At a Glance
- Tasks: Support planning applications and provide customer advice in a dynamic team environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local government organisation committed to public service.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible work arrangements and a supportive team culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable experience in local government.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration and customer service, with a passion for public service.
The predicted salary is between 20.55 - 20.55 £ per hour.
Our client is looking for an experienced Technical Officer/Trainee Planner.
2 days in office, up to 3 days remote.
To work as a part of a team responsible for all supporting administrative functions for the processing of planning applications, including receipt, scanning, validation, consultation, committee preparation and the issuing of decision notices. To assist with the preparation of the agenda for the Planning Application Committee. To provide customer advice on planning matters and to accurately direct customers to the relevant authorities for advice on other topics.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Carry out all procedures associated with the legal validation of planning applications, including checking fees, ensuring that all documents, certificates and plans are correctly supplied and negotiating variations to submitted documents and plans.
- Receive and receipt applications and accompanying fees, ensuring that all money payments taken are properly recorded and made safe pending banking, maintaining daily records of all fees and sales income received in accordance with adopted procedures.
- Be responsible for accurately identifying all relevant consultees for each application type and carry out all consultation notification and correspondence procedures connected with planning applications, within the required target times.
- Use the document management system to scan and index application documents, using multiple data sources to identify the correct index to apply to documents.
- Carry out all other support functions in connection with the processing of planning applications, including coordinating the major cases meeting agenda, preparation of committee presentations and the issuing of decision notices.
- Where a recognised technical qualification is being undertaken or the postholder is suitably experienced and subject to management agreement, deal with all aspects of a range of simple planning applications.
- Participate in the maintenance, development and implementation of processes and systems, including continuous review to ensure best working practice and service delivery.
- Undertake basic research and record technical information including statistical returns when necessary for performance management purposes.
- Be responsible for logging planning application fees and sales income, refunds and associated banking functions, via the Oracle finance system.
- Provide advice to customers both in person, by telephone or electronic means, on planning process matters and accurately direct customers to the relevant authorities for advice on other topics.
- Ensure that the council's statutory registers of current and decided planning applications are maintained and updated as necessary.
- Work flexibly in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job and participate as required in multi-disciplinary and cross-organisational groups and task teams.
- Take responsibility, relevant to the post, for ensuring that Council statutes and government legislation is upheld. This includes, amongst others, Management Compliance Charter, Environmental Policy, Data Protection Act, Race Equality Action Plan, Quality Assurance Plan, Health & Safety, Sustainable Construction and Recycling.
- Take responsibility, appropriate to the post for tackling racism and promoting good race, ethnic and community relations.
An understanding of the workings of the planning process is essential. A good understanding of working in local government / the public sector and the importance of public service, ethics and standards, partnership working and customer care is required. Experience of providing comprehensive administrative support, and a customer-facing service, as part of a team within a busy and demanding environment is necessary. Experience of working to tight deadlines with conflicting priorities and providing advice to customers is also important.
The first part of our recruitment process is to send your CV. Should you be shortlisted, Colbern Limited will contact you within 5 days or we may contact you about other job opportunities. Colbern Limited along with our clients are an equal opportunities employer.
Technical Professional in Lambeth employer: Colbern Limited
Colbern Limited is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and flexibility, with the opportunity to work remotely up to three days a week. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while contributing to meaningful public service in the vibrant community of Lambeth. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Colbern Limited fosters an environment where every team member can thrive and make a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Professional in Lambeth
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Reach out to professionals in the planning sector on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how a simple chat can lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions related to planning applications and local government processes. We recommend practising your answers with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your customer service skills during interviews. Remember, you’ll be providing advice to customers, so highlight any relevant experience you have in dealing with the public.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We have loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new roles as they come up.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Professional in Lambeth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Officer/Trainee Planner role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially in planning processes and customer service.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your administrative skills and any experience with document management systems. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and help with the planning application process.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this and other opportunities we have available.
How to prepare for a job interview at Colbern Limited
✨Know Your Planning Process
Make sure you brush up on the planning process and local government operations. Understanding the legal validation of planning applications and the importance of customer service will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've provided comprehensive administrative support. Highlight your ability to manage tight deadlines and conflicting priorities, as this is crucial for the Technical Officer role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Tools
Get to know the document management systems and financial software like Oracle that are commonly used in planning roles. Being able to discuss how you’ve used similar tools will give you an edge.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction
Think of scenarios where you've provided advice to customers or handled inquiries. Be ready to demonstrate your communication skills and how you can effectively direct customers to the right authorities.
