Customer Services Officer

Customer Services Officer

Sheffield Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support bereaved families with empathy and professionalism in a busy office environment.
  • Company: Join Sheffield City Council's Bereavement Services, dedicated to compassionate care for families.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing valuable skills in customer service and administration.
  • Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office are essential; experience with the bereaved is a plus.
  • Other info: Training provided on a unique cloud-based booking system; commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Bereavement Services is part of Sheffield City Council, committed to providing the best possible service to bereaved families in Sheffield and surrounding areas. We manage 16 cemeteries, conducting over 1500 burials annually, and operate two crematoriums at City Road and Hutcliffe Wood, performing over 2700 cremations each year. Our main office at City Road Cemetery ensures visitors and callers are treated with dignity, respect, and professionalism.

Our Values

  • Being open and honest
  • Working together to get things done
  • People are at the heart of what we do

We are seeking an enthusiastic, efficient, proactive, empathetic, and competent individual to join our administration team. The successful candidate will work closely with a fellow Customer Services Officer and a small team of Bereavement and Coronial Officers, supporting service delivery for Sheffield's bereaved families.

Key Skills and Requirements

  • Excellent customer service and IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Teams, and Microsoft 365
  • Knowledge of the Storm Telephone System and Sheffield City Council's financial system (Integra) is advantageous
  • Good planning, organization, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage a busy workload and work under pressure, often to deadlines
  • Flexibility, resourcefulness, and adaptability to change
  • Approachable with strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Willingness to work in chapels during busy periods or cover short-notice absences
  • Potential to work at the Medico Legal Centre in Sheffield when needed
  • Ability to manage difficult conversations with sensitivity and empathy
  • Experience working with the bereaved is desirable but not essential

Additional Information

The role involves training on a new cloud-based booking system unique to our service. Candidates should read the full job description and person specification before applying. For more information, please contact Kathryn Rodgers via email. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, especially increasing the representation of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled, and LGBTQ+ communities, reflecting the diverse city we serve. We also support flexible working for staff with unpaid caring responsibilities.

Customer Services Officer employer: Sheffield City Council

Sheffield City Council's Bereavement Services is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing compassionate support to bereaved families while fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment. Employees benefit from a strong emphasis on teamwork, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity, this role offers a rewarding career path for those looking to contribute positively to the lives of others in Sheffield.
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Contact Detail:

Sheffield City Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Customer Services Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the services provided by Sheffield City Council's Bereavement Services. Understanding their operations, values, and the specific challenges faced by bereaved families will help you demonstrate your empathy and commitment during any discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your IT skills, especially with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Teams. Being comfortable with these tools will not only boost your confidence but also show that you're ready to hit the ground running in a tech-savvy environment.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for potential role-play scenarios or situational questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle difficult conversations with sensitivity, as this is crucial in a bereavement context.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former employees of Sheffield City Council, if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Customer Services Officer

Excellent Customer Service Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Familiarity with SharePoint and Microsoft Teams
Knowledge of Microsoft 365
Experience with Storm Telephone System
Understanding of Sheffield City Council's financial system (Integra)
Strong Planning and Organisation Skills
Effective Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Manage a Busy Workload
Capacity to Work Under Pressure
Flexibility and Adaptability to Change
Strong Interpersonal Skills
Excellent Communication Skills
Empathy and Sensitivity in Difficult Conversations
Experience Working with Bereaved Individuals (desirable)
Willingness to Work in Chapels During Busy Periods

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Customer Services Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience you have in customer service, especially in sensitive environments. If you've worked with bereaved families or in similar roles, make sure to mention this clearly in your CV and cover letter.

Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office and any relevant systems like SharePoint or Teams. Provide specific examples of how you've used these tools effectively in past roles.

Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your empathy and understanding of the bereavement process. Use this opportunity to convey your approachability and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sheffield City Council

✨Show Empathy and Understanding

Given the sensitive nature of the role, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to handle difficult conversations with empathy. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully supported someone in a challenging situation.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Systems

Make sure you have a good understanding of the tools mentioned in the job description, such as Microsoft Office and the Storm Telephone System. If you can, practice using similar systems beforehand to show your readiness to adapt.

✨Highlight Your Customer Service Skills

Prepare to discuss your customer service experience in detail. Think of specific instances where you went above and beyond for a customer, especially in high-pressure situations, as this will resonate well with the values of the organisation.

✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork

The role requires working closely with others and being adaptable. Be ready to talk about times when you worked effectively in a team or adapted to changes in your work environment, showcasing your resourcefulness.

Customer Services Officer
Sheffield City Council
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