Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.
The Neighbourhoods & Localities team play a key role in several important areas, such as homelessness prevention work, older person's housing support and case management of antisocial behaviour work. They do all of this and more, through proactive and strategic approaches that are designed to agree and deliver on local priorities via both internal and external partnerships. The team also offer a comprehensive housing service, managing over 17,000 properties through a team of housing officers, support staff, caretaking staff, concierge and handypersons.
Please note: This is a fixed term contract position until 30/11/2026.
About the role
As a Clerical Assistant, you will be responsible for processing housing and medical applications to support applicants in their efforts to rehouse. You will be able to retain and recall our Gateshead Housing Allocations Policy so you can make quick decisions about the information you are working. You'll use IT systems to process electronic data accurately and at a good pace. We want to provide excellent customer service while offering accurate advice and support to customers; this will be over the phone, in writing and occasionally face to face.
Gateshead Civic Centre will be your place of work, but the role has the option of some home working. You will need to be available to work from the Civic Centre when required and, initially, you will need to work within the Civic Centre each day to undertake essential training.
What you'll get to do
* Register and update housing applications to confirm customers are eligible for social housing and ensure they have the correct level of housing need priority.
* Apply the Gateshead Housing Allocations Policy accurately by assessing the individual circumstances of each housing application.
* Process applications on the IT system, ensuring customer data is checked, transferred, and updated accurately and efficiently.
* Communicate clearly and professionally with customers so they receive accurate, highquality advice about their housing application. This includes face to face, telephone, post, email, and online messages.
* Liaise with internal departments and external organisations to gather information and ensure applications are processed correctly.
* Demonstrate a positive and inclusive attitude when dealing with internal and external customers and colleagues.
* Maintain uptodate knowledge of the Gateshead Council Allocations Policy and relevant housing legislation.
* Work collaboratively as part of a team, sharing knowledge to meet the objectives of the service.
* Provide general clerical and administrative support to the wider Lettings Team.
What you'll bring:
* A good standard of numeracy and literacy, shown by GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C (or equivalent), or relevant work experience in a similar role.
* Experience using IT systems, including basic competence in Microsoft Office such as Outlook, Word, and Excel. Experience of the NEC system is beneficial.
* Experience in providing excellent customer service, using a professional, caring, and helpful approach, including when a customer disagrees with a decision.
* Ability to process electronic data accurately and efficiently.
* Ability to retain and apply a wide range of policy information to support effective and timely decisionmaking.
* Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and electronic communication.
* Ability to work well both independently and as part of a busy team.
What's in it for you
* Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
* Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides:
* Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
* Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
* Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we are an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who's truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We'll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
How to apply
You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you'll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don't hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.