At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in accessing financial aid and promote long-term resilience.
- Company: Join the Westmorland and Furness Council's dynamic Customer Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced leave, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: We value diversity and guarantee interviews for eligible applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping people during their times of need.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer service and strong communication skills required.
About this opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity within our Customer Services team for a Full Time Customer Service Advisor who will support the delivery of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). The role serves as a key front‑door contact for residents, helping them access financial support during times of crisis while promoting longer‑term resilience.
Responsibilities
- Support customers with core council transactions, with a strong focus on guiding them through CRF applications and available support.
- Take a non‑judgemental, person‑centred approach to identify customer needs, resolve enquiries at the first point of contact where possible, and provide effective signposting to wider support such as Citizens Advice and community partners.
- Effectively communicate campaigns, policy changes and the Council’s operating model to customers, ensuring clarity and compliance with statutory timescales.
- Maintain accurate record‑keeping using a customer relationship management system.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to provide seamless customer service.
Qualifications
- Passion for delivering high‑quality customer service, with the ability to provide clear advice and guidance at the first point of contact (face‑to‑face, telephone and digital).
- Strong awareness of the ongoing development of services and the ability to communicate these changes effectively.
- Sound understanding of statutory policies and internal procedures, and ability to ensure services are delivered in line with the Council Plan.
- Effective collaboration skills with internal and external stakeholders, with a focus on statutory compliance and accurate record‑keeping.
- Ability to work in a person‑centred, non‑judgemental manner and to signpost customers to appropriate support networks.
Benefits
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council provides a competitive pension scheme, an enhanced annual leave allowance and a range of perks and discount schemes.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce and welcomes applications from everyone. We promote an inclusive culture that values and celebrates our differences. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria of this job, as well as Armed Forces personnel, veterans, those in care or care experienced, and under‑24 individuals who meet the essential criteria, are guaranteed an interview.
Customer Service Advisor - WMF2998e employer: The Cumbria County Council
Westmorland and Furness Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the Council offers competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme and enhanced annual leave, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth. Working here means being part of a dedicated team that makes a meaningful impact in the community, particularly in supporting residents during times of crisis.
Contact Details:
The Cumbria County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Advisor - WMF2998e
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County 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 Service Advisor - WMF2998e
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 The Cumbria County Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at The Cumbria County 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 The Cumbria County Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cumbria County 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.
