At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential admin and customer support to the Planning team.
- Company: Pendle Council, a small but ambitious borough council.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, up to 31 days annual leave, and local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Work in a scenic location with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and help shape the future of your community.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and confident with IT systems.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
Pendle Council is a small but ambitious borough council committed to delivering high-quality services to our residents and supporting sustainable development across our communities. Our Planning Service plays a vital role in shaping the future of the district, and we are now looking for an organised, customer-focused Service Support Officer to join the team. You will provide essential administrative and customer service support to the Planning team. You will help ensure the smooth processing of planning applications, maintain accurate records, respond to enquiries from residents, applicants and stakeholders, and support the team in delivering an efficient and responsive service. You will also support building control.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a first point of contact for planning enquiries via phone, email and in person
- Provide high-quality administrative support across the Planning Service
- Register and validate planning applications in line with statutory requirements
- Maintain planning records, document management systems and databases
- Assist with preparing reports, correspondence and agenda packs
- Support statutory consultations and public notifications
- Work collaboratively with planning officers, applicants, agents and members of the public
- Ensure data accuracy, confidentiality and compliance with relevant legislation
- Process building control applications
Qualifications and Experience
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Confident working with IT systems and able to learn new software quickly
- A clear and professional communicator
- Able to work independently and as part of a small, supportive team
- Customer-focused with a positive, solution-focused approach
- Experienced in administration—ideally in a planning, local government or regulatory environment (desirable, not essential)
Pendle is in Lancashire’s scenic Pennines, close to the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, and Manchester.
We Offer
- Flexible working, including no set core hours, up to 2 flexi days per month, and compressed hours
- Up to 31 days annual leave
- Flexible contracts requiring 2–3 days in the office each week (more if needed); you should live within commuting distance of Nelson, Lancashire
Our Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Option to buy extra annual leave
- Cycle to Work, home tech, and car salary sacrifice schemes
- Discounts at major retailers via the Vivup programme
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on any basis, including disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or age.
Service Support Assistant in Nelson employer: Pendle Borough Council
Pendle Council is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while delivering essential services to the community. With a flexible working environment, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth, employees can enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance in the picturesque setting of Lancashire's Pennines. The supportive team culture and commitment to inclusivity make Pendle Council a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Support Assistant in Nelson
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Pendle Council and its values! Research their services and community initiatives. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Service Support Assistant, you'll be the first point of contact for enquiries. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable responding to different scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining the team at Pendle Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Support Assistant in Nelson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Service Support Assistant. We want to see how you can contribute to our Planning Service, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team!
Show Your Customer Focus:Since this role is all about providing excellent customer service, make sure to include examples that demonstrate your customer-focused approach. We love seeing how you’ve positively impacted others in previous roles!
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pendle Borough Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Service Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like processing planning applications and maintaining records. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the job requires strong organisational abilities, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you keep track of details and ensure accuracy in your work.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a first point of contact for enquiries, effective communication is crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally. You might even want to role-play common scenarios you could face in the role, such as responding to a resident's query.
✨Emphasise Customer Focus
Pendle Council values a customer-focused approach, so be prepared to share instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with challenges.
