At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Council services by managing purchase orders, invoices, and record keeping.
- Company: Join Midlothian Council, a dynamic organisation focused on community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, job security, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Permanent position with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable office experience.
- Qualifications: Basic literacy and numeracy skills, plus some office experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27857 - 27857 £ per year.
We are looking for a motivated individual to join our Business Services Operational Support and Finance Team. You will be responsible for providing effective support to a number of Council services.
Responsibilities include:
- raising purchase orders
- raising and payment of invoices
- processing payment cycles
- administration and record keeping of Free School Meals & Education Maintenance Allowance
These duties are not exhaustive, and you may be required to carry out other roles within the department. All this work requires you to work to tight deadlines. You will be maintaining information in software systems, databases and generating letters and other documents in the course of your duties.
Knowledge
Evidence of competency in literacy and numeracy skills such as a minimum of three standard grades level 3 passes or above to include Mathematics and English or equivalent is essential. (SVQ 2 or equivalent is an acceptable alternative). Some practical experience or demonstration of competency in the use of word processing and standard PC software packages is also essential. Demonstrable competency in keyboard and clerical skills are also required; SVQ 2 or equivalent is an acceptable alternative. Experience in a similar office environment, with a working knowledge of modern office equipment is desirable.
Requirements
Compliance with the mandatory Cabinet Office PSN (Public Sector Network) Code of Connection requires the Council to meet a baseline personal security standard. This requires completion of a disclosure check for all employees who can access official information. The fee for this Disclosure check will be met by you.
Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Additional Information
If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@midlothian.gov.uk to discuss with a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Locations
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Assistant - MID07601 in Dalkeith, Midlothian
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Midlothian 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 Midlothian 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 Support Assistant - MID07601 in Dalkeith, Midlothian
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 Midlothian Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Midlothian 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 Midlothian Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian 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.
