At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and schools by managing the school admissions process with accuracy and care.
- Company: Join a dedicated Admissions Service team committed to fair education access in Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in community events.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's education while developing your customer service skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and strong ICT skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 28000 £ per year.
We are looking for a highly organised and customer-focused Admissions Assistant to join our established Admissions Service team. The post holder will play a vital role in supporting families and schools across the city by helping to manage the school admissions process, ensuring every application is handled accurately, fairly, and within statutory deadlines.
Our Admissions Service is experienced, supportive, and committed to delivering a fair and transparent admissions process for families across Portsmouth. You'll be joining a collaborative team dedicated to making a positive impact on children and young people's education.
You will act as a first point of contact for parents, schools, and partners, responding to enquiries via telephone, email, and the council helpdesk. You will handle a high volume of pupil data, ensuring it is accurately inputted and maintained within the admissions database. In this role, you will apply admissions criteria to applications and support the allocation of school places, ensuring all statutory deadlines are met. This includes managing waiting lists and keeping records up to date. You will regularly produce and send correspondence to parents and stakeholders, as well as liaise with schools and other local authorities to communicate pupil allocations and any changes. You will also support the preparation of statistical reports and summaries for the Admissions Officer, maintain electronic filing systems, and assist with the smooth running of the service through general administrative support. Occasionally, you will attend school open evenings and advice sessions to provide guidance to parents, which may require up to three evening commitments during peak periods.
Working Arrangements: Office based with opportunity for hybrid working 2 days per week at home when trained/experienced.
Responsibilities:
- Have experience dealing with customer enquiries in a busy environment
- Are confident using ICT systems including Word, Excel, Outlook, and databases
- Can process large volumes of data with accuracy and attention to detail
- Thrive under pressure and can meet tight deadlines
- Have strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Are organised, adaptable, and a strong team player
- Have a good understanding of customer service and inclusive practices
Qualifications: Knowledge of school admissions processes or education services would be an advantage.
Admissions Assistant in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Join our dedicated Admissions Service team in Portsmouth, where we prioritise a supportive and collaborative work culture that values your contributions to children's education. As an Admissions Assistant, you'll benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on families and schools in the community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that encourages teamwork and personal development, making us an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career in education services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Admissions Assistant in Portsmouth
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Portsmouth City 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 Portsmouth City 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 Admissions Assistant in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth City Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Portsmouth City 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 Portsmouth City Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City 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.
