Central Government Job Descriptions

Below you will find the general job descriptions for a range of Central Government positions, advertised via Brook Street.

To view live vacancies with Brook Street, register via the online portal.

Administration Assistant (AA)

The Temporary Worker will provide routine administrative support tasks according to well-established procedures. Examples of work performed will include but not be restricted to:

• Sorting and distributing mail
• Photocopying, filing, posting or proof-reading data
• Answering telephone calls and relaying messages

Typical qualifications and experience:

• Two GCSEs at Grade C or above or equivalent
• NVQ Business Administration level 1 (or suitable administrative experience)
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Good communication skills, both oral and written

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Administration Officer (AO)

The Temporary Worker will provide administrative support. He or she will follow set procedures and will exercise some independent judgment in carrying out instructions, under general supervision. Examples of work performed will include but not be restricted to:

• Collating and analysing fairly complex information or data, submitting results in a written report
• Overseeing administrative procedures and processes
• Assisting with budget preparation and control, if required
• Acting as a administrative liaison with internal and / or external sources
• Preparing routine correspondence

Typical qualifications and experience:

• Five GCSEs at Grade C or above or equivalent (including English Language or equivalent)
• NVQ Business Administration Level 2 (or suitable clerical experience)
• Administrative experience with a good knowledge of and experience in using Microsoft Office
• Good communication skills, both oral and written

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Executive Officer (EO)

The Temporary Worker will provide junior management support and carry out administrative duties that are moderately complex. He or she will follow set procedures and will exercise some independent judgment in carrying out instructions, under general supervision. Examples of work performed will include but not be restricted to:

• Preparing routine correspondence and checking that of others
• Compiling, verifying and reporting data
• Completing forms or reports
• Managing the workload of a small team, if required
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders

Typical qualifications and experience:

• Five GCSE passes at Grade C or above
• Two ‘A’ level passes at grade E or above or equivalent
• NVQ Management Level 3 or 4 (or suitable junior management experience)
• Administrative experience with a good knowledge of and experience in using Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

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Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

The Temporary Worker will provide middle management support and operate with minimal supervision, exercising independent judgment in completing assignments. Examples of work performed will include but not be restricted to:

• Preparing high-level correspondence and checking that produced by others
• Interpreting and reporting complex data
• Resolving problems or responding to complex enquiries
• Managing the workload of a team or section
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders at senior level building and maintaining relationships

Typical qualifications and experience:

• Five GCSE passes at Grade C or above
• Two ‘A’ level passes at grade E or above or equivalent
• NVQ Management Level 3 or 4 (or suitable management experience)
• Good knowledge of and experience in using Microsoft Office
• Management experience in an office environment
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written

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Executive Secretary / Personal Assistant

The Temporary Worker will provide high-level diverse secretarial and administrative duties for one or two key senior managers, exercising independent judgment and discretion in performing tasks. Examples of duties will include but not be restricted to:

• Composing non-routine correspondence
• Compiling reports
• Transcribing dictation
• Typing documents, using word processor or spreadsheet software
• Receiving visitors
• Screening and directing manager's telephone calls
• Diary management
• Arranging meetings or travel
• Maintaining records or files

Typical qualifications and experience:

• Stage III RSA certificate (or equivalent) in typing / word processing
• Minimum typing speed of 60 wpm combined with advanced audio typing skills and shorthand if required at 110 / 120wpm
• Preferably a member of IQPS
• Experience as an executive secretary / personal assistant
• An advanced level of computer literacy and wide knowledge of relevant software packages
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written

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Senior Secretary

The Temporary Worker will provide high-level secretarial and administrative duties for one or more key executives in a Contracting Body organisation. Considerable judgment and discretion in completing assignments will be required across a broad range of complex responsibilities. Examples of duties will include but not be restricted to:

• Compiling reports
• Providing information
• Scheduling meetings, prepare agendas and papers for meetings
• Responding to routine correspondence
• Researching background material
• Responding to visitors and telephone calls

Typical qualifications and experience:

