(1) Summary
* We are looking for a bright and competent Operations Assistant to join our team in Blandford Forum, Dorset.
* This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading charity and social enterprise in a multi-disciplinary role in which you can develop your career. The role forms part of the Operations Team and, as such, you will be key to the successful running of the operation. We currently operate over 70 vehicles with a team of over 80 drivers.
* This is a permanent position of 40 hours per week and the salary is £26,800. We would be willing to consider applicants looking for 30 hours per week (salary pro rata).
(2) About DCT
* Dorset Community Transport (DCT) has been providing safe, accessible and affordable community transport for communities across Dorset since 2011. Our instantly recognisable green minibuses can be spotted throughout Dorset!
* DCT provides home-to-school journeys for children across the Dorset and BCP Council areas.
* DCT is also dedicated to supporting and enabling independent living, reducing isolation and encouraging social interaction, especially for vulnerable people (such as older or disabled people or those with mobility difficulties who struggle to leave their homes). We also provide group transport to local voluntary, community and social groups.
* DCT is part of ECT Charity, a nationally-recognised social enterprise that creates social value through its charitable activities.
* DCT is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome all applicants and are happy to make reasonable adjustments during the selection process (and if a position is offered, in employment) if required.
* DCT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and any vulnerable person using our services. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow safer recruitment practices.
(3) Key Tasks
* Answering incoming telephone calls and dealing with enquiries and requests.
* Taking transport bookings and requests, and relaying all necessary information to drivers, passengers and colleagues.
* Maintaining a full awareness of all transport services operated from DCT’s depot and providing support for each.
* Dealing with customers on the phone in a prompt and efficient manner.
* Issuing keys, paperwork and equipment as required.
* Maintaining all operational records to the relevant internal procedures and industry legal standards, including hard copy, computerised and archiving arrangements.
* Receipt, cash handling and checking of fares.
* Maintaining a variety of database and spreadsheet records and reports.
* Allocation, ordering and updating inventory of company uniform.
* Undertaking general administrative tasks within the office.
* Assisting with letter and report writing as directed, including the taking of and preparation of meeting minutes.
* Support and assist other members of the team as required.
* Attend relevant training courses as required.
* Undertake all other reasonable duties as delegated by a senior manager within the organisation or by the Board of Trustees.
Specific tasks will depend on operational need and may be affected by new services, revisions to procedures, etc. Please note that DCT reserves the right to modify this job description, but that any such amendments would be introduced only after consultation with the General Manager.
(4) Person Specification
It is essential that the candidate:
* is computer literate and is proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook;
* has strong written and oral communication skills so as to communicate effectively with people at all levels, backgrounds and circumstances in a patient and courteous manner;
* has a high level of accuracy and attention to detail;
* is able to work in a fast-paced environment;
* has previous experience in an office-based role;
* uses initiative and is a proactive self-starter;
* shows flexibility and willingness to work both as part of a team and independently without supervision as occasion demands, including flexibility in hours worked and to undertake a diversity of tasks;
* has A-level equivalent education or comparable experience; and
* is able to undertake route planning and map reading.
It is desirable (but not essential) if the candidate has:
* interest in transport and/or mobility issues;
* experience of working with older or disabled people or people with mobility difficulties;
* customer-service experience; and/or
* a valid UK driving licence.
Please note that the items in the above list are not listed in any particular order. Training will be made available to the successful candidate to increase their knowledge of the industry which may include MiDAS, Health & Safety and potentially Driver Awareness Training.
(5) Details of Role and Employment Particulars
This paragraph 5 provides a brief guide on the terms of employment. If we decide to proceed with your application, you will be issued with full particulars of employment.
* Start date: As soon as possible, subject to any existing job’s notice period.
* Hours: This is a full-time role (i.e. 40 (or 30) hours per week), Monday to Friday. Hours of work will normally be between 8.00am and 5.30pm with a maximum hour off for lunch (which is unpaid). An earlier start or later finish may be required for operational reasons. Excess hours will be given as time-off in lieu with prior agreement with your Line Manager.
* Location: 25e Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8ST
* Salary: The salary for this post is £26,800 per annum (based on a 40 hour week). The salary will be paid monthly in arrears by direct credit transfer. The monthly salary is calculated on the basis of 12 equal months.
* Employer: Dorset Community Transport is the name representing Ealing Community Transport’s operations in Dorset. Your employment contract will be with Ealing Community Transport.
* Probationary Period: The appointment will be subject to a six month probationary period.
* Notice: Employment is subject to one week’s notice by either side during the probationary period, and one month’s notice by either side on completion of probationary period.
* Holiday: Holiday entitlement amounts to a total of 20 days plus Bank Holidays. You may be required to take 3 days from your leave during the Christmas period. Leave must always be taken in conjunction with colleagues to ensure that adequate cover is available.
* Pension: NEST is offered as the workplace pension scheme. Further details will be provided to you upon commencement of your employment.
* Sick pay: DCT operates the Statutory Sick Pay Scheme (‘SSP’) during periods of properly certified sickness absence. DCT also operates an Occupational Sick Pay Scheme which provides payment in excess of the SSP rates, all such payments being at DCT’s absolute discretion and will depend on full compliance with obligations in relation to sickness reporting. Any sick pay paid will be deemed to include the SSP entitlement.
* Other Benefits: In addition to the abovementioned annual leave entitlement and company pension, DCT’s benefits package also includes opportunities for continuous professional learning and wellbeing support. DCT also welcome requests for flexible working to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.
* DCT is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity.
* DCT is also a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from the disabled community.
(6) How to apply
* We invite you to submit your application as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the end of March 2025 but we reserve the right to close it before this date in the event that we find a suitable candidate.
* All applications should be submitted online via the green "Apply for this Job" button above. The process requires you to attach your CV and covering letter that should demonstrate your skills, experiences and attributes that make you suitable for the role outlined in this job description.
* You will also be asked to please include details of two referees, one of which should be your most recent employer. We will not contact your referees without notifying you first.
* Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of their application. Those who are successful at this stage of the process will be invited to attend an interview at 25e Sunrise Business Park, Higher Shaftesbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8ST. Candidates who are not short-listed will be informed accordingly.
* DCT will process the personal data that you have supplied in this application in accordance with the Privacy Notice for job applicants available by clicking here. It is important to note that DCT will only process your personal data where it has a lawful basis for such processing.
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