Summary
An exciting opportunity to join Sandwell Council’s Electoral Services Team as an Apprentice Customer Service Assistant. You will provide high-quality customer service to residents and colleagues while supporting the administration and delivery of electoral services across the borough.
What you will do at work
As an Apprentice in the Electoral Services Team, you will learn how to:
- Provide excellent customer service to residents, customers and colleagues via telephone, email, written correspondence and face-to-face contact.
- Respond to enquiries professionally, accurately and efficiently.
- Support the Electoral Services Team with the administration of electoral registration and elections.
- Assist with preparing electoral communications and information for customers.
- Carry out a range of administrative duties including data entry, filing, scanning, photocopying, scheduling meetings and managing incoming and outgoing correspondence.
- Maintain accurate records, databases and spreadsheets.
- Assist with the processing of orders, invoices and other financial administration tasks.
- Use a variety of IT systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Support the team during busy election periods, including occasional evening work where required.
- Work safely, professionally and in accordance with Council policies and procedures.
- Take responsibility for your own development and successfully complete the required apprenticeship training.
- Contribute positively as a member of a supportive team.
Training
Customer Service Practitioner Level 2.
The apprenticeship training will be delivered in the workplace, and you will receive visits from a college assessor. The apprenticeship will also include off-the-job Training and a robust programme of Mandatory Apprentice Training provided by Sandwell Council to include Fire Awareness, Prevent, Safeguarding, Data Protection & Cyber Security and Equality & Diversity.
Off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the Occupational Standard.
Requirements and skills
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Team working
- Maintain confidentiality
- Data Protection
- Flexible attitude
- Able to prioritise
- Willingness to learn
- Reliable
- Time management
Qualifications
- GCSE English Language (A-C/9-4) – essential
- GCSE Maths (A-C/9-4) – essential
About this employer
Sandwell is a large, multicultural metropolitan borough situated in the heart of the Black Country, to the west of Birmingham, within the West Midlands conurbation and with a population of over 280,000. The Council is one of the largest employers in the Borough with employees in a variety of occupations, providing a comprehensive range of services. Find out more information on Sandwell’s Values and Behaviours on the council’s webpage. For more information on careers in local government you can view a copy of the Local Government Career Guide.
After this apprenticeship
This apprenticeship is a fixed term 15-month contract. However, the skills, knowledge and experience gained in this apprenticeship will allow you to gain future opportunities in the sector.
Things to consider
- Proof of qualification certificates will be required during the recruitment process.
- This can be a demanding yet rewarding role, particularly during busy election periods when deadlines are critical.
- The successful applicant will regularly handle sensitive and confidential information and must maintain high standards of data security and confidentiality.
- Occasional evening work may be required to support election-related activities.
- Travel to various locations within the borough may occasionally be required.
- We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to their advertised date, if we receive a large number of applications. Therefore, you are strongly advised to complete and return your application as soon as possible.