Job Description

Specialist Support Officer Department

Legal and Democracy Support Team

Job Purpose

The Specialist Support Officer provides specialist administrative and clerical support to the Legal and Democracy Support Team, ensuring the efficient delivery of legal, democratic, civic and member support services. The post holder plays a key role in supporting the smooth operation of the service by coordinating meetings, managing information systems, supporting elected Members, and providing administrative support for civic and ceremonial activities.

The role has a specialist focus on civic and member support, working closely with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and elected Members to coordinate civic engagements, meetings and communications. The post holder will also support wider Legal and Democratic Services functions, including information governance, elections and committee administration, as required.

The role requires flexibility to attend a limited number of civic and ceremonial events outside normal working hours throughout the year.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable experience of providing administrative support within a busy office environment.
• Experience of office procedures, administrative systems and record management.
• Experience of responding professionally to enquiries by telephone, email and face-to-face.
• Experience of working within Legal Services, Democratic Services, Local Government, Elections or a similar public sector environment.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise competing workloads and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, elected Members, senior officers and external stakeholders.
• Experience of organising meetings, preparing agendas and taking accurate minutes.
• Good IT skills with experience of Microsoft Office applications and database management systems.
• Ability to work accurately, maintain confidentiality and demonstrate attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience of using Mod.Gov or similar committee management systems.
• Knowledge of Freedom of Information, Subject Access Requests and information governance processes.
• Experience of supporting civic and ceremonial events.
• Experience of working with elected Members and senior leaders.

Working Arrangements

The post holder will normally work standard office hours but will be required to attend a limited number of evening and weekend civic or ceremonial events throughout the year. Flexibility will be required to support the operational needs of the service.