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- Tasks: Provide practical support to individuals with sight loss in an office environment.
- Company: Join Guide Dogs, a charity dedicated to empowering those with sight loss.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while gaining valuable experience in a supportive role.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and basic Microsoft Office knowledge required.
- Other info: Part-time hours with potential for growth and a friendly team atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 6571 - 6571 £ per year.
At Guide Dogs we have a rewarding part-time opportunity for an organised and personable support professional to provide practical assistance to people with sight loss to live the life they choose, enabling effective working through administrative and access support. This role is known internally as an Employee Access Assistant.
SALARY: £23,000 pro rata (actual salary based on 10 Hours per Week £6,571 per annum + Excellent Benefits)
LOCATION: Reading, Berkshire
JOB TYPE: Part-time, Permanent
WORKING HOURS: 10 hours per week, typically 10am to 12pm, Monday to Friday
KEY REQUIREMENT: You must be comfortable around dogs
We have a fantastic new job opportunity for an Office Support Assistant / Administrative Assistant to provide dedicated, person-centred support within an office-based setting. As an Office Support Assistant / Administrative Assistant you will work closely with one individual, enabling them to carry out their professional duties effectively through practical assistance, organisation, and administrative support. The role focuses on enabling independence rather than completing tasks on behalf of others, supporting access to information, navigation within office environments, and effective use of systems and documentation. This part-time position offers consistency and the potential for future increase in hours, making it ideal for someone seeking a meaningful and structured support role.
Duties:
- Sighted Assistance and Guidance: Providing orientation and sighted guiding in unfamiliar environments
- Administrative Support: Taking notes, reading documentation aloud, and supporting day-to-day office tasks
- Confidential Information Handling: Managing sensitive information in line with data protection requirements
- Microsoft Office Support: Assisting with basic data entry using Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Diary And Calendar Management: Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date Outlook calendar
- Information Retrieval: Locating information from digital systems, intranet platforms, and printed materials
- Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate, confidential, and well-organised records
Candidate Requirements:
ESSENTIAL
- Proven experience of handling confidential information with discretion and integrity
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Ability to work independently and use initiative
- Organised approach with effective time management skills
- Functional level of English and Maths for note-taking and record keeping
- Eligibility to work in the UK
DESIRABLE
- Previous experience in a support worker or office support role
- Experience of supporting individuals with disabilities in a work or voluntary capacity
- Awareness or understanding of sighted guiding techniques
- Experience working in a person-centred support environment
Benefits:
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential wellbeing support
- Wellbeing Buddies offering confidential peer support
- Menopause Champions providing dedicated guidance and resources
- Cycle-to-work scheme with a wide range of bike options
- Eye care vouchers for free tests and VDU glasses contributions
- Hearing tests for colleagues working in kennel environments
- Discounts and cashback across retail, supermarkets, travel and more
- Pension scheme with employer matching plus 2%, up to 9% employer contribution
- Life assurance at four times salary, with options to increase cover
- Flexible benefits allowance (3% of salary) for gym memberships, health plans, dental insurance, travel insurance, critical illness cover, additional life assurance and the option to buy or sell annual leave
As this role requires an Enhanced Disclosure check the start date for the successful candidate will only be confirmed upon receipt of the check. The Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom they work. They expect all of their employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.
Please note: we reserve the right to close any of our vacancies early.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE
APPLY TODAY… By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.
Office Support Assistant / Administrative Assistant employer: Guide Dogs
Contact Detail:
Guide Dogs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Support Assistant / Administrative Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Guide Dogs. Check out their website and social media to understand their values and mission. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about the key skills mentioned in the job description, like handling confidential information and using Microsoft Office. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these skills. This way, you'll be ready to impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! As an Office Support Assistant, being personable is key. During your interview, let your friendly side shine through. Share stories that highlight your interpersonal skills and how you’ve supported others in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Office Support Assistant / Administrative Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills: In your application, highlight any experience you have with organisation and time management. We want to see how you can keep things running smoothly, especially in an office environment.
Be Person-Centred: Since this role is all about supporting individuals, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have in person-centred support. We love seeing how you can enable others to thrive!
Keep It Professional Yet Friendly: Your written application should reflect your personable nature. Use a friendly tone while maintaining professionalism, as we value strong interpersonal skills here at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you in the running for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Guide Dogs
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, like providing sighted assistance and managing confidential information. This will help you tailor your answers to show how your skills align perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
As an Office Support Assistant, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in sensitive situations. Think about times when you’ve supported someone or worked as part of a team, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
This role requires a high level of organisation. Bring along examples of how you’ve managed tasks or projects in the past. You could even mention your experience with diary management or record keeping, as these are crucial for the position.
✨Be Comfortable Around Dogs
Since this role involves working closely with individuals who may have guide dogs, it’s important to express your comfort around dogs during the interview. If you have any personal experiences with dogs, share them! It shows you’re not just qualified but also a good fit for the environment.
