Business Support Assistant

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A local charity is seeking a Receptionist/Business Support Assistant to provide support at their service hub in Ipswich. This role involves managing the front desk, assisting service users with inquiries, and maintaining records. Ideal candidates will have experience in customer service and proficiency in Microsoft Office systems. This is a permanent position with a supportive work environment focusing on assisting vulnerable individuals.

Benefits

7% pension contribution for eligible staff

Employee Assistance Package

Qualifications

• Experience in face-to-face and telephone contact with service users.
• Proficiency in Microsoft-based systems including Outlook and Excel.
• Familiarity with data recording and CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Greet and welcome service users and visitors at the centre.
• Handle incoming calls and emails, providing information about services.
• Perform general clerical duties including filing and scheduling.

Skills

Face-to-face interaction

Telephone communication

Data recording

Health and Safety processes

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

CRM systems

Job description

Job Description

• Ipswich Housing Action Group (ihAg), Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2EF
• £14,286 actual per annum (equivalent to full time salary of £23,810 pro rata)
• 22.5 hours per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
• Permanent
• Reference: 0236
• Required as soon as possible
  
  
  

Pension 7% contribution, if eligible.

Your role

The Receptionist/Business Support Assistant is crucial in providing a welcoming and supportive environment for visitors and service users at the centre. This position ensures the smooth operation of the front desk and administrative functions, supporting the team in delivering essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Your Responsibilities

• greet and welcome service users, visitors, and staff
• answer and direct incoming calls, taking messages as necessary
• answer emails to the main email address and redirect them to the appropriate person
• handle inquiries and provide information about services offered by the hub
• input new registrations into the database and update existing records
• maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with care
• perform general clerical duties including photocopying, scanning, and filing
• maintain office, laundry, welfare supplies, and order inventory as needed
• input and update service user information in the database
• assist with scheduling appointments and meetings
• provide administrative support to various departments as required
• ensure the reception area is clean, organised, and welcoming
• oversee the collection, washing, drying, and distribution of service user laundry
• handle incoming and outgoing post for service users
• prepare and organise breakfast materials for Breakfast By Invitation sessions
• ensure all materials are available and set up appropriately for each session
• conduct basic health and safety checks at the centre as detailed in the health and safety policy
• report any maintenance issues to the relevant personnel.
  
  
  

You Will Need Experience Of

• face to face and telephone contact with service users / the public
• use of Microsoft-based systems, including Outlook, Excel, and Office 365
• data recording and use of a CRM system
• handling incoming and outgoing mail
• basic Health and Safety processes
  
  
  

Please see the person specification for this role for the full requirements.

About Us

ihAg is a busy local charity supporting people who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness.

The Advocacy Team provide a daily point of human contact, and support people with the huge range of practical and emotional issues they can face if they are currently homeless, or at risk of losing their home. The Chapman Centre is a homelessness hub for social interaction, practical support and advice.

ihAg is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of people with additional vulnerabilities and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Please note that this post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We will offer you:

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual to join our Central Team and work closely with our hardworking and dedicated Advocacy Team.

At ihAg, we have a positive can-do culture, which is supportive of all staff as well as service users. We have a robust Employee Assistance Package in place to support the wellbeing of staff.

To find out more

Please read the Job Description (docx) , Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (pdf) , Equality and Diversity at Work (pdf) and Recruitment of Ex Offenders (pdf)

For an informal discussion only, please contact Jools Ramsey-Palmer on 07753 316323.

How To Apply

Please complete the Application Form (docx) or visit our website (ihAg) /vacancies for an application pack.

More information can be found on our website and social media about this role and ihAg’s work in general.

Complete the application form, ensuring you address the points in the person specification, and send it with your CV to Janice Hubbard, Business Support Co-ordinator, at [e-mail]

Closing date: midday, 10 June 2025.

About The Team

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

To apply , please follow the application process detailed above.

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