At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school, greeting visitors and providing essential admin support.
- Company: Join Hillside Specialist School, a vibrant community for children with autism.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health services, free parking, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a supportive team and career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 in English and Maths; IT skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25949 - 25949 £ per year.
Salary £25,949 full time equivalent; part‑time salary proportional on a pro‑rata basis.
Location: Hillside Specialist School and College, Ribchester Road, Longridge, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 3XB (117 on roll). Tel: 01772 782205; School website: www.hillside.lancs.sch.uk.
Overview: Hillside is a Special School & College for children and young adults with autism. We have 117 students aged 4 to 18 years and promote a happy, professional culture that welcomes energetic and motivated staff who embrace challenge.
Position: Grade 3 School Business Support Officer – responsible for manning the reception and serving as the first face‑to‑face point of contact for the school.
What you can expect:
- Opportunity to work with our wonderful individual children and young adults.
- Opportunity to progress toward higher qualifications.
- Free membership of the Education Mutual health and wellbeing services, including clinics, nurse support services, GP phone & video consultations, and counselling programmes.
- Work in a busy and happy office.
- Free on‑site parking.
What we expect:
- Positive attitude to work.
- Good timekeeping and organisational skills.
- Ability to abide by the Code of conduct.
- Good sense of humour.
Your primary responsibilities will include: manning the reception, greeting visitors, answering phone calls, and providing administrative support in a busy education environment.
Essential Qualifications:
- Level 2 in both English Language and Mathematics.
Desirable Qualifications:
- IT qualification.
- Level 2 qualification in Business Administration.
Essential Experience:
- Experience with Microsoft Office.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience in a busy administrative setting.
- Customer interaction experience.
- Experience using databases.
Equal Opportunities Statement: An Equal Opportunities Employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community. The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a disclosure. Information provided will be dealt with confidentially in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice, which may be viewed on the DBS website at www.gov.uk/dbs or obtained on request. Lancashire County Council has a Handling of DBS Certificate Information Policy and a Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex‑offenders; these are available from the recruiting manager to applicants who are asked to complete a DBS application.
Applications: Please email c.griffin@hillside.lancs.sch.uk for the full job description, role profile and Personal Specification form detailing essential and desirable criteria. Please note CVs are not accepted; to apply for this vacancy you need to complete the attached application form. For an informal discussion please contact: 01772 782205.
Equality and Safeguarding: The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all people in recruitment, selection and employment, and is a Disability Confident employer. We reserve the right to comply with this standard individually for each school. Commitment to this standard is on an individual school basis; if you are applying for a position within a school you should check whether the school has decided to comply with the Disability Confident standard. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
SCHOOL BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER employer: Lancashire County Council
Hillside Specialist School and College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and vibrant work environment where staff are encouraged to embrace challenges while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young adults with autism. With opportunities for professional growth, including pathways to higher qualifications, and benefits such as free health and wellbeing services, on-site parking, and a welcoming culture, Hillside is dedicated to fostering a positive atmosphere for both employees and students alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SCHOOL BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Hillside Specialist School and College, its values, and the community it serves. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a School Business Support Officer, you'll be the first point of contact. Role-play greeting visitors or answering phone calls with a friend to build your confidence and ensure you come across as friendly and professional.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or handled busy environments. This will demonstrate that you can thrive in the dynamic setting of a school office.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're tech-savvy, which is a big plus for this role. Don’t forget to follow up with a friendly call to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace SCHOOL BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to check out our school website. Understanding our values and the environment we create for our students will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with our team.
Follow the Instructions:Make sure you read the job description carefully and follow the application instructions to the letter. We want to see that you can pay attention to detail, so don’t forget to complete the attached application form instead of sending a CV!
Show Your Personality:We love a good sense of humour and a positive attitude! When filling out your application, let your personality shine through. Share experiences that highlight your organisational skills and customer interaction – we want to know what makes you unique!
Reach Out if You Need Help:If you have any questions or need clarification about the role, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 01772 782205. We’re here to help you through the process and want to make sure you feel confident in your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Hillside Specialist School and College. Understand their mission and values, especially their focus on supporting children and young adults with autism. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a School Business Support Officer, you'll need to demonstrate strong organisational skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or handled busy environments. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and maintain a positive attitude under pressure.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction Scenarios
Since you'll be the first point of contact at the school, think about how you would handle various visitor scenarios. Practice responses to common questions or situations you might face at reception. This will help you feel more confident and show that you can provide excellent customer service.
✨Bring a Sense of Humour
Hillside values a good sense of humour, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Share light-hearted anecdotes that reflect your ability to connect with others and create a welcoming atmosphere. Just remember to keep it professional and relevant!
