At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch admin support to social work teams and manage children's records.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, a community-focused organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a supportive environment, and access to various employee perks.
- Why this job: Make an impact in children's services while developing your skills in a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, IT qualification, and experience with Microsoft Office 365 required.
- Other info: Interviews on 17th September 2025; we value transferable skills, so apply even if you don't meet all criteria.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We have an opportunity for a Business Support Officer (PA to Social Worker), working within Corporate Operations, Business and Executive Support, Moorlands District Children and Families at the Leek Area Service Office.
This is a full-time permanent position. We are looking for someone to provide a high level of business support administration to support social work practitioners teams.
The hours of work are Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5.00pm and Friday 8.30am-4.30pm.
You will be predominantly office based, although some home working is arranged on a rota basis dependant on the demands of the service.
Main Responsibilities
Some of your responsibilities will be to,
- Provide a high level of administrative support to Practitioners, as part of the Business Support Team, consistent with Directorate Standards and to improve and maintain information data on the Client Information System.
- Be responsible for maintenance of children\’s electronic records, creating and recording referrals, actioning step-up/step-down requests, transfer and closure of cases accurately inputting information into our Client Information System to ensure the district meets its relevant Performance Indicators.
- Data cleanse and audit records to ensure accurate and complete records for performance management.
- Co-ordinate the administrative requirements following a child\’s entry into the care of Staffordshire County Council.
- Support Practitioners in the use of PowerBI
- Provide on the job IT training and support to Practitioners in all areas of our IT systems
- Produce of high-quality word-processed documents.
- Be responsible for the servicing of statutory meetings including sending out invitations, attendance and minute taking and the production and distribution of records to agreed timescales.
- Process day to day financial transactions within the office in accordance with financial regulations.
The Ideal Candidate
- GCSE English and Maths
- IT Qualification (ICDL Advanced (L3)or equivalent)
- NVQ 3 in Business Administration
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Experience of using Microsoft Office 365 and computer-based information systems in an office environment
- The ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
If you require any further information about the job, please contact Tracy Egan, Business Support Team Leader at tracy.egan@staffordshire.gov.uk
Our Recruitment Process
We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you\’ll bring to the role.
About Staffordshire County Council
We are no ordinary county council.
Our Values:
The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.
Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy.
We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.
We look forward and race ahead – that goes for your career too.
Our Benefits
We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits – Careers at Staffordshire.
Our Recruitment Process
As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities.
As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a GoldAward Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers – we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
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Business Support Officer (PA to Social Worker) employer: Staffordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Staffordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Officer (PA to Social Worker)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific software and tools mentioned in the job description, particularly Microsoft Office 365 and PowerBI. Having a solid understanding of these applications will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your readiness to support practitioners effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the role of a Business Support Officer within Children's Services. Understanding the challenges and responsibilities faced by social workers can help you articulate how your skills can directly support their work during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to manage administrative tasks efficiently. Highlighting your organisational skills and attention to detail will be crucial, especially when discussing your role in maintaining children's electronic records.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to Claire Rushton for an informal chat about the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Officer (PA to Social Worker)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Business Support Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these needs.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, clearly articulate what you can bring to the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your administrative skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to mention your GCSEs in English and Maths, any IT qualifications, and your NVQ in Business Administration. If you have experience with Microsoft Office 365 or similar systems, be sure to include that as well.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Business Support Officer. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the tasks, such as maintaining children's electronic records and supporting social work practitioners.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Since the role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and IT systems, be ready to demonstrate your technical abilities. You might be asked about your experience with PowerBI or other software, so think of examples where you've successfully used these tools.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. Prepare scenarios where you've had to manage multiple tasks or support a team under pressure, highlighting your organisational skills and attention to detail.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
As the role involves minute-taking and producing high-quality documents, be ready to discuss your written and oral communication skills. Consider sharing examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in administrative settings.