Job summaryWe are recruiting a Health Protection Administrative Officer (AO) to work in the UKHSA North West Cumbria and Lancashire business support team.The AO is a key member of our operational team supporting the busy health protection response, and you will need to be a strong administrator, proficient with Microsoft Office packages, and be able to work accurately with pace to meet tight deadlines. You will also be required to keep up-to-date with current practice and learning, and adhere to legislation, policies and procedures.This is a diverse and interesting role, and one which requires a flexible approach as workload priorities can change.You will be joining our North West multi-disciplinary team made up of consultants, practitioners, surveillance scientists, emergency planning and business support colleagues.We have a friendly and collaborative team where everyone's role is valued and contributes to the UKHSA mission to keep the local population health secure.Main duties of the jobOperate and update a range of databases and computerised case management / surveillance systems. Input confidential data and information accurately and completely, using the correct formats.Deal with complex telephone enquiries and other communications re infectious diseases and incidents that may require a high degree of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.Organising and supporting internal and external meetings where you will be expected to take minutes, both via Microsoft Teams and face-to-face.Provide comprehensive administrative support, including preparing and responding to routine correspondence, and diary management of one or more senior staff.See candidate pack for full duties.About usWe pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesMain duties of the job are listed above, and full details are in the attached candidate pack.Post LocationYour contractual and operational base will be in Preston. The role includes hybrid working which allows for staff who can operate remotely at home and in the office, to fulfil their role and responsibilities in line with the team and UKHSAs policies and guidance. The successful candidates will be expected to attend site 60% of their working time in line with current Civil Service expectations. On non-office days, the individual may work from home. Other travel from time to time may be required.Application Process DetailsTo apply for the role you are required to complete an online application form. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.Stage 1 - Application & Sift:This vacancy will use competency-based questions to assess the behaviours, experience, ability, technical skills/qualifications, strengths and commitment to equality and diversity detailed in the essential person specification.As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a detailed Personal Statement / Statement of Suitability of up to 1500 words which will be assessed in line with the criteria listed in the person specification.Applicants are strongly advised to use the criteria in the job description/person specification (available online) as sub-headings in their application to make it clear how they meet each of the selection criteria.You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.In the event a high volume of applications is received, an initial sift will be based on the essential criteria: Microsoft Office experience and call handling experience. Candidates who pass the initial sift will be progressed to a full sift.Stage 2 InterviewAll candidates who are successful at the sift stage will progress to a single video interview and will be assessed on the essential criteria as advertised.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed for this role isBPSSInterviews will be held in July 2024.Other InformationOption 3 External - Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)Person SpecificationQualificationsEssentialoEducated to a level 2 qualification and / or relevant experience working at a similar levelKnowledge and experienceEssentialExperience of using Microsoft Office software i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint or equivalent.An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.Skills and abilitiesEssentialAbility to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Take time to consider the best communication channel to use for the audience, including making the best of digital resources and considering value for moneyAbility to prioritise own work and work with minimal supervisionAbility to produce work that is accurate in a timely fashion, whilst multi-tasking and working in a busy environmentAbility to follow guidance, policies, and processes, including handling sensitive and confidential dataAbility to handle telephone enquiries and receive visitorsAbility to work well as part of a teamDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer detailsEmployer nameUK Health Security AgencyAddressCounty HallPrestonPR1 8XJEmployer's websitehttps://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)