Senior Administrative Assistant

OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental authority is looking for a Senior Administrative Assistant to join their team at Swanwick Lodge. This role involves vital administrative support, ensuring the smooth running of services for children with complex needs. Candidates should have prior administrative experience, strong communication skills, and be proficient in Microsoft Office 365. The position offers career growth and a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Occupational sick pay

Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in an administrative role.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with a customer-focused approach.
• Capacity to maintain composure under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and respond to emails and phone calls.
• Take minutes of meetings as needed.
• Oversee children's secure order extensions and contracts.
• Resolve queries and escalate complex issues.
• Perform data checking and monitoring tasks.

Skills

Previous administrative experience

Team player

Strong communication skills

Resilient and adaptable

Good IT skills (MO365)

Attention to detail

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Job Details

Job Reference: HCC622861

Salary Range: £25,186 - £26,244 per annum

Work Location: Swanwick Lodge, Swanwick

Hours per week: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 8 December 2025

The Role

Join our friendly team as a Senior Administrative Assistant at Swanwick Lodge, where we are dedicated to delivering exceptional and compassionate support to up to 10 children with complex attachment, mental health and behavioural needs. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2024 it provides a safe, secure and therapeutic environment for some our most vulnerable young people.

As an integral part of our small supportive team, you’ll carry out vital administrative tasks at Swanwick Lodge, ensuring the smooth running of our service.

What you’ll do

• Monitor and respond to emails and phone calls.
• Take Minutes of meetings as and when necessary.
• Oversee Childrens Secure Order extensions and contract / variations, follow up with management if missing.
• Resolve queries and elevate complex queries where required.
• Data checking and monitoring, including working with spreadsheets.
• Lead on Childrens Information Board updates.
• Issue petty cash and pocket money when required.

What we’re looking for

• Previous administrative experience.
• Team player with a customer-focused approach.
• Strong communication skills.
• Resilient and adaptable to changing demands, remaining calm and professional.
• Good IT skills, especially MO365 (Word, Outlook, Excel) and willing to develop these further.
• Good attention to detail, organisation and prioritisation skills.
• Shows patience, compassion, and empathy in all interactions.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Senior Administrative Assistant 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.

Why join us

• Make a difference – Help to provide a highly structured, stimulating and caring environment within our well-appointed home. The role can be emotionally challenging at times, but your commitment will have a lasting impact on the lives of others.
• Career growth – Access to a wealth of rewarding career choices.
• Professional development – Supportive supervision and continuous learning opportunities.
• Employee support – 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.
• Competitive benefits package – Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.

Other job titles you may be searching for: Administrative Assistant, Administrative Officer, Administrative Support, Administrative Coordinator, Secretary, Administrative Specialist, Business Support, Office Assistant, Personal Assistant, Office Administration, Administrator.

Additional Information

Senior Administrative Assistant Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements

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

For general enquiries, please contact [e-mail]

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Swanwick Lodge on 01489 581913

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.