At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors and provide top-notch customer service at The Atkinson's events.
- Company: Join Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, a vibrant arts centre in Southport.
- Benefits: Earn £13.20 per hour with flexible part-time and casual opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with guaranteed interviews for care-experienced applicants.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting cultural hub and support amazing theatre shows.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18; bar experience and strong communication skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 13.2 - 13.2 £ per hour.
Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
Location: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, The Atkinson, Southport
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Part Time
Hours: 2 x 5 hours per week contracts & Casual opportunities available.
DBS Check: No
Closing Date: 26/07/2026 at 23:59
Reference: COMM/26/340273
There are x2 permanent positions available (5 hours per week) as well as a number of Casual positions available.
Salary: Grade B / SCP3 £24,796 per annum pro-rata (£13.20 per hour)
Hours: As required. Shifts will include evenings, weekends and bank holidays supporting our theatre shows & events programme.
The Atkinson in Southport is a leading arts centre housing a museum, gallery, library, cafe, shop, theatre and studio. We are seeking to recruit Customer Assistants to work on a casual basis, responding to the demands of our busy theatre and curatorial programmes, including our very busy pantomime season throughout December.
Responsibilities- Act as the first point of welcome and information for visitors to The Atkinson.
- Deliver the highest standards of customer service and customer care for visitors and audiences across all aspects of the programme.
- Support front‑of‑house hospitality duties, including working in the bar and ushering at theatrical events.
- Carry out administrative and financial routines, maintaining records to the designated standard.
- Attend briefings and training sessions to stay up‑to‑date with developments across The Atkinson’s programmes.
- Advocate for the whole cultural offer and maintain a friendly, confident and approachable manner at all times.
- Must be over 18 as customers may be required to serve alcohol.
- Point‑of‑sale experience, including bar experience, is beneficial.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Reliable, punctual and able to work independently under pressure.
- Interest in the arts and a willingness to be flexible and adaptable to physically demanding shifts.
- Grade B / SCP3 salary of £24,796 per annum pro‑rata (£13.20 per hour).
- Part‑time contract of 2 x 5 hours per week, with casual opportunities available.
- Shift work includes evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
- Opportunities to work in the museum, gallery and as a gallery invigilator.
Equal Opportunities: Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us; our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role. Sefton Council welcomes new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
Customer Assistant employer: Sefton Council
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work environment at The Atkinson in Southport, where you can engage with the arts and culture while providing exceptional customer service. With flexible part-time contracts and casual opportunities, employees benefit from a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes personal growth through training and development. Join us to be part of a team that celebrates creativity and community, making every visitor's experience memorable.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Assistant
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like Sefton Council and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at Sefton Council and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and Sefton Council.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about Sefton Council and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sefton Council
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress Sefton Council.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which Sefton Council will surely appreciate.
