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- Tasks: Support leisure facilities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all users.
- Company: Join Durham County Council's Leisure and Sport Service, dedicated to community health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holiday, flexible working options, and discounts on gym memberships.
- Why this job: Be a part of a vibrant team promoting healthy lifestyles while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain; experience with diverse groups is essential.
- Other info: Informal discussions available; apply online only, no CVs accepted.
This is an exciting opportunity for Casual Activities Assistants to join our Leisure and Sport Service.
Leisure Centres are :-
Newton Aycliffe
Teesdale
Peterlee
Seaham
Meadowfield
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Supporting the WSL facilities management team to provide a high-quality service to customers that is safe, efficient and enjoyed by users. Including carrying out daily supervision of areas, the preparation of equipment to meet programme needs and maintaining cleanliness to a high standard. To provide a positive customer experience for all users demonstrating the thrive values on a daily basis.
To act as a physical activity advocate for the service, proactively encouraging and supporting customers to live a healthy lifestyle.
We encourage you to contact Claire Baister via email at claire.baister@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
The essential qualifications for this post are:
- First Aid Certificate or ability to work towards within an agreed time scale.
- NGB level1 or ability to work towards within an agreed time scale.
- Experience of dealing with people from a wide range of backgrounds
If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.
REWARDS AND BENEFITS
We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:
- Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
- Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
- Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
- Hybrid working (home and office working).
- Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options – Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
- Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
- Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
- Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
- Discounted DCC gym membership.
- Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
- Trade Union membership.
- A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.
Hybrid, Annual Leave and Flexi-time do not apply to this post
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits
SOCIAL MEDIA
Don’t see the perfect role for you right now? Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on new opportunities at Durham County Council!
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.
We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.
Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on 14 August 2025
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council\’s Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.
Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.
If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27 (option 5), or the Recruitment Team via email at RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk
We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice. https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS POST WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU HAVE REGISTERED WITH NORTH EAST JOBS, INCLUDING YOUR INVITE TO INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOTIFICATION FROM DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK AS YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY ANY OTHER MEANS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL.
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Activities Assistants employer: Durham County Council
Contact Detail:
Durham County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Activities Assistants
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Thrive values mentioned in the job description. Understanding these values will help you demonstrate how you can contribute to a positive customer experience during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to Claire Baister for an informal chat about the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you insights that could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience you have in dealing with diverse groups of people. Be prepared to share specific examples during the interview that showcase your ability to connect with various backgrounds.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider obtaining or renewing your First Aid Certificate and NGB Level 1 qualification as soon as possible. Showing initiative in this area can make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Activities Assistants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand what is expected of an Activities Assistant. Pay attention to the essential qualifications and responsibilities, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, make sure to showcase any experience you have working with diverse groups or in leisure services. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to provide a positive customer experience.
Address the Person Specification: Utilise the 'Person Specification' section of your application form to clearly outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. Be specific about your qualifications, such as your First Aid Certificate or any relevant training.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Physical Activity
As an Activities Assistant, it's crucial to demonstrate your enthusiasm for promoting a healthy lifestyle. Be prepared to share personal experiences or initiatives you've taken to encourage physical activity in others.
✨Highlight Your Customer Service Skills
This role involves interacting with a diverse range of customers. Make sure to provide examples of how you've successfully dealt with various individuals in the past, showcasing your ability to create a positive customer experience.
✨Prepare for Safety and First Aid Questions
Since a First Aid Certificate is essential, brush up on your knowledge of first aid procedures. Be ready to discuss how you would handle emergencies or ensure safety in a leisure environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Organisation's Values
Understanding the thrive values that the organisation promotes will help you align your answers during the interview. Reflect on how your personal values match those of the company and be ready to discuss this connection.
