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- Tasks: Be the go-to person for HR queries, providing support via phone, web chat, and email.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, dedicated to high-quality service and innovation in public sector HR.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible remote work options and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Gain valuable HR experience in a dynamic setting while making a real impact on employee support.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or willingness to achieve it; strong communication and IT skills required.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term contract role with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
People Support (HR) Advisor
Secondment, Full Time
£26,090 to £30,693 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Closing Date: 11th July 2025
Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed-term contract opportunity for up to 12 months.
This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but requires the successful candidate to attend the office in Chelmsford 1-2 days per week, with the remaining time for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation\’s needs.
The Role
People Services is committed to providing high-quality customer service for employees and managers through various digital channels. The People Support Advisor will be the first point of contact for all HR-related queries, providing professional advice, support, and guidance to managers and employees across ECC. This role offers a great opportunity for someone looking to build experience within an HR setting in a large, complex organisation.
The Opportunity
People Services is part of the People & Organisation Development function at Essex County Council (ECC). We aim to deliver high standards of service to ECC employees and external customers, focusing on customer-centric approaches, innovation, and value for public spend. We are committed to continuous improvement, leveraging technology, and creating a culture of service excellence.
The People Support Adviser will be the primary contact for HR queries, managing stakeholder expectations and providing support across all channels: online, telephone, and face-to-face. You will aim to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
Accountabilities
- Be the first point of contact for customer queries via phone, web chat, and email, providing high-quality HR advice and guidance, escalating requests as necessary.
- Offer pragmatic and professional advice on topics such as family-friendly policies, flexible working requests, managing absence, performance, onboarding, and Occupational Health referrals.
- Enhance manager and business confidence through coaching on workplace issues.
- Provide up-to-date advice on employment legislation and organisational developments.
- Promote self-service HR options by coaching employees and managers on online tools and identifying areas for improvement.
- Build effective working relationships across People and Organisation Development teams, including with People Business Partners and People Consultants.
- Support organisational change initiatives, including consultations leading to redundancy or TUPE processes.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
- CIPD membership and a minimum of Level 5 CIPD qualification or to be achieved within two years of employment.
- Experience working in a busy, fast-paced team supporting customers professionally.
- Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, and HR systems, with strong IT skills.
- Highly motivated, detail-oriented, results-driven, and proactive in seeking improvements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven track record of delivering exceptional customer service.
- Strong interpersonal skills to handle confidential issues with empathy and professionalism, and to influence stakeholders effectively.
- Ability to work independently, organise tasks efficiently, and meet tight deadlines.
- Basic knowledge of HR policies and employment legislation, with experience in coaching and confidence-building support.
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People Support (HR) Advisor employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Support (HR) Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest HR trends and employment legislation. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Essex County Council. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be a great advantage during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions that may arise during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific HR situations, as this role requires practical problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your customer service experience during discussions. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully resolved issues or improved processes, as this aligns with the role's focus on high-quality service.
We think you need these skills to ace People Support (HR) Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant HR experience and skills that align with the People Support Advisor role. Emphasise your customer service experience and any specific HR qualifications, such as your CIPD membership.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for HR and your understanding of the role. Mention how your skills can contribute to the high-quality customer service ethos of the People Services team at Essex County Council.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully handled HR queries or supported customers in previous roles. Use specific situations to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an HR role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your HR Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of HR policies and employment legislation. Be prepared to discuss how these apply to the role and provide examples of how you've used this knowledge in past experiences.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since the role focuses on providing high-quality customer service, think of specific instances where you've successfully handled customer queries or resolved issues. Highlight your communication skills and ability to empathise with others.
✨Showcase Your IT Proficiency
Be ready to discuss your experience with MS Word, MS Excel, and any HR systems you've used. You might be asked to demonstrate how you would use these tools to enhance HR processes, so have some examples in mind.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life HR scenarios. Think about how you would handle situations like managing absence or coaching managers on workplace issues, and be ready to articulate your thought process.