Apprentice - Business Administration (Children's Services)

About the Role

This apprenticeship would suit anyone looking for a career in Business Administration and with an interest in Social Care, whether you’re a school-leaver or looking for a career change. You’ll be part of the new Family Help Teams in Children's Services, who are friendly and supportive, offering a varied and interesting workload.

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

The Family Help Teams are newly set-up teams using the Families First model. These teams work with families from early help level through to high-end statutory involvement, including child protection and Children Looked After.

The Business Administration Apprentice will support the Family Help Teams and will be responsible for:

• Providing day-to-day administrative support to the Family Help Teams for East and West, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintaining and updating electronic records and case management systems, ensuring information is accurate, secure, and compliant with data protection requirements.
• Supporting the organisation of a panel, including sending invitations, preparing agendas, and taking minutes where required.
• Handling incoming and outgoing communications, including emails, telephone enquiries, and post.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to ensure effective coordination of services.
• Managing and organising filing systems (both electronic and paper-based) in line with organisational policies.
• Providing general office support, including scanning, photocopying, and data entry.
• Maintaining confidentiality at all times, particularly when handling sensitive information relating to children and families.
• Actively engaging in learning and development opportunities as part of the apprenticeship.

You’ll be provided with a wide variety of work experience opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in a number of office-based activities as required by the qualification.

Location: Civic Offices
New Road
Grays
Essex
RM17 6SL

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training Details:

• Training provider: SOUTH ESSEX COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)

Course Contents:

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.