Senior Business Operations Assistant

Somerset Council; Shepton Mallet; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

LGPS

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council in Mendip is seeking a Senior Business Operations Assistant to support the looked-after children service. You will coordinate services, manage information and help social workers deliver timely support.

Hybrid working is available. This full-time fixed-term role runs until 21 December 2027 and includes training and a supportive team environment. You will handle sensitive information and build strong relationships with families and partners.

Qualifications

• Strong organisational skills to manage a busy workload with competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with a wide range of people.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint).
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate confidential records.
• Positive, flexible approach and ability to work collaboratively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate services, appointments and practical arrangements for children and families.
• Provide high-quality administrative support enabling social workers to spend more time with families.
• Organise and record meetings, capturing key decisions and actions accurately.
• Maintain accurate confidential records to keep services safe, effective and compliant.
• Build positive relationships with families, colleagues and partner organisations.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Teamwork

Tools

Microsoft 365

Word

Excel

Teams

SharePoint

Job description

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Salary: Grade 14 ranging from £26,016 to £26,847 per annum

Contract: Fixed Term until 21st December 2027

Hours: Full time - 37 hours per week

Closing Date: 4th November 2026

About the Role

Our Children's Commissioning service works alongside Children's Social Care teams to help ensure children and young people across Somerset receive the support, care and opportunities they need to thrive. Behind every successful frontline team is a dedicated business support team, providing the coordination and organisation that helps vital services run smoothly.

As a Senior Business Operations Assistant within our Mendip Children Looked After and Leaving Care teams, you'll play an important part in supporting some of Somerset's most vulnerable children and young people. This is a fast-paced and varied role where no two days are the same. You'll work closely with social workers, partner organisations, families and carers, helping to coordinate services, manage key information and ensure vital support is in place when it's needed most. Every task you complete helps our frontline colleagues focus on improving outcomes for children and young people.

The work is sensitive and highly confidential, but you'll receive full training and ongoing support from a friendly, experienced and welcoming team. We'll support you to build your skills and confidence, and you'll be joining colleagues who genuinely care about the work they do and the difference it makes.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Help children and young people access the support they need by coordinating services, appointments and practical arrangements.
• Provide high-quality administrative support that enables social workers to spend more time supporting children and families.
• Organise and record important meetings, ensuring key decisions and actions are captured accurately and on time.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records that help keep services safe, effective and compliant.
• Build positive relationships with families, colleagues and partner organisations, ensuring enquiries are handled professionally and sensitively.

What You'll Bring

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a busy and varied workload with competing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with confidence working with a wide range of people.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Teams and SharePoint.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records while handling sensitive information appropriately.
• A positive, flexible approach and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a supportive team.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
• Interviews are scheduled to take place on 11th November 2026.

We currently operate a hybrid working model, with a mix of home and office working on a rota basis. During your induction, you'll spend more time in the office so you can get to know the role, your colleagues and the support available to you.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Sarah Barry on 01749 822514 or [e-mail], or Louise Carpenter on 01749 822876 or [e-mail] .

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.