At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adult social care services with admin, reception, and PPE audits.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Hackney's dedicated Provided Services team.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience while making a difference in people's lives.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to learn and grow in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that champions dignity and choice for service users.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Three Service Support Officers are needed in the Provided Services team within Adults, Health & Integration at the London Borough of Hackney. The posts give back-office support across adult social care settings: extra care, a day centre, Shared Lives and reablement flats, on a shared campus model rather than from one site. Duties span reception, referral tracking, office support, PPE audits, purchase orders and training admin, all handled confidentially. Applicants answer competency questions rather than sending a CV or supporting statement.
What the job involves:
- Staff the reception desk at Oswald Street Day Opportunities on a rota, greeting service users, carers and visitors.
- Run admin for the Extra Care Panel, including daily referrals, void data tracking and secure circulation of sensitive case papers.
- Provide general office support across Provided Services, covering phones, messages, ad hoc tasks, meeting minutes and electronic filing for registered managers.
- Carry out routine PPE audits at Extra Care and Reablement Assessment Flats.
- Process purchase orders and supplier invoices, and work with agencies to manage and approve staff hours.
- Provide admin for training such as PROACT-SCIPr, following data protection and safeguarding rules.
Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Business Administration, or demonstrably equivalent professional experience.
Skills & knowledge:
- Strong IT skills in Google Workspace, Microsoft Word and Excel, and information management systems.
- Ability to learn new software platforms quickly.
- Excellent verbal and written communication with service users, families, officers and external agencies.
- Strong workload prioritisation and attention to detail under pressure and tight deadlines.
- Exceptional organisational skills.
- High emotional intelligence.
Other:
- Personal commitment to equity and anti-racist practice.
- Customer-focused support that upholds service user dignity and choice.
- Proactive attitude.
Nice to have:
- Understanding of the needs of older adults and people with long-term conditions, learning disabilities, dementia, physical disabilities or autism.
Service Support Officer – Adult Social Care in London employer: London Borough of Hackney
Hackney Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As part of the Safety, Health, Environmental Quality (SHEQ) team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community safety while benefiting from comprehensive training and growth opportunities in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Support Officer – Adult Social Care in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at London Borough of Hackney.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from London Borough of Hackney!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like London Borough of Hackney, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at London Borough of Hackney or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Support Officer – Adult Social Care in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to London Borough of Hackney:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Hackney! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
