At a Glance
- Tasks: Support tenants and leaseholders, handle enquiries, and ensure compliance with consumer standards.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a unique organisation committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your customer service skills.
- Qualifications: Previous customer service experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27346 - 29170 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join us as a Customer Relations Officer!
The role is 17 hours per week (Friday & other days to be negotiated), permanent, based at Somerstown Area Housing Office and is at the salary of £27,346 - £29,170 p. a. (£12,564 - £13,402 pro rata for 17 hours).
Your new role
The Social Housing Sector has seen considerable change in the last 2 years with the addition of new and revised regulations including a new set of consumer standards.
Portsmouth Homes is undertaking a programme of change to respond to the new environment and changes in expectations from our tenants and leaseholders.
The Customer Relations Officer (CRO) provides comprehensive support to Portsmouth Homes Landlord services across Area Housing Offices.
Most of the communication is front facing with tenants and leaseholders, so there is always a need to present Portsmouth Homes positively and professionally.
There will also be a need to communicate with other teams within Portsmouth Homes, PCC and external partners/organisations, such as Social Services, HNAS, Building Services, Finance & Treasury, I.
T, HR, the Police etc.
CRO's must respond to customer/resident enquiries at the reception counter, by phone, respond to emails and where necessary refer matters to the right resource.
CRO's also arrange appointments for customers where necessary with other officers or teams to ensure that Portsmouth Homes meets it obligations under the Consumer Standards and for Compliance matters.
Please see the full job profile attached at the bottom of this page for the full list of what the role will involve!
Who is the person?
You need to
- Have previous customer service experience preferably through dealing with members of the public by telephone and in-person.
- Have good communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide variety of customers in a sensitive and emphatic manner.
- Be well organised, able to prioritise tasks and manage your own workload.
- Able to work as part of a team to ensure a smooth delivery of the service and be flexible in being able to adapt to the needs of the team.
- Be numerate and able to handle money accurately as part of the cashiering role Have a positive attitude towards work and actively work with your colleagues to improve the service offered to customers
- Have good IT skills including accurate data entry and use of software applications.
- Training will be given on the specific systems used in housing Have an awareness and understanding of the Data Protection Policy as you will be dealing with confidential information Be able to work from any of the area housing offices when required
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed.
These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
Learn more about our values and behaviours.
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills.
This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had.
If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Customer Relations Officer in Sunderland employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture that prioritises respect, integrity, and collaboration. As a SEN Team Leader, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs, while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a supportive team environment. Located in the vibrant city of Portsmouth, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to strategic SEND developments and be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to service improvement and community well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Relations Officer in Sunderland
✨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 Customer Relations Officer in Sunderland
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.
