Main purpose of job:

The British Defence Staff in the United States has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic person to join the United States Support Group as a Regional Support Officer located in the Tidewater area of Virginia. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US.

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave and insurance packages.  In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment to support UK armed forces personnel and their civilian counterparts across the United States. This is made up of staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

The USSG Personnel Support Team delivers support across the USA network for British Defence Staff civilian and military personnel (ca 800+ people posted across the USA). We are looking for a highly motivated individual who has a real passion for service delivery to provide in place support to the personnel based in the Norfolk/Tidewater area. The successful applicant should be able to operate comfortably in a high paced environment, have good communications skills and be able to manage a diverse portfolio of tasks.  Whilst experience in an associated HR sector would be advantageous, it is not essential; applications from candidates with broader experience are also welcomed.  A positive attitude and strong work ethic will be paramount.

Roles and responsibilities:

Service Personnel Support Tasks:

• Support the welfare aspect, acting as in location liaison, of Norfolk arrivals and departures (as directed by BDS US Support Group) for all Service Persons (SP) at HQ SACT (HQ Supreme Allied Command Transformation), JFC Norfolk (Joint Force Command), and the broader Tidewater area (defined as the “7 cities” from Hampton to Suffolk).
• Be a focal point for HQ SACT, JFC Norfolk and Tidewater SP advising only on general allowances within JSP 752 with support from BDSUS Support group in novel or challenging cases.
• To act as the initial POC (Point of Contact) for personnel within the AOR (Area of Responsibility) for the processing and application of employment authorisation documents, initial and renewal of passport applications, birth registration and VISA renewal.
• Ensure that any welfare related concerns from personnel are signposted/ referred to the BDSUS Welfare Officer.
• Generate Command verification letters and NATO Travel orders, to support personnel within the Tidewater footprint.

General Support Tasks:

• Maintain a Tidewater SP contact list.
• Be familiar with and answer general questions on overseas Nursery application process, JSP 342, and HM Government policy of provision of education for service children and be the Tidewater, HQ SACT and JFC Norfolk point of contact for applications, referring to the BDSUS J1 if in doubt.
• Assist in organising and attending community events as directed by the Line Management.
• Any other tasks designated by the Line Management within the skills and experience of the post holder.
• Assisting the Norfolk housing office with ADHOC taskings that may include home visits, facilitating furniture deliveries or inspections.

Mail Office Clerk:

• Act as the Unit Postal Orderly for ACT NLR, ensuring that incoming and outgoing mail is processed in accordance with JSP 367.
• Notify ACT and Tidewater staff of Mail office routines, restrictions of service and limits of service, services available, holiday stoppages, and any other matters arising relating to the efficient administration of the Mail office.

Essential on arrival: 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Access database, MS Word, Excel and Outlook.