At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch customer service across various council services, both in person and over the phone.
- Company: Adur and Worthing Councils, dedicated to community support and excellent service.
- Benefits: Generous leave, local government pension, training, flexible working, and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills in customer service.
- Qualifications: Previous customer service experience is a plus, but training will be provided.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 31022 £ per year.
Fixed term contract until 31st March 2027
Salary: Starting from £28,598 to £31,022 p.a.
Grade: Grade 4
Hours: 37 hours per week – Monday to Friday 8:30am – 17:00pm
Place of work: Town Hall, Worthing (primarily Contact Centre based). You may be called to work at other Adur and Worthing Council customer contact locations.
Closing date: 8th June 2026 at 23:55 pm
About the Role
Adur and Worthing Councils place the customer at the very heart of their business and are committed to the communities we represent. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, professional and confident individual who thrives on providing great customer service. You will need to provide information and advice to customers regarding 16+ different council service areas both face to face and on the telephone. Customers who contact us can be vulnerable, frustrated or distressed, so high levels of personal resilience and sophisticated communication skills are essential. We expect all team members to be able to work flexibly.
The role is based within our Contact Centre in Worthing Town Hall, but you will be asked to provide assistance when needed at our face to face offices in Worthing and Shoreham. This role provides a crucial front line service for the Councils so you will need an ability to confidently handle telephone calls and visitors regarding Council business and to use IT systems to resolve customer enquiries effectively. Previous customer service experience and knowledge of Council business would be useful, but training will be given.
We are looking for hardworking, adaptable advisers committed to ensuring excellent customer service, even when the council is unable to provide the resolution the customer desires. Advisers are often approached for input when the Councils are looking to improve services, so the right applicant will be comfortable in actively assisting in continual service improvement work.
The successful candidate will be subject to a Basic DBS clearance and three years employment referencing.
Care Leaver Support
At Adur & Worthing, we are committed to supporting care leavers, in accordance with the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and the Children and Social Work Act 2017. To that end, we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for anyone meeting the essential criteria of the role they are applying for. In order to be considered for this, you will need to be a care leaver under the age of 25 at the time of application. Please confirm that you are a care leaver in the “Showing how you meet the person specification and job description” section of the application form.
Disability Confidence
As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of applicants declaring a disability, that meet the essential criteria for this position, will be offered an interview.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement – a minimum of 26 days + Bank Holiday entitlement
- Local Government Pension
- Training & development
- Occupational Health
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Employee resource groups/networks
- Buddy Support Programme
- Flexible working options
We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. Staff work in a supportive and safe environment, recognising their responsibility to value and respect each other’s contributions. Standards of conduct must be of the highest level to ensure that no one is harassed, bullied or victimised. We offer a range of family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, staff engagement forums and are keen to hear from applicants from a variety of different backgrounds.
Fair, Green & Local – Please see here.
Customer Service Adviser (First Line) employer: Adur & Worthing Councils
As a Cleansing Driver Operative with us, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of the Adur & Worthing District. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values employee growth, offering training opportunities in waste management and local authority operations. Enjoy the benefits of a stable shift pattern, competitive pay, and the satisfaction of contributing to your community's environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Adviser (First Line)
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Adur & Worthing Councils. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Adur & Worthing Councils before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Adviser (First Line)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Adur & Worthing Councils:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Adur & Worthing Councils specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Adur & Worthing Councils!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adur & Worthing Councils
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.