At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-level admin support to social work practitioners and manage children's records.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, flexible working options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for applicants meeting minimum criteria; apply even if you don't meet all requirements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths, IT qualification, and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
A part-time permanent position has become available in the Newcastle District Office (Castle House). We are seeking a candidate to provide high-level business support administration to assist Children's Services social work practitioners across various teams.
The hours of work are 18.5 hours per week: Monday 8.30am-5.00pm, Tuesday 8.30am-5.00pm, and Wednesday 8.30am-12.00pm. You will be office-based during your training/induction period. After successful completion, you will primarily work from the office, with some home working on a rota basis depending on service demands.
Main Responsibilities
- Provide high-level administrative support to Practitioners as part of the Business Support Team.
- Maintain children's electronic records, create and record referrals, manage step-up/step-down requests, and handle case transfers and closures accurately in our system.
- Conduct data cleansing and audits to ensure accurate records for performance management.
- Coordinate administrative tasks following a child's entry into care.
- Support Practitioners with PowerBI use.
- Provide on-the-job IT training and support across IT systems.
- Produce high-quality word-processed documents.
- Manage statutory meeting logistics, including invitations, attendance, minute-taking, and timely distribution of records.
- Process daily financial transactions in accordance with financial regulations.
The Ideal Candidate
- GCSE English and Maths
- IT Qualification (ECDL or equivalent)
- NVQ 3 in Business Administration
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Experience with Microsoft Office 365 and computer-based information systems in an office environment
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 17th September 2025. If you don't meet all the requirements, we value transferable skills and experiences. Consider applying or contact Claire Rushton at claire.rushton@staffordshire.gov.uk for an informal chat.
Our Recruitment Process
Applications are anonymized during shortlisting to focus on relevant information. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you bring to the role.
About Staffordshire County Council
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds. We offer a guaranteed interview for applicants meeting the minimum criteria, supporting our commitments to diversity and inclusion.
Business Support Officer - PA to Social Worker in Stafford 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 in Stafford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Business Support Officer and think about how your skills match up. This will help you shine during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can give you insider tips about the company culture and what the hiring managers are really looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to business support and social work. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to contribute to Children’s Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Officer - PA to Social Worker in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: When you're filling out your application, make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how you can bring value to the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it specific to the Business Support Officer role. Use examples from your past experiences that relate directly to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Avoid jargon and keep your sentences short and sweet to ensure we get the best understanding of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised during the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Business Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with tasks like maintaining electronic records and managing case transfers. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Off Your IT Skills
Since the job involves using Microsoft Office 365 and PowerBI, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. Bring examples of how you've used them in previous roles or during your studies. If you can, practice a few basic functions beforehand to feel more confident.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle administrative tasks. Think of scenarios where you had to manage multiple priorities or support a team effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a couple of thoughtful questions ready. You might ask about the team dynamics or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.