Autus is an independent, not-for-profit organisation based in Barrow, Cumbria. We support autistic children and adults by offering social opportunities, support, training and advocacy for themselves and their families/carers, friends and colleagues. Our services include running autism friendly activities and events, adult social clubs, 1:1 home consultations and employment advice.
We are looking for an organized and pro-active Office Manager to provide practical and administrative support across the organization. This is a varied role suited to an independent worker who enjoys bringing structure to a busy environment, can take ownership of day-to-day administration and is passionate about promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and supporting young people and those around them.
Hours: 12 hours a week, ideally spread over 4 mornings a week.
Ownership and Responsibilities
You’ll
· Manage day-to-day office administration and act as a central point of contact for staff, families, professionals and visitors.
· Maintain organized filing systems, document layouts and shared records, ensuring information is easy to find and appropriately stored.
· Maintain the client database and support diary management, meeting arrangements, event planning, correspondence and routine communications.
· Help to prepare, edit and format documents, reports, forms, training materials and other resources.
· Ensure we stay up to date with relevant policies and procedures such as fire, health and safety and data protection.
· Support basic finance and operational administration such as invoices, purchase records, expenses and timesheets.
· Maintain office supplies, equipment and facilities.
· Support our marketing and event’s organizers by preparing publicity, liaising with others and taking bookings.
· Support the smooth running of systems and processes including identifying problems and implementing improvements.
Skills and Attributes
As well as being comfortable working independently as part of a small team, you’ll be flexible, positive and:
· Highly organized: able to manage documents, files, tasks, and priorities in a clear and reliable way.
· Computer literate: confident using common office systems, including Microsoft Word, Excel and similar tools and comfortable editing, formatting and managing documents.
· Independent and proactive: able to drive your own workload, use initiative and complete both unplanned and day-to-day tasks without close supervision.
· A practical problem solver: able to spot issues, think though options and independently find sensible solutions.
· Calm