Eligibility Officer

Hampshire County Council; Winchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Occupational sick pay

Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

A local government authority in Winchester is seeking an Eligibility Officer to enhance their School Transport Service. In this full-time administrative role, you will assess eligibility for school transport, ensuring high standards of customer care. Key qualifications include GCSEs in English and Maths and strong communication skills. The position offers opportunities for professional development and a comprehensive benefits package. If you're organized, detail-oriented, and passionate, this is a rewarding opportunity.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Practical experience using and managing administrative systems and procedures.
• Exceptional attention to detail and flexibility to manage priorities.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to follow processes and work collaboratively across the service and department.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 applications.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a high standard of customer care when dealing with families and stakeholders.
• Draft clear and professional written responses to customer queries.
• Assess eligibility of school-aged and post-16 children for school transport.
• 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 SOPs and develop knowledge of School Transport policy and related services.

Skills

Organisational skills

Customer service skills

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Administration

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths (grades A*-C or 9-4) or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Hampshire County Council

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 (grades A*‑C or 9‑4) 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.
• 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.

To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.

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

Seniority level

Not Applicable

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Administrative