At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for families seeking support from Children's Services.
- Company: Join Hampshire County Council, a top-performing local authority in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a commitment to professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a calm, empathetic approach are essential.
The predicted salary is between 26018 - 27111 £ per year.
Salary Range: £26,018 - £27,111 pro-rata per annum (actual salary £13,008 - £13,555 per annum)
Work Location: Havant Plaza, Havant (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 18.5
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 29 November 2026
Interview Date: w/c 7 December 2026
The Role: As a Contact Centre Adviser in the Children's Enquiry Team, you'll be the first point of contact for families, young people, professionals and partner agencies seeking support from Children's Services and School Admissions. Responding to enquiries by phone and email, you'll provide information, guidance and signposting to help customers access the right support at the right time, while maintaining accurate records and delivering excellent customer service in a busy environment. You'll join a close-knit, supportive team that values professionalism, kindness and collaboration. The role offers varied and meaningful work, with opportunities to make a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Hampshire. You'll be part of an empowering workplace where teamwork, personal development and continuous growth are encouraged, helping you build your skills and thrive in your career.
What you’ll be doing:
- Be the first point of contact for Children’s Services and School Admissions enquiries via telephone and email.
- Provide clear, accurate information and support customers in accessing the right services.
- Manage customer records and maintain accurate information across multiple systems.
- Work with colleagues to resolve enquiries quickly and efficiently.
- Deliver a professional, empathetic and customer-focused service at all times.
What we’re looking for:
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- A calm, empathetic approach when handling sensitive or complex enquiries.
- Strong IT skills and confidence using multiple systems simultaneously.
- A team player who is proactive, reliable, and adaptable.
Why join us? Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment. Join a supportive and collaborative team committed to professional development, high-quality practice and continuous learning. Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice. Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Working Pattern: Monday 9am - 2pm, Tuesday Non-working Day, Wednesday 12:30pm – 5pm, Thursday 1pm - 5pm, Friday 9am - 2pm.
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date. Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK.
Additional Information: The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies. We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Contact Centre Adviser in Havant employer: Shared Services Partnership
Hampshire County Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on continuous learning, competitive benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance, you will find meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals with physical disabilities while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working from Havant or Totton. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values compassion, respect, and professional integrity.
Contact Details:
Shared Services Partnership Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contact Centre Adviser in Havant
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Shared Services Partnership. 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 Shared Services Partnership 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 Contact Centre Adviser in Havant
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 Shared Services Partnership:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Shared Services Partnership 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 Shared Services Partnership!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shared Services Partnership
✨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.
