General Office Assistant – Maldon District Council in Essex

Maldon District Council, in partnership with Essex Shared Services, is looking for two part‑time General Office Assistants to work 5 days a week in the council offices. Rotas are 8:30 am–1:30 pm or 12 noon–5 pm. If you have a preference, please let us know when applying.

Role Purpose

• Provide timely and accurate general office service for incoming and outgoing post and parcels, including scanning documents, processing cheque payments and printing services for internal departments.
• Enable the efficient flow of information for front‑line departments by maintaining accurate records, systems and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with council policies, procedures and information governance requirements when handling data, records and correspondence.
• Ensure customer data, systems and records are accurate and reliable to enable the delivery of Council Services.
• Handle enquiries, requests and routine tasks promptly, accurately and direct them to the appropriate person or system.
• Effectively manage allocated administrative duties, prioritising tasks to support team objectives and deadlines.
• Work with team members to simplify processes, improve end‑to‑end customer journeys and embed consistent ways of working.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, integrity and a positive approach to teamwork, communication and personal development.

Accountabilities – Service Delivery

• Provide administrative support across the Council, contributing to the effective day‑to‑day operation of service areas.
• Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence and parcels efficiently and effectively.
• Maintain accurate records, databases and files, ensuring information is updated, stored and handled in accordance with council procedures and data protection requirements.
• Support the coordination of meetings and correspondence, including preparing documentation and maintaining records.
• Process and manage routine enquiries, requests and administrative tasks, ensuring they are completed accurately and within agreed timescales.
• Support service improvement activity by assisting with data collection, reporting, document preparation and follow‑up actions.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support team objectives and ensure a professional and responsive service.
• Identify and raise issues or opportunities to improve administrative processes, contributing to efficient ways of working.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent, including English and Maths, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Demonstrable competence in using office systems and digital tools.
• Willingness to undertake further training and development relevant to the role.
• Basic knowledge of administrative processes and office procedures within a customer‑focused service.
• Understanding of the importance of accuracy, confidentiality and data protection when handling information and records.
• Knowledge of professional communication.
• Awareness of local authority working environments and the range of services provided, or willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Understanding of the importance of following procedures, policies and agreed ways of working.
• Awareness of health and safety responsibilities relevant to an office‑based role.
• Experience of working in an administrative or office‑based role, or demonstrable transferable experience in a similar support environment.
• Experience of carrying out routine administrative tasks, including record keeping, data entry or document management.
• Experience of working to procedures and following instructions to complete tasks accurately and on time.
• Experience of providing support to colleagues or a team to help meet service objectives.
• Experience of handling information sensitively and maintaining confidentiality.
• Experience of managing a varied workload and prioritising tasks in a busy environment.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage routine tasks, maintain records and follow established processes.
• Ability to prioritise work and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, enabling clear and professional interaction with colleagues and customers.
• Ability to use office systems and digital tools, including Microsoft 365, to support administrative tasks.
• Attention to detail and accuracy when handling information, data and documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and support colleagues as required.
• Willingness to learn, develop new skills and adapt to changing priorities.
• Professional, reliable and conscientious approach to work.

Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Flexible and agile working
• Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme
• Discounted local gym membership
• Free parking

Maldon District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups including children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Disclosure and Barring checks will be undertaken according to the responsibilities of the role. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures and experience. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, sex, disability or marital status. Maldon District Council is committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. We have been accredited as a Disability Confident Employer and take actions to employ and retain people with disabilities and health conditions.