At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Council with administrative tasks and ensure smooth office operations.
- Company: Join Maldon District Council, where quality of life matters.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team committed to professional development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths or relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of General Office Assistant. There are 2 part-time positions available, both working 5 days a week in the offices to support across the Council. The rotas to be worked are 8.30am-1.30pm OR 12 noon-5pm; if you have a preference when applying, let us know.
Role Purpose:
- Provide timely and accurate general office service for incoming and outgoing post and parcels, including the scanning of documents, processing of 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.
- 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.
- Be a role model for the service, demonstrating 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.
Be part of Maldon District Council - 'Where Quality of Life Matters'
Maldon District Council is a local authority 'Where quality of life matters'. Our Corporate Plan sets out our vision and priorities for the next three years and will be reviewed regularly to make sure we are on the right track. Using a range of data and what we know about the needs of our residents, we have set out what we will be doing and what we aim to achieve between now and 2028.
In addition to a competitive salary, you will be entitled to a range of benefits, including:
- The 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, culture 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. To demonstrate our commitment, we have been accredited as a Disability Confident Employer.
General Office Assistant, Maldon employer: Essex County Council
Maldon District Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment where quality of life matters. With flexible working hours, generous holiday entitlement, and a commitment to employee development, staff can thrive both personally and professionally. The council's dedication to community welfare and inclusivity, alongside benefits like the Local Government Pension Scheme and employee assistance programmes, makes it a rewarding place to work in the heart of Maldon.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Office Assistant, Maldon
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Public Service Passion:When applying for a part-time role in the government or public sector, it's vital to express your enthusiasm for public service. Share why you’re interested in contributing to Essex County Council and how your values align with their mission. We love to see candidates who really care about making a difference!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail any previous volunteer work, internships, or jobs that demonstrate your commitment to public service. This is important in the government sector! If you've been involved in community projects or have relevant academic courses, bring those into your CV to stand out.
Tailor Your CV for Public Sector Standards:In the public sector, it’s common to focus on your skills and experiences that align specifically with the role. Ensure your CV includes clear examples of how your background fits the responsibilities outlined in the job posting for General Office Assistant, Maldon at Essex County Council. Use bullet points for clarity—it's all about making it easy for the hiring team!
Keep It Professional, But Personal:While we want you to be personable, don’t shy away from a formal tone in your cover letter. Share your motivations and what you hope to learn in this part-time role at Essex County Council. It’s a balance of showing who you are while respecting the formal nature of the public sector!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
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Part-time roles in the government or public sector often attract candidates who are passionate about making a difference. Let's highlight your dedication to public service during the interview. Be prepared to discuss any volunteer work or projects that showcase your commitment to the community and alignment with the mission of Essex County Council.
✨Familiarity with Policy and Regulation
Understanding government policies and regulations is crucial in this field. Brush up on relevant laws or initiatives that impact the role you're applying for. We can also prep you for scenario-based questions where you might have to demonstrate how you'd navigate specific public issues relevant to General Office Assistant, Maldon.
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Whether it’s communication, research, or analytical skills, make sure to relate your experience to the competencies sought by Essex County Council. Discuss how your part-time availability complements your studies or other commitments, showing that you are ready to juggle responsibilities while bringing valuable skills to the table.
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