• Stage III RSA certificate (or equivalent) in typing / word processing
• Minimum speed of 50 / 60 wpm combined with advanced audio typing skills and shorthand (if required) at 110 / 120 wpm
• Preferably an associate member of IQPS (Institute of Qualified Private Secretaries)
• Experience as a Senior Secretary with a high level of computer literacy and knowledge of relevant software packages
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

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Secretary

The Temporary Worker will provide moderately difficult secretarial and administrative duties for a single officer or team, under direct supervision. Examples of work performed will include but not be restricted to:

• Typing or word processing correspondence, memos and reports
• Setting up and maintaining files and record systems
• Sorting and reviewing mail (including e-mail), greeting visitors, answering and routing telephone calls, or scheduling appointment
• Operating photocopier, facsimile, or other office equipment as necessary

Typical qualifications and experience:

• Stage II RSA Certificate (or equivalent) in typing / word processing
• Minimum speed of 45 / 50 wpm combined with elementary audio typing skills and shorthand (if required) at 90 / 110 wpm
• Experience as a secretary with knowledge of and experience in Microsoft Office
• Good communication skills both oral and written

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Court Usher

The Temporary Worker will work individually or as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of the courts. Example of work performed will include but not limited to:

• The filling of water bottles and ensure clean glasses are available
• The provision of paper for Adjudicator etc
• Wash and tidy away glasses at the end of the court sitting
• Liaise with Adjudicator and Court Section
• Obtain names of all parties and complete front sheets with court results
• Swear in witnesses as appropriate
• Photocopy any documents required by the court
• Provide assistance in the post room or elsewhere in the office as and when required

Competences:

• Must be polite and helpful to all customers both external and internal
• Remains clam, polite and tactful when dealing with difficult people
• Is aware of customer needs and is polite and efficient in dealing with these
• Passes on important information to all concerned promptly and clearly, with tact and honesty
• Works effectively with others irrespective of differences
• Tackles unacceptable behaviour in a constructive way
• Is approachable, non judgmental, honest and respects confidences in dealing with others
• Treats all colleagues fairly and is sensitive to their needs as individuals

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Support Worker e.g. Receptionist, Messenger, Telephonist

The Temporary Worker will provide duties as appropriate, as illustrated by the following examples.

Receptionist
A support worker carrying out receptionist duties will provide front-of-house support. Examples of duties will include:

• Greeting visitors complying with building security regulations
• Directing visitors to relevant points of contact
• Answering telephone queries
• Maintaining and updating electronic records
• Typical qualifications and experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both oral and written

Messenger
Example duties of a Support Worker acting as a Messenger will include but not be restricted to:

• Driving
• Mail duties
• Collection of confidential waste disposal sacks from offices
• Setting up meeting rooms
• Moving deliveries of large or heavy items using equipment provided

Typical qualifications and experience: experience of working as a messenger in a busy working environment.

Telephonist
A support worker working as a Telephonist will require excellent communication and interpersonal skills with experience as a Telephonist using a number of systems.

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Audio-typist

The Temporary Worker will work individually or as part of a team. Examples of duties will include:

• Entering and verifying a variety of data in appropriate formats
• Typing to targets as required
• Ensuring documents meet required standards

Typical qualifications and experience:

• Fully conversant with Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with WinScribe software

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Data Processor

The Temporary Worker will provide data processing support to an individual or team. Examples of duties will include:

• Entering and verifying a variety of data in appropriate formats
• Tracking and verifying quality of data entry from all sources
• Resolving problems regarding data
• Submitting reports to the Data Entry Supervisor

Typical qualifications and experience:

• 1-2 years relevant experience

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Call Centre Operator

The Temporary Worker will act as a member of the Call Centre. He or she will follow set procedures and will exercise some independent judgment in carrying out instructions, under general supervision. Examples of work performed will include but not be restricted to:

• Dealing with incoming calls, written correspondence and routine requests
• Collating and analysing fairly complex information or data
• Overseeing administrative procedures and processes

Typical qualifications and experience:

• Five GCSEs at Grade C or above or equivalent (including English Language or equivalent)
• NVQ Business Administration Level 2 (or suitable clerical experience)
• A good knowledge of and experience in using Microsoft Office
• A good level of keyboard skills
• Good communication skills, both oral and written