Senior Support Assistant

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Gateshead is looking for a Senior Support Assistant to provide vital administrative support for the Private Sector Housing Team. The role involves processing service requests, managing landlord license applications, and maintaining accurate records. Candidates should have a strong background in customer service, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to work with various IT applications. The position offers a competitive salary and a flexible working environment, along with substantial annual leave and pension benefits.

Benefits

Outstanding Pension Scheme

Generous Annual Leave

Flexible Working Hours

Health & Wellbeing Support

Learning & Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience working in a clerical and administrative role.
• Skilled in monitoring administrative procedures.
• Ability to handle challenging individuals.

Responsibilities

• Provide a high level of customer service for service requests.
• Process online Selective Landlord Licence applications.
• Monitor and update information systems for accuracy.

Skills

Customer service

Organisational skills

Data input

Communication

Problem solving

Education

4 GCSEs grade 4 or above including Maths and English

Tools

Microsoft Office

Customer management system

Job description

Who We Are & What We Stand For

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Our Private Sector Housing team is made up of Environmental Health Officers, Technical Officers and administrative support, working across a broad range of housing related issues including housing standards, noise and anti-social behaviour, public health issues, statutory nuisances and landlord licensing to improve conditions in the private housing sector.

Gateshead Council is seeking to appoint a Senior Support Assistant to join the Private Sector Housing Team. The team is made up of Environmental Health Officers, Technical Officers and administrative support, working across a broad range of housing related issues including housing standards, noise and anti behaviour, public health issues, statutory nuisances and landlord licensing to improve conditions in the private housing sector. You will be providing administrative support to the Private Sector Housing Team, receiving requests for service and recording information, processing landlord license applications, checking rented property safety certificates, raising invoices and monitoring payments, analysing information and producing reports, and preparing documents and presentations.

What you will be involved in

• Provide a high level of customer service when receiving and investigating service requests made in person at reception, by telephone, email, or in writing, ensuring all information is accurately recorded in the customer management system.
• Process online Selective Landlord Licence applications, checking all supporting information and documentation to prepare applications for licence approval.
• Raise invoices and monitor payments received.
• Monitor and update information systems within the Private Sector Housing Team to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Produce reports and statistical information as required.
• Carry out research and analyse information systems to ensure accuracy, including the review and management of performance information.

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• 4 GCSEs grade 4 or above including Maths and English or relevant equivalent experience

Knowledge

• Competent in using Microsoft Office and a range of IT applications.
• Familiar with standard layouts and formats for preparing reports, minutes, and general correspondence.

Experience

• Experience working in a clerical and administrative role.
• Experience working with the, including handling challenging individuals and difficult situations.
• Strong planning, organisational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Skilled in data input, record keeping, and maintaining a variety of databases.
• Able to apply a methodical approach to problem solving.
• Experienced in designing and developing administrative procedures and processes to meet identified needs.
• Skilled in monitoring administrative procedures to ensure they remain effective and fit for purpose.

What’s In It For You

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we are an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who’s truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We'll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

How To Apply

You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications. We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying. If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via.

Please note:

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high‑volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application. Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.