Admissions, Applications & Awards Officer Fixed Term, Part Time £29,377 up to £30,377 per annum Location: Chelmsford Closing Date: 18th March 2026 Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 8 months Please note this is a part time position working 29.36 hours per week. The pro rata salary will be £ £23,311.05 up to £24,104.56 per annum This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Chelmsford, 1 day per month, with the remaining time allowing for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation's needs. The Opportunity To validate, assess and determine a high volume of applications under legislative criteria, applying detailed knowledge of school admissions and education transport assessment, preparing case papers for appeal hearings to be heard under statutory guidance. This role will work in a multi-disciplinary team handling applications for admissions to more than 500 mainstream schools in Essex and the full spectrum of primary, secondary, special and alternative provision schools in relation to transport eligibility. Responsible for the timely assessment and determination of school places and transport assessment for children in response to several thousands of individual applications, the postholder will interact on a daily basis with schools, parents and other internal and external stakeholders to deliver outcomes under the law and Council policies. Excellent, timely customer service, whilst upholding Council policy decisions in these critical front line services will be essential. Accountabilities Validating, considering and determining applications for school places under national legislation and the statutory School Admissions Code to fulfil the Council's statutory and published obligations on each individual application. Apply detailed subject matter knowledge of the law, statutory guidance and the Council's Education Transport Policy to accurately assess each application and inform parents within service timescales. Ensure all individual school and casework deadlines are met, working in partnership with schools and preparing detailed, accurate documents for the statutory independent admission appeal process. Monitor and quality assure the accuracy and completion of the work of Customer Service Advisers, providing training and support. Work collaboratively and correspond with relevant stakeholders, including with parents of children with complex needs, as well as with schools and Headteachers to provide outcomes, whilst maintaining Council policy. Continuously monitor and review outstanding work, escalating casework and issues as necessary and keep parents and schools informed about any delays. Be responsible for providing detailed individual casework history and advising more senior officers in order to respond to complaints made through Cllr's, elected members, MPs, the Local Government Ombudsman and other relevant sources. Challenge any inappropriate advice, robustly and clearly defending Council policy whilst demonstrating empathy for parents, including those with children with special educational needs and disabilities to deliver fair and lawful transport assessment outcomes. Use in depth knowledge to respond to high volumes of customer enquiries about admission and transport policy, co-ordinating information for complaints and transport appeals and sharing feedback to suggest and implement continuous improvement. To undertake effective complaint and conflict resolution with parents, schools and other relevant customers, evaluating issues and using effective oral and written communication skills to offer de-escalate concerns. Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework. The Experience You Will Bring Educated to A Level standard or equivalent by experience. A high level of attention to detail, accuracy, and organisational skills. Knowledge and understanding of the legislative and policy framework on school admissions and transport, including the Statutory School Admission Code and the co-ordinated processes. Excellent IT skills particularly in Microsoft Excel and the use of databases and email. Knowledge and experience of the Capita One admissions systems and software would be a distinct advantage. An understanding of the requirements of data protection and information security. The ability to work independently with limited supervision to complete essential tasks that are critical to the overall processes. Experience in working in a customer focused environment with an appreciation of accountability and the consequences of actions and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders. Adept and multi-tasking and working in a pressurised environment of non-negotiable deadlines, whilst maintaining quality.