Reception Helpdesk Assistant

The typical shift pattern for a Reception Helpdesk assistant is Monday - Friday, working alternating weekly shift patterns of 09.00 - 13.00 / 13.00 - 16.00.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

• You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.
• Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
• We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:

Qualifications/Experience

1. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
2. Experience of working in a team delivering customer-focused services or having relevant qualifications for the role.
3. General administrative experience in an office environment.
4. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

1. Good spoken and written communication skills.
2. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including the internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking systems.
3. Committed to training/continuing professional development.
4. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.
5. Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.

We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, the systems & administrations team would be happy to speak to you. operations.recruitment@durham.ac.uk.

Typical Role Requirements

Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.

Service Delivery

• Provide an excellent and timely service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
• Log, record and pass on information for use by others.
• Follow established procedures when carrying out your role, varying when necessary or referring to more senior colleagues.
• Collect, organise and record data and information accurately for use by others.
• When carrying out your role, apply relevant industry and regulatory standards.
• Carry out some tasks that may require specialist skills and may be physically demanding.
• Operate everyday tools and domestic equipment.
• Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations, being aware of any hazards and risks and reporting any incidents.
• Follow established security protocols when dealing with other staff who are new to an area of work.

Teamwork/Liaison

• Help to move, set-up and maintain any facilities, equipment or tools.
• Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service.
• Help and cooperate with the rest of your team on operational matters to help achieve shared objectives.
• Liaise with staff in other areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
• Help team members review and update risk assessments.

Communication/Personal

• Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University’s values.
• Follow established procedures to respond to queries and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.
• Respond to queries and provide information about events and activities run by the service.
• Learn the skills needed to deliver services in a college environment.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.