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.
- Other info: Training provided on a unique cloud-based booking system; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- 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.
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 in Sheffield 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Services Officer in Sheffield
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Sheffield 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 Sheffield 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 Services Officer in Sheffield
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 Sheffield City Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Sheffield 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 Sheffield City Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheffield 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.
