Customer Service Apprentice (Sandwell Register Office)

Introduction

Working for Sandwell Council's registration services, you will carry out customer service and admin in connection with the registration of births, stillbirths, deaths, marriages, civil partnerships, burials, cremations, memorials and exhumations.

About the Employer

Sandwell is a large, multicultural metropolitan borough situated in the heart of the Black Country, to the west of Birmingham, within the West Midlands conurbation and with a population of over 280,000. The Council is one of the largest employers in the Borough with employees in a variety of occupations, providing a comprehensive range of services. Find out more information on Sandwell’s Values and Behaviours on the council’s webpage. For more information on careers in local government you can view a copy of the Local Government Career Guide.

What You'll Do

Working within Sandwell MBC - Registration Services, your duties will include:

• Duties will relate to the registration of all births, stillbirths, deaths, marriages, civil partnerships, burials, cremations, exhumations and memorials in Sandwell. Attendance at marriage, civil partnership, civil ceremonies and funerals at various approved premises and council managed facilities within the borough
• You will be meeting members of the public, face to face on a daily basis
• You will cover a wide range of duties, to include, searching and data input of historical indexes, preparation of certified copies of entries, dealing with enquiries from the public either in person, by telephone, email or in writing and reception duties
• To support the meeting, advising and supporting of the bereaved on all aspects and services relating to their loss
• To liaise with other staff in the organisation of cremations, interments and the management of memorials
• To assist with cashiers duties and in the day-to-day management of the cash receipting system, taking sums of money for certificates, searches and services supplied by the Registration Service by cash, cheque or credit card
• Assist with the raising of invoices and orders, receipting cash and issuing receipts
• Carrying out word processor duties as required. This will include entering paperwork on to a bespoke administration system to a daily deadline, and the production of legal documentation in connection with the services provided
• Assist in meetings with the bereaved and the provision of funeral services and memorials
• The duties allocated to this post are such that the employer may from time to time expect the post holder to co-operate in undertaking these duties outside normal working hours, in which case time off in lieu will be given
• To ensure that the Council's administrative procedures, systems, standing orders and financial regulations are adhered to
• To comply with policies of Sandwell MBC
• To carry out any other duties relevant to the post

Training Outcome

This apprenticeship is a fixed term 15-month contract. However, the skills, knowledge and experience gained in this apprenticeship will allow you to gain future opportunities in the sector.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Team working
• Neat handwriting
• Maintain confidentiality
• Data Protection
• Flexible attitude
• Able to prioritise
• Willingness to learn
• Reliable

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English Language - Grade A-C/9-4
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - Grade A-C/9-4

Course Information

Course: Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Level: 2

Route: Sales, marketing and procurement

Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday- Friday 9am- 5pm

Expected Duration: 1 Year 3 Months

Training Provider: SANDWELL COLLEGE