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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the go-to person for HR queries, providing top-notch support and advice.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leader in public sector service delivery.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible remote work options and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Gain valuable HR experience while making a real impact in a dynamic organisation.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or willingness to achieve it within two years; customer service experience 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 has an expectation that the successful candidate will 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 are committed to providing a high level of customer services for our employee and managers, through a variety of digital channels. The People Support Advisor will be the first point of contact for all HR related queries. They will be responsible for providing customer focused and professional advice, support and guidance to managers and employees across the whole of ECC. This role provides a great opportunity for someone wanting to build on the experience working within an HR setting in a large and complex organisation.
The Opportunity
People Services sits within the People & Organisation Development function at Essex County Council (ECC). People Services delivers a high standard of service to both ECC employees and to external customers, with our employees and customers at the heart of what we do. We have high expectations of our teams and aspire to be high performing in all aspects of our delivery. We provide a comprehensive, quality service which supports the delivery of our ambitious corporate people plan. We are on a journey to underpin our services with robust technology, and we strive to create an uncompromising culture to deliver service excellence that delights our customer. People Services seeks to continuously improve and to stay ahead of the curve, leading the way in the public sector and delivering services which offer innovation, value for public spend and above all else a customer centric approach.
The People Support Adviser (PSA) will be the first point of contact for the business for HR related queries. They will be responsible for managing stakeholder expectations, providing a customer focused and professional advice, support and guidance service, for people related queries across all channels: online, telephone and face to face. You will provide support and resolutions quickly and efficiently
Accountabilities
- Be the first point of contact for our customer queries via phone, web chat and email providing high quality HR advice and guidance ensuring request are escalated or filtered accordingly.
- Provide pragmatic and professional expertise and advice on specific topics, e.g., family friendly policies (maternity, paternity, etc), flexible working requests, managing absence, performance, resolution, onboarding processes, Occupational Health referrals.
- Improving manager and business confidence and capability by coaching through workplace issues.
- Provide consistent and up to date advice on employment legislation and developing issues within the organisation.
- Contribute to the increase in self-service of HR queries, by coaching employees and managers of online self-service support, and identifying areas for improvement to People Casework Manager.
- Strong team working motivation and ability to build effective working relationships across People and Organisation Development including with People Business Partners, People Consultants and other teams in People Services
- Support organisational change and initiatives that may involve consultation and result in redundancy or TUPE
- Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- CIPD membership and a minimum of level 5 CIPD qualification or to be achieved within 2 years of taking up the post
- Experience of working in a busy, fast paced team providing professional support to customers
- Proficient IT skills, MS Word and MS Excel are essential. Hands on experience with IT programmes and HR systems
- Highly motivated with excellent attention to detail, a result orientated approach and continually seeking to improve.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience of dealing with customer queries and a track record of providing exceptional customer service.
- A high level of interpersonal skills to deal with extremely confidential and sensitive issues, providing support with empathy and professionalism. Ability to develop strong working relationships and to influence a wide range of stakeholders including colleagues and customers.
- Ability to work independently, organise and work accurately to tight deadlines
- A basic knowledge of HR policies and employment legislation and experience in providing coaching, support and building confidence
People Support (HR) Advisor, Chelmsford 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, Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR policies and employment legislation relevant to the role. This will not only help you answer queries effectively but also demonstrate your proactive approach and understanding of the field during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Essex County Council, especially those in HR roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your customer service skills during the interview. Think of examples where you've successfully resolved issues or provided support, as this role heavily focuses on delivering high-quality service to both employees and managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in HR technology and self-service platforms. Being knowledgeable about these tools will show that you're aligned with the organisation's goal of improving service delivery through innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace People Support (HR) Advisor, Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in HR and customer service. Emphasise any specific skills or qualifications that align with the job description, such as your CIPD membership or experience with HR systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for HR and your understanding of the role. Mention how your previous experiences have prepared you to be the first point of contact for HR queries and how you can contribute to the team's goals.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as communication, attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive issues. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in past roles.
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 for an HR role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Showcase Your HR Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your knowledge of HR policies and employment legislation. Be prepared to discuss specific topics like family-friendly policies and flexible working requests, as these are key areas for the role.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about providing exceptional customer service, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled customer queries or resolved issues. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage stakeholder expectations. Practice how you would approach common HR situations, such as managing absence or onboarding processes.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Relationship Building
This position requires strong teamwork and relationship-building skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues or influenced stakeholders in previous roles, showcasing your ability to work effectively within a team.
