Administrator

Job content

Why should I choose Somerset Council?Good question.Well, for a start, we’re a hugely ambitious council, committed to improving lives for the residents, communities and businesses of Somerset.And that’s why we’re working so hard to build a sustainable organisation with a culture that rewards, values and recognises our staff, and gives everyone here the opportunity to grow and develop, personally and professionally.If you’re looking for a place where you work truly matters – where YOU truly matter – we might be just right for you.We also promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.What will I be doing?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 Support 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 and Senior Social Work Assistants to focus on their vital role in supporting our Children and Families in Mendip.This Business Support role is within Mendip Business Support Team 2 and we provide support directly to the Mendip Assessment and Safeguarding Teams.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.
• Collating information and distributing assessments
• 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 and information onto children’s electronic records.
• Assisting Social Workers with diary management.
• Attending and contributing to team meetings.
• Providing basic ICT and systems support to social work colleagues.

We are currently working mostly from home, taking it in turns to work from the office on a rota basis. It is planned that you will spend more time in the office during your induction process.There are lots of opportunities for development and career progression within our Business Support teams. Many of our current Children’s Social Care Business Support Officers and our Business Support Managers joined us as Administrators. We have many former Business Support colleagues who have been inspired to follow a career path into social care to work directly with children and young people, and they have been supported by us to do this.What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?Experience of working in an administrative role is desirable, although not essential as we recognise that lots of skills are transferable.It is important that you are passionate about helping to improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people. You will have a warm, friendly and non-judgemental manner. You will need to be calm and kind in difficult situations and conversations. Good organisational skills, willingness to learn, the ability to be a good team player, multitasking and the ability to work using your own initiative are all key to success within this role.It is essential that you are educated to GCSE level including English and Maths or hold an NVQ Level 2 standard or equivalent.What will I be offered in return?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

Anything else I should know?Applying on or after 1st April 2023? The County and District councils in Somerset have now been replaced by a new single unitary authority – Somerset Council. It’s an exciting time to join us as we work together to deliver the new council for Somerset.If you see Somerset County Council referenced anywhere in this advert or it’s supporting documents, please assume we are referring to Somerset Council. The advertised job description, pay and terms and conditions remain the same.The salary for this role is £21,189 - £21,968 per annum.You can read more about the work we do in the Candidate Information Pack, but if you would like further information regarding these roles, please contact:Louise Carpenter by email: louise.carpenter@somerset.gov.uk , or Anna Harwood: anna.harwood@somerset.gov.ukWe’d love the opportunity to arrange and hold interviews ahead of the closing date for suitable candidates. If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button. We can’t wait to hear from you!DBS informationThis role requires a basic check via the Disclosure procedure.