Desirable: 

• PowerBI experience
• General PC maintenance
• Networking in a multi-site environment
• Understanding of Charity Sector
• Experience of supporting Microsoft Office and associated application packages and database interoperation

Personal Attributes:

• Personal values reflect those of Turn2us –Compassionate, Open, Collaborative, Innovative, Driven
• Flexibility in terms of out of office hours work for system maintenance and handling support calls, including occasional site visits
• Self motivated
• Ability for clear logical thinking
• Able to work independently or well within a team
• Cope well under pressure.