Administrative Officer

Job Details: Job Reference: HCC625282 Salary Range: £28,697 - £31,573 per annum Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working) Hours per week: 37 Contract Type: Permanent Closing Date: 15 November 2026 Interview Date: 1 December 2026 The Role: We are seeking an enthusiastic and capable Administration Officer to join the busy administration team within Services for Young Children (SfYC) . Hampshire's Children's Services are highly regarded and committed to improving outcomes for children, young people and families. Services for Young Children plays a vital role in supporting high-quality early years and childcare provision across the county, helping to ensure every child has the best possible start in life. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a service that makes a real difference. As part of our administration team, you will support colleagues, childcare providers and parents, helping to ensure services and funding processes run smoothly and efficiently. What you’ll do: Provide administrative support across the Services for Young Children team. Manage contact triage and ensure enquiries are accurately recorded. Use systems and tools, including Excel, to maintain data quality and produce information. Follow and help update procedures to support consistent service delivery. Process Early Years Education Funding claims through IT systems. Respond to routine enquiries, escalating complex issues when required. Monitor outstanding invoices and ensure compliance with corporate procedures. Build effective working relationships with colleagues and customers. Prioritise workloads to meet deadlines and support team objectives. Use initiative to solve problems and provide guidance when needed. Support continuous improvement by developing efficient working practices and making effective use of Microsoft 365 tools. Handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately. Take responsibility for your own learning, development and performance. Support other areas of the service as required. What we’re looking for: Significant administrative experience, supported by relevant qualifications or equivalent experience. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment. Experience working to deadlines while maintaining high levels of accuracy. Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the confidence to influence and challenge appropriately. Good knowledge of administrative processes, systems and procedures. Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, SharePoint and Word. Experience of reviewing processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Administrative Officer role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application. Why join us? Joining Services for Young Children offers the opportunity to make a real difference to children, families and childcare providers across Hampshire. As part of a supportive and experienced team, you will help ensure that essential early years services and funding are delivered efficiently and effectively. Your work will contribute directly to improving outcomes for children and supporting families to access high-quality childcare. We offer: A rewarding role that positively impacts children, families and childcare providers. A supportive and collaborative team environment. Opportunities to learn, develop and build expertise within early years services and administration. Flexible working arrangements where service needs allow. Access to a comprehensive employee benefits package, including generous annual leave and pension provisions. Ongoing training and development opportunities to support your career progression. If you are organised, customer-focused and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, this is an excellent opportunity to join a service that helps change lives through childcare. In return, we are committed to your continued personal development and offer an extensive benefits package . Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date. Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK. Other roles you may have experience of may include: Administration Assistant, Business Support Assistant, Business Support Officer, Administrative Coordinator, Office Administrator, Customer Service Advisor, Customer Service Administrator, Data Administrator, Programme Administrator, Operations Administrator, Finance Administrator, Reception Administrator, Team Administrator, Executive Assistant, Project Support Officer, Clerical Officer, Education Administrator or Local Government Administrator. Additional Information: Administrative Officer Candidate Pack Vetting Requirements: The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview . Contact Details for an Informal Discussion: For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk For an informal chat about the role, please contact Emma Hoskins, Senior Administrative Officer on emma.hoskins@hants.gov.uk Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies. We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.