At a Glance
- Tasks: Support critical systems, drive service improvements, and deliver expert technical support.
- Company: Join Durham County Council's diverse and fast-paced Technical & Support Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving services and utilising technology creatively.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent; experience in Revenues and Benefits is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30024 - 33699 £ per year.
Do you have a passion for improving services, solving problems and making the most of technology? If so, we want to hear from you! We’re seeking two motivated and skilled Technical & Support Officers to join our fast-paced and diverse Technical & Support Team. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in supporting critical systems, driving service improvements, delivering specialist training and providing expert technical support across Transactional and Customer Services.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
The Technical & Support Team delivers a wide range of specialist support functions across Assessment & Awards, Payments, Income & Support Teams, and Finance & HR Services. As a Technical and Support Officer, you’ll be part of a team that supports the effective delivery of essential services to both internal and external customers.
Key responsibilities include:
- Testing and implementing system enhancements, upgrades and software releases.
- Identifying opportunities to maximise the use of technology and improve service efficiency.
- Managing and supporting key Revenues and Benefits and Financial Services systems.
- Producing statistical returns, management information and performance reports.
- Supporting service improvement projects and business change initiatives.
- Representing the Council at Council Tax tribunals.
- Carrying out quality assurance reviews and helping to drive continuous improvement.
- Designing, coordinating and delivering technical and legislative training.
- Developing and maintaining guidance, procedures and training materials.
- Liaising with software suppliers and stakeholders to support service development.
No two days are the same, and you will have the opportunity to influence how services develop and improve in the future.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You will be educated to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent. Relevant professional qualifications such as IRRV, training or assessor qualifications are not essential but would be advantageous. Please note that occasional attendance at the office beyond your normal working pattern may be required to meet business needs. There may also be occasions where work is required outside of normal office hours, including evenings and weekends.
We are looking for someone who can bring:
- Substantial experience within a Revenues and Benefits environment and/or a financial services support environment.
- A detailed knowledge of Revenues and Benefits and/or financial legislation and practice.
- Excellent ICT skills and confidence working with complex systems and Microsoft 365 apps.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to manage conflicting priorities and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.
- Experience of introducing new systems, processes or ways of working.
- A proactive and flexible approach with a strong commitment to customer service.
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Basic Disclosure.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 14th September 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Technical and Support Officers in Spennymoor employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Durham County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where Technical and Support Officers can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive salaries, and generous leave entitlements, we foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation. Our flexible working arrangements and focus on service improvement ensure that every team member has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical and Support Officers in Spennymoor
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Technical and Support Officers in Spennymoor
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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan 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.
