Senior Business Support Assistant

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

Contract: Permanent.

Hours:  22.5 hours per week.  

Closing date: 3rd November 2026

About the Role 

You don’t have to be a Social Worker to make a difference. We’re working to improve the lives of children in Somerset, and you’ll play an important role in that. Our Business Operations teams provide vital administrative support, helping practitioners focus on their work with children, young people and families. 

These roles support the Prevention and Youth Justice Service, including the Education Engagement and Working Against Violence & Exploitation (WAVE) teams. They are fast-paced and varied, requiring you to manage competing tasks, work accurately, and handle sensitive information with care. You will need to be confident using Microsoft 365 applications and experience of minute taking is desirable. You will be part of a strong, supportive team and will be warmly welcomed. 

How You'll Make a Difference 

You’ll play an important part in keeping the service running smoothly, making sure young people, families, professionals and partners receive a responsive and well-organised service. You’ll:

• Be a key point of contact, responding to enquiries, managing shared mailboxes and signposting people to the right support.
• Support the Duty phone, taking messages, helping callers and arranging volunteer support for young people when required.
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including uploading information to children’s electronic records to support legal processes and positive outcomes.
• Build effective relationships with families, carers, professionals, partner agencies, volunteers and colleagues.
• Keep essential processes on track through accurate record keeping, spreadsheets, management information and service reporting.
• Help organise meetings, panels, venues and volunteers, including taking clear and accurate notes.
• Provide practical administrative, interview and basic systems support to colleagues across the service.

What You'll Bring

• Administrative experience, working effectively as part of a team.
• Confident using Microsoft 365, spreadsheets and client management systems.
• Strong communication skills, with experience engaging with professionals, partner agencies and the public.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Organised, accurate and flexible, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines.
• Able to follow agreed processes and consistently produce high-quality work.
• NVQ Level 2 or 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent.

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. 

• Generous 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. 

Find out more about working at Somerset Council: 
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/ 

Further Information 

• 25 days’ annual leave, in addition to bank holidays. 

• Work base: Glastonbury Library Hub / or other hub by agreement (we support teams based in Bridgwater, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Taunton & Yeovil).  It is planned that you will spend much of your time in the Glastonbury office during your induction process.
• Flexible and hybrid working, with an expectation of 1–2 days per week in the office.  
• Interviews are scheduled to take place on 10th November 2026.

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, please contact Liz Reina Liz.Reina@Somerset.gov.uk 01749 822936 or Anna Harwood anna.harwood@somerset.gov.uk 01935 463592.

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. 

You can find a copy of the job description here:  AG0250 Senior Business Support Assistant - Generic.pdf 

Ref: 1562/EF