At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential admin support to teams helping vulnerable children and families.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on inclusivity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in admin roles, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft 365.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Children and Families Services supports and protects Portsmouth's most vulnerable children and young people enabling them to lead safer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. It also acts as the corporate parent for the city's Looked after Children.
The Business Support Officer works within the Family Support and Safeguarding Teams and is based at Civic Offices. This is a busy challenging role, perfect for someone who enjoys working as part of a team and wants to do a worthwhile job. You will provide high quality administrative support to the Locality team who provide intervention with children and families so it is important they work in partnership with parents and other professionals so that the right services can be provided longer term.
Key Responsibilities:
- Minute-taking for complex meetings (e.g., Strategy meetings, group supervisions)
- Data entry into systems like MOSAIC
- Handling service performance data
- Managing post and document scanning
- Responding to telephone enquiries, including safeguarding concerns
- Booking services (translators, accommodation, hire cars)
- Financial tasks (raising purchase orders, reconciling purchase card)
- Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations
- Supporting managers with reports, diary management, and typing
- Ensuring business continuity across the department
The ideal candidate
- Experienced in administrative roles, ideally within Children's or Young People's Services
- Experienced in Shorthand or minute-taking skills to enable you to take concise notes/minutes in meetings.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
- A confident communicator with excellent literacy and numeracy skills
- Customer-focused with a commitment to high standards of service
- Detail-oriented, organised, and able to prioritise effectively
- Knowledgeable about Data Protection and Safeguarding
- Capable of maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information
Please ensure that you read the full job profile attached for the details and expectations of this role, paying particular attention to the section 'Who is the person' as you will need to refer to this when completing your Personal statement.
Working Arrangements:
This role is initially office-based 5 days per week.
Safeguarding
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Officer - Portsmouth
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We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Officer - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Portsmouth City Council. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Portsmouth City Council and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Portsmouth City Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Portsmouth City Council's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Portsmouth City Council.
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Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
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A full-time HR role at Portsmouth City Council will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Portsmouth City Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
