At a Glance
- Tasks: Take minutes for sensitive children's social work meetings and manage administrative tasks.
- Company: Join West Dunbartonshire HSCP, a top flexible employer committed to work-life balance.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and employee wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career progression opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while developing your admin skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Previous minute-taking experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
A vacancy has arisen for a Clerical/Admin Assistant within West Dunbartonshire HSCP Children & Families Team. The main duties of this post include taking comprehensive minutes for children’s social work meetings, including Child Protection and Fostering & Adoption Panels. These meetings can be a forum to discuss some very sensitive issues and the nature of the discussions can be quite distressing. It is therefore imperative that staff are aware of this before considering applying for the post.
The successful applicant should possess previous minute taking experience, good keyboard, oral and written communication skills. Inter-personal skills and the ability to work to deadlines and multi-task are also key within this role. You should have previous experience of working in an admin role, with the ability to demonstrate good keyboard skills and experience of using Microsoft Office especially Word and Excel. We would expect you to be able to communicate effectively with professionals and members of the public in a polite and courteous manner, dealing with sensitive and confidential matters appropriately.
Candidates who are invited for interview will be given a minute taking test where you will be asked to minute a mock virtual Child Protection Planning meeting. You will then be asked to type up an accurate minute of the meeting where we would expect that you evidence the ability to take down the important and relevant points to populate the minute.
The preferred candidate will be required to complete a Level 1 Disclosure check prior to a formal offer being made by West Dunbartonshire Council.
The successful candidate will benefit from the following:
- WDC was voted one of the top ten flexible employers and prides itself in providing flexible working to support work life balance.
- Access to the Local Government pension scheme (LGPS) with an employer’s contribution of at least 19.3% and all associated benefits.
- A minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing a day each year up to 35 days as well as 8 fixed public holidays each year.
- Access to employee wellbeing supports including occupational health & counselling if ever you need help and support.
Clerical/Admin Assistant (Full-Time) (Permanent) - RE-ADVERTISEMENT - WDN06260 in Dumbarton employer: West Dunbartonshire Council
Contact Detail:
West Dunbartonshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Clerical/Admin Assistant (Full-Time) (Permanent) - RE-ADVERTISEMENT - WDN06260 in Dumbarton
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role! Dive into the job description and understand what they’re looking for. Knowing the ins and outs of minute taking and the sensitive nature of the discussions will help you shine in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your minute-taking skills! Try recording a mock meeting and then type up the minutes. This will not only prepare you for the test but also show your commitment to the role when you discuss it during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Microsoft Office skills, especially Word and Excel. Being confident in these tools will make you stand out, so consider doing a quick online course or tutorial if you need a refresher.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Clerical/Admin Assistant (Full-Time) (Permanent) - RE-ADVERTISEMENT - WDN06260 in Dumbarton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience, especially in minute taking and admin roles. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves dealing with sensitive matters, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent oral and written communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to communicate effectively.
Highlight Your Multi-Tasking Abilities: This position requires juggling multiple tasks, so be sure to mention any experiences where you successfully managed various responsibilities. We love seeing candidates who can handle pressure and meet deadlines!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Dunbartonshire Council
✨Master Minute Taking
Since you'll be taking minutes for sensitive meetings, practice summarising discussions clearly and concisely. Familiarise yourself with the format expected in minute-taking and consider doing a mock session with a friend to get comfortable.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
During the interview, demonstrate your oral and written communication skills. Be polite and articulate when answering questions, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you need it. This shows that you value clear communication.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Microsoft Office
Brush up on your Word and Excel skills before the interview. You might be asked about your experience with these tools, so be ready to discuss specific tasks you've completed using them, especially related to document formatting and data management.
✨Prepare for the Mock Meeting
Since there's a minute-taking test, prepare by reviewing what makes effective minutes. Understand the key points to capture during discussions and practice typing quickly and accurately. This will help you feel more confident during the actual test.