At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers with enquiries about council services, focusing on waste management and recycling.
- Company: Join Tendring District Council, a supportive and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time hours, and valuable experience in customer service.
- Other info: On-site role with opportunities for professional development and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: Good GCSEs in English and Maths; NVQ Level 2 in customer service preferred.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 14 £ per hour.
Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Full-Time, Temporary
Up to 6-Months Contract
£13.69 PAYE / £17.56 Umbrella
Closing Date: Wednesday 12th August 2026
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Tendring District Council in recruiting two Customer Support Assistants on a full-time, temporary basis. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidates will be required to work on-site only.
JOB PURPOSE
To operate as part of a customer-focused team dealing with telephone and electronic enquiries with a focus on Council Environmental services including Waste Management & Recycling.
JOB ACTIVITIES
- To respond to and assist members of the public making general and specific enquiries both in person and by telephone providing factual information or assistance or by putting them in touch with appropriate officers as required.
- To provide an efficient and effective general administration service to the department.
- Responding flexibly to resource specific areas of need within the department as they arise.
- To establish and maintain a good general knowledge of all the different facets of the Authority's services and objectives in order to respond to customer queries.
- To attend training and team briefing sessions and to participate in the process of continuous improvement in customer service.
- Such other duties as may be required.
PROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT
- Good GCSE passes or equivalent in English and Mathematics.
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in customer service.
- Ability to use IT systems including the Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel etc.
COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS
- Demonstrates an interest in and understanding of others.
- Adapts to the team and builds team spirit.
- Establishes good relationships with customers and staff.
- Builds wide and effective networks of contacts inside and outside the organisation.
- Focuses on customer needs and satisfaction.
- Sets high standards for quality and quantity.
- Appropriately follows instructions from others without unnecessarily challenging authority.
- Works productively in a high-pressure environment.
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website. If you have queries on this role or would like to see a copy of the full Job Description, please email Ashleigh.Drake@essex.gov.uk.
Customer Support Assistant – Tendring District Council employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Support Assistant – Tendring District Council
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Essex County Council. 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 Essex County Council 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 Support Assistant – Tendring District Council
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 Essex County Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Essex County Council 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 Essex County Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨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.
