Customer Service Assistant – Somerset Council (Hybrid, 12-Month Fixed-Term)
Looking for a rewarding customer service role where you can help support children and families? Somerset Council is recruiting a Customer Service Assistant to join its Children’s Services team in Taunton. This hybrid position offers excellent training, flexible working, and a competitive salary.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Customer Service Assistant
- Employer: Somerset Council
- Location: County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY, United Kingdom
- Salary: Grade 15 – £24,796–£25,185 per year
- Contract Type: Fixed-Term (12 months)
- Working Hours: 37 hours per week
- Work Pattern: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Working Arrangement: Hybrid (1 office day per week after training)
- Closing Date: 24 July 2026
- Interview Date: 7 August 2026
About the Role
The Customer Service Team acts as the first point of contact for residents accessing Somerset Council services. In this role, you’ll support the Children’s Services department by processing referrals, handling safeguarding-related enquiries, and ensuring information is accurately recorded.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working carefully, accurately, and methodically in a largely non-customer-facing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Process referrals for Children’s Social Care and other children’s services.
- Manage emails from professionals and members of the public.
- Record safeguarding concerns and Special Educational Needs (SEND) enquiries.
- Log police reports and electronic referrals.
- Contact professionals when additional information is required.
- Issue work permits, chaperone licences, and performance licences.
- Liaise with social workers and other council teams.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records.
- Follow established procedures and service standards.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Good computer literacy and confidence using multiple systems.
- Ability to remain calm when dealing with sensitive information.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Problem-solving ability and willingness to learn.
- Professionalism and confidentiality.
- Resilience in managing high-volume workloads.
Experience is not essential. However, experience with Children’s Services, Education, or Family Services (professionally or personally) is advantageous.
Benefits
Somerset Council offers an attractive benefits package, including:
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Excellent learning and career development opportunities.
- Generous annual leave with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Staff wellbeing services.
- Gym membership discounts.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Health screening benefits.
- My Staff Shop employee discount programme.
- Supportive and inclusive working environment.
Additional Information
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required.
- Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in spoken English in accordance with the Immigration Act 2016.
- Interviews will take place at County Hall, Taunton, on Friday, 7 August 2026, and will include a short assessment involving a fictional police report.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected local authority while making a meaningful contribution to safeguarding children and supporting families across Somerset. You’ll benefit from flexible working, structured training, career development, and a welcoming team environment.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the Somerset Council Careers portal before the 24 July 2026 closing date.
For an informal discussion about the role, applicants can contact the hiring manager before applying.