Administrator (Senior Business Operations Assistant)

• The work base for this role is Shape Mendip, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BT
• We currently operate a hybrid working model; a mix of home and office working on a rota basis working at least 2 days per week from the office. It is planned that you will spend more time in the office during your induction.
• The salary is £24,404 -£25,183 per annum for 37 hours per week
• 25 days annual leave per annum, rising to 28 days after 5 years’ continuous service.

You don’t have to be a Social Worker to make a difference. We’re working to improve the lives of children in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that. Our Business Operations teams perform a vital role, carrying out a range of administrative tasks to support our social care colleagues. This, in turn, helps our Social Workers, Leaving Care Workers and Senior Social Work Assistants to focus on their vital role in supporting our Children and Families.

The role supports our Children’s Social Care Assessment and Safeguarding teams based in the Mendip area of Somerset.

This is a fast paced, reactive role and you will be expected to manage a number of varied tasks at any one time. The workload can be busy and attention to detail is essential to ensure information is correct. You will need to be familiar with all Microsoft applications and experience of minute taking is desirable. You will be working as part of a strong and kind team and you will be warmly welcomed.

The nature of the work is sensitive and highly confidential; the tasks are varied, and you will be given full training and support to undertake them. A typical day might include:

• Answering calls into the teams; taking messages and signposting callers as appropriate.
• Booking and altering transport for children and young people to get to school/college and to see their families.
• Booking of interpreting and translation services.
• Organising and taking notes for various meetings
• Uploading documents onto children’s electronic records.
• Attending and contributing to team meetings.

It is essential that you are educated to GCSE level including English and Maths or hold an NVQ Level 2 standard or equivalent.

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you:

• Have some experience of working in an administrative role (although this is not essential as we recognise that lots of skills are transferable).
• Can demonstrate a willingness to learn.
• Are passionate about helping to improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
• Have a warm, friendly and non-judgemental manner.
• Can remain calm and kind in difficult situations and conversations.
• Have good organisational skills, the ability to multi-task and work using your own initiative.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

The salary is £24,404 -£25,183 per annum for 37 hours per week

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Louise Carpenter – louise.carpenter@somerset.gov.uk / 01749 822876 or Anna Harwood – anna.harwood@somerset.gov.uk / 01935 463592.

We'd love the opportunity to arrange and hold interviews ahead of the closing date for suitable candidates.

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button. We can’t wait to hear from you!

This job requires a criminal background check (DBS) via the disclosure procedure.