Eligibility Officer

Hampshire County Council; Winchester; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Winchester is seeking an Eligibility Officer to ensure safe transport for children across Hampshire. You will manage applications, assess eligibility based on policy, and communicate decisions to families. The ideal candidate will have GCSEs in English and Maths, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to customer service. This permanent role offers competitive pay, a hybrid working model, and various professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave

Occupational sick pay

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths or equivalent.
• Practical experience using and managing administrative systems and procedures.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a high standard of customer care when dealing with families and stakeholders.
• Ensure timely and accurate updates to school transport applications.
• Assess eligibility of children for school transport.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Strong customer service skills

Excellent written communication skills

Excellent verbal communication skills

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

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Eligibility Officer

Job Reference: HCC622968

Salary Range: £33,178 - £36,369 per annum

Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)

Hours per week: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 11 January 2026

Interview Date: w/c 26 January 2026

The Role:

Early applications are encouraged as we may close the advert ahead of the stated closing date.

Joining our School Transport Service as an Eligibility Officer, you’ll play a crucial part in safely transporting over 14,000 children to school across Hampshire every day. If you’re organised, detail‑oriented, and passionate about delivering excellent customer service, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact.

What you’ll do:

• Maintain a high standard of customer care when dealing with families and stakeholders.
• Ensure timely and accurate updates to school transport applications, enabling easy tracking of progress and status.
• Draft clear and professional written responses to customer queries.
• Assess eligibility of school‑aged and post‑16 children for school transport, in line with policy.
• Communicate eligibility decisions effectively to families and stakeholders.
• Follow documented Standard Operating Procedures and develop knowledge of School Transport policy and related services that informs transport eligibility.

What we’re looking for:

• GCSEs in English and Maths or equivalent.
• Practical experience using and managing administrative systems and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organisational skills and flexibility to manage priorities.
• Ability to follow processes and work collaboratively across other parts of the service and wider department.
• Previous experience of Microsoft 365 applications.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Eligibility Officer role, team and our values. The section About you explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.

Benefits:

• Play a vital and rewarding role in making a significant impact on the School Transport Service.
• Work in a dynamic and supportive team environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Be part of a service that makes a real difference to families and communities.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.

Other roles you may have experience of may include: School Transport Compliance Officer, Education Transport Coordinator, Student Transport Eligibility Advisor, Transport Eligibility Officer, School Transport Assessment Officer, School Transport Services Officer, School Transport Advisor School Transport Access Officer.

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.