Customer Service Specialist in Leeds

Customer Service Specialist in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 30044 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
StepChange

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support clients through complex situations, providing clarity and expert guidance.
  • Company: A purpose-driven organisation focused on helping vulnerable clients.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, supportive team culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team that values inclusion and personal well-being.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Empathy, strong analytical thinking, and ability to handle sensitive situations.

The predicted salary is between 30044 - 40000 £ per year.

Do you want a role where your expertise can steady someone in their most difficult moment, and genuinely change the direction of their life? Looking for work that goes beyond process, where your judgment and care make a real difference? Ready for a role that blends home working with meaningful, supportive time in the office? This goes beyond a standard customer service role. You’ll handle complex, sensitive, and high-risk situations where there isn’t a clear path to follow, and where you’ll need to take ownership of how things move forward. You’ll need to interpret complexity, read between the lines, manage emotion, and bring structure to situations that are often unclear. It’s not just about solving the problem, it’s how you handle it, communicate it, and guide people through it that makes the difference.

About the Role

Known as Debt Advice Specialist internally, you’ll be the person colleagues turn to when a client’s situation requires a more considered, judgment-led approach. You’ll step in at critical points to remove barriers, stabilise circumstances, and guide clients toward safe, sustainable outcomes. You’ll support clients across their full journey, from initial conversations and recommendations through to ongoing support, where situations are complex, sensitive, or don’t fit standard processes. Alongside direct client work, you’ll provide expert guidance to colleagues through a Knowledge Line function, helping others navigate difficult scenarios with confidence. You’ll work with some of the most vulnerable clients, applying strong judgment, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving to ensure the support provided is safe, appropriate, and consistent. You’ll be based in our Leeds office with a hybrid approach, balancing home working with regular time together for collaboration, development, and connection. Your first 12 weeks will be office based and you will need to be fully available for the first 6 weeks of training.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Support clients facing complex or sensitive situations, offering clarity, reassurance, and expert guidance
  • Deliver full lifecycle debt advice, from fact-finding and income/expenditure assessments through to ongoing support
  • Step in to resolve challenging or atypical cases, identifying the root cause and unblocking progress
  • Provide trauma-sensitive support to clients experiencing distress or vulnerability
  • Manage high-risk or sensitive situations appropriately, including escalation where needed
  • Offer expert advice to colleagues via a Knowledge Line, supporting difficult or unusual scenarios
  • Work within governance and safeguarding frameworks, using judgment to flex processes where appropriate
  • Create tailored follow-up plans to support stability and progress
  • Maintain accurate records and use digital tools and systems to support decision-making
  • Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying patterns and opportunities to refine processes

About You

You bring a calm, thoughtful approach to complex situations, combining empathy with strong analytical thinking. You’re confident making decisions in nuanced scenarios and take ownership of achieving the right outcome. You don’t rely on having a clear script or defined path. You’re able to assess situations, make sense of complexity, and decide how to move things forward, using your judgment to decide how to move things forward. You communicate clearly and adapt your style to the person in front of you, whether that’s a client in distress or a colleague needing guidance. You’re able to manage emotion, ask the right questions, and keep conversations focused and constructive, even in difficult situations.

You’ll thrive in this role if you’re motivated by:

  • Purpose — Work that genuinely matters, helping people move forward and achieve lasting outcomes.
  • Growth — Grow through meaningful work in an organisation that’s evolving.
  • Balance — Hybrid, flexible, and sustainable ways of working that support your wellbeing.
  • Belonging — A supportive, purpose-led team where you’re trusted, valued, and able to be yourself.

Experience supporting complex or vulnerable clients, working in regulated environments, or providing specialist guidance is valuable, but what matters most is your ability to apply sound judgment, work with care, and operate effectively in high-stakes situations.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Belonging is central to who we are. We’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the clients we support, and to creating a culture where everyone feels valued and able to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and life experiences. If you need a reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process so you can perform at your best, just let us know, we’re here to support you.

Customer Service Specialist in Leeds employer: StepChange

Join a purpose-driven team in Leeds where your role as a Customer Service Specialist goes beyond traditional customer service. With a hybrid working model, you will enjoy the flexibility of home working while also benefiting from collaborative office time that fosters personal and professional growth. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee wellbeing and inclusivity, ensuring that you feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable clients.

StepChange

Contact Details:

StepChange Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Customer Service Specialist in Leeds

Get to Know the Company Culture

Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at StepChange. 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 StepChange 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 Service Specialist in Leeds

Empathy
Analytical Thinking
Judgment
Problem-Solving
Communication Skills
Emotional Intelligence
Crisis Management

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 StepChange:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at StepChange 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 StepChange!

How to prepare for a job interview at StepChange

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.