Apprentice Engagement and Grants Customer Support Officer

Deal with a wide range of initial enquiries on behalf of the team face to face, over the telephone, emails, and in writing - electronically and by letter. Support the team with the administration of annual Ward Budgets, and the Community Infrastructure Levy Fund, production of Ward Plans, Ward Profiles, Ward Newsletters, and updating the Neighbourhoods website. Ensure confidentiality regarding all documents received and circulated, taking account of the sensitivity of both the subject matter and the sensitivity of information to be managed in your role to the public and to the council and its partners. Provide administrative support at meetings, including team meetings and meetings with partners, which will include updating partnership distribution lists, agenda preparation, collation of supporting papers, minute taking, production and distribution of minutes, which can be complex and/or confidential in nature. Carry out filing, maintaining records, preparing documents for scanning, photocopying, arranging meetings, diary appointments, handling post, taking accurate notes of meetings as required. Assist with the compilation of reports, administrating team databases for projects, grant funding, community engagement activities and other community development services. Carry out filing, maintaining records, preparing documents for scanning, photocopying, arranging meetings, diary appointments, handling post, taking accurate notes of meetings as required.  Assist with the compilation of reports, as requested, administrating team databases for projects, grant funding, community engagement activities and other community development services. Provide support for arranging events including producing materials, booking venues, booking catering, sending out invitations. Receipt and distribute incoming post, process correspondence and send mail out. The production of accurate and time critical, documents, spreadsheets and correspondence using relevant ICT skills as required. Comply with the Council’s financial procedures and accounting instructions. Help to collate statistical information and prepare appropriate returns as required. Record information and maintain records as required. To liaise with internal and external customers and other stakeholders in support of project work and to ensure the service area is delivering the standard of service required. To participate in the Council’s Appraisal Scheme. It is your responsibility to carry out your duties in line with the Council's policy on equality and be sensitive and caring to the needs of the disadvantaged, promoting a positive approach to a harmonious working environment. You will receive full training in all aspects of this as part of your induction and ongoing throughout your apprenticeship. Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post to assist the Service Area in the fulfilment of its objectives commensurate with the post holder's salary grade, abilities and aptitudes. The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to the Council's policy, organisation and arrangements for Health and Safety at Work You will receive full training in all aspects of this and appropriate supervision and guidance throughout your apprenticeship.

Training:

At the end you will gain a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Qualification. This will include any IT Functional Skills as appropriate. The apprenticeship training will be delivered in the workplace, as you will receive visits from an assessor. The apprenticeship will also include a proportion of 20% Off The Job Training and a robust programme of Mandatory Apprentice Training provided by Sandwell Council to include Workplace Professionalism and Equality & Diversity.

Training Outcome:

This apprenticeship is a fixed term contract. However the skills, knowledge and experience gained in this apprenticeship will allow you to gain future opportunities either with the council or within the wider sector. 

Employer Description:
Sandwell is a large, multicultural metropolitan borough situated in the heart of the Black Country, to the west of Birmingham, within the West Midlands conurbation and with a population of over 280,000. The Council is one of the largest employers in the Borough with employees in a variety of occupations, providing a comprehensive range of services. For more information about Sandwell Council’s apprenticeship programme and our recruitment process please visit our YouTube channel. Find out more information on Sandwell’s Values and Behaviours on the council’s webpage. For more information on careers in local government you can view a copy of the Local Government Career Guide.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.30am and 5.30pm – 37 hours per week. Some meetings will take place in the evening, and you will be given Time Off in Lieu.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience