At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors, manage calls, and support school operations with a friendly touch.
- Company: Downland School, a caring community special school focused on student growth.
- Benefits: Inclusive environment, supportive team, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to celebrating every student's unique journey.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable office experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, ICT experience, and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Downland School is a co-educational maintained community special school for pupils aged between 10 and 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Our pupils have varying aptitudes and abilities; we are extremely proud of all their achievements and progress. Our pupils have a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including: Autism (ASC); attachment disorders and Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. We seek to ensure that, by the time they leave us, our pupils emerge as self‑confident individuals able to manage their own learning; equipped with the skills and competencies to successfully take the next steps in their lives. We are a friendly, happy and caring school, providing a positive, inclusive and enriching educational experience for our young people. We view each of our pupils as unique and shape our provision to meet their individual needs and accelerate their progress in a variety of areas e.g. personal, social, academic and well‑being. Our commitment to supporting the ‘whole’ child and their development is underpinned by our strong pastoral systems and our committed and trained staff. At Downland we promote inclusion and equality and celebrate diversity. Our mission statement is ‘Aspire, Achieve and Thrive’.
All about the role:
- Welcome visitors to the school, ensuring all relevant procedures are followed.
- Receiving and prioritising incoming telephone calls, dealing with them appropriately.
- Liaise with staff, Governors, pupils, parents and outside agencies as directed.
- Placing orders and processing invoices.
- Dealing with incoming and outgoing post, ensuring incoming deliveries reach the appropriate colleague.
- Undertake general word processing and other IT functions in support of the office, including (but not exclusively) letters, school documentation and school website.
- Organising school transport for pupils.
- Assist the Office Manager and the Bursar with uniform and school lunch recording and associated payments.
Qualifications:
- A good telephone manner, polite and professional at all times.
- Ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
- ICT/word processing experience.
- An eye for detail and accuracy.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Experience of working on your own initiative.
- Exceptional communication skills.
Receptionist and Clerical Assistant in Devizes employer: Wiltshire Council
Contact Detail:
Wiltshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist and Clerical Assistant in Devizes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Downland School and its values. When you walk in for your interview, show that you understand their mission of ‘Aspire, Achieve and Thrive’. This will help you connect with the team and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with a variety of stakeholders, role-play common scenarios with a friend. This will help you feel more confident when answering questions about how you'd handle calls or liaise with parents and staff.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your ICT skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with word processing and other IT functions. Maybe even bring examples of documents you've created or managed in the past to showcase your attention to detail and accuracy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist and Clerical Assistant in Devizes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. A friendly tone can go a long way in making a great first impression.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role at Downland School. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our mission of supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we appreciate attention to detail, so check for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place quickly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand Downland School's mission statement and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to inclusion and supporting the whole child. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their community.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Receptionist and Clerical Assistant, effective communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Whether it's handling phone calls or liaising with parents and staff, demonstrating your ability to communicate clearly and professionally will set you apart.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
In this role, accuracy is crucial, especially when dealing with invoices and school documentation. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference. You might even want to mention any systems or processes you've implemented to ensure accuracy in your work.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations, like managing multiple phone calls or dealing with a difficult visitor. Think through potential scenarios and how you would respond, showcasing your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.