Front Office Administrator
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
About this job
<p>Our well-established and highly regarded employment service is seeking a dedicated professional with strong front of house and administrative experience to support our team. B&D Works (formerly known as the Job Shop) provides employment advice, training, and job opportunities to local people looking for work.</p> <p>We are recruiting a 1-year fixed term Front Office Administrator who will be the first point of contact for residents accessing our service. In this role, you will help create a welcoming, efficient, and supportive environment for people from various backgrounds and those facing health conditions, disabilities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Your work will directly contribute to transforming lives and supporting a fairer, more inclusive community.</p> <p>You will join a committed and passionate team operating in a diverse and fast paced environment. We pride ourselves on offering a safe, supportive workplace built on the belief that everyone deserves a fair chance, regardless of their circumstances. By helping residents access the right support, information, and guidance, you will play a key role in their journey toward employment and personal development.</p> <p>This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, and an enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant. What We’re Looking For We are seeking a self-motivated, enthusiastic team player who aligns with the Council’s core values: Deliver our best every day, and do what we promise Respond positively and promptly to the needs of our community Inspire others through our actions and attitudes Value people for who they are and what they can achieve Engage with others to strengthen resilience and flexibility.</p>
Special requirements for this post
<p>Please complete your application form in full. To maximise your chances of being shortlisted, ensure you address each criterion in the Person Specification that is assessed by application. If the role requires proof of qualifications, ensure these are uploaded within the attachments section of your application. It is a criminal offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity involving children and vulnerable adults.</p>
About you
<p>As a Front Office Administrator, you will ensure the smooth running of our reception and administrative functions across B&D Works locations. You will provide high-quality customer service, manage enquiries, support staff with administrative tasks, and help residents access the right services.</p> <p>You will bring empathy, professionalism, and a person-centred approach to every interaction.</p> <p>Success in this role requires:</p> <ul> <li>A strong ability to empathise with residents and provide a welcoming first point of contact.</li> <li>Excellent communication skills, both face-to-face and over the phone.</li> <li>Confidence in managing a busy reception area and handling multiple tasks at once. Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast paced, target driven environment.</li> <li>A proactive approach to problem-solving and supporting colleagues</li> </ul> <p>Key Responsibilities:</p> <ul> <li>Provide a warm, professional, and inclusive front of house service.</li> <li>Manage reception duties, including greeting visitors, handling enquiries, and maintaining a tidy and organised environment.</li> <li>Support residents to sign in, access appointments, and navigate services.</li> <li>Handle confidential information sensitively and in line with data protection requirements.</li> <li>Maintain accurate records, appointment schedules, and administrative systems.</li> <li>Support Work & Skills Brokers and other team members with administrative tasks. Communicate confidently with residents, partners, and senior colleagues.</li> <li>Use IT systems effectively, including email, databases, and booking tools.</li> <li>Contribute to a positive team culture and uphold the Council’s values.</li> </ul> <p>Please see further responsibilities within the Job Description, also please note this role will be based on-site within the offices 5 days per week and will be required to travel between sites to provide cover when needed.</p>
About us
<p><span><strong>Barking & Dagenham is changing. It Starts Here.</strong></span></p> <p><span>Think you know Barking and Dagenham? Think again. While this small corner of east London might have a reputation for needing development, scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find active communities and a place that consistently punches above its weight. The borough is changing – and changing for the better. And It Starts Here.</span></p> <p><span>Yes, the borough has its challenges. But it’s on the cusp of something exciting. With one of the youngest populations in the country, ambitions are high and rightly so. 98% of our schools are rated Good or Outstanding and every year more of our talented teenagers get into Russell Group Universities and hotly sought after apprenticeship schemes.</span></p> <p><span>We have award winning parks, centuries old manor houses full of relics and artifacts you can go and see, and the ruins of one of Anglo-Saxon England's most powerful and wealthiest religious sites. We’re even bringing beavers and white storks to the borough to help rewild the local landscape and boost biodiversity.</span></p> <p><span>Over the past few years, we’ve been working hard to improve how we deliver services and support our community. From tackling inequality to making sure our services are the best they can be, we’re focused on what matters most to local people. </span></p> <p><span>We’re creating the conditions for people to thrive - so everyone can enjoy a good quality of life, feel proud to call this place home, and be part of something bigger. </span></p> <p><span>#ItStartsHere - with our streets, our schools, our neighbourhoods. And with your application to join our determined team who are passionate about doing what’s best for the future of Barking and Dagenham. </span></p> <p><span>As an Investors in People Gold Award employer, we’re serious about supporting our staff. From flexible working, professional training and career development to wellbeing initiatives, we want our people to feel valued and supported in everything they do.</span></p> <p><span>Our values, known as</span></p> <ul> <li>DRIVE, shape how we work: Deliver our best every day – and do what we promise</li> <li>Respond in a prompt, positive way to our community’s needs</li> <li>Inspire others with our attitudes and actions</li> <li>Value people for who they are and what they can do</li> <li>Engage with others to improve our resilience and flexibility We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.</li> </ul> <p><span>We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.</span></p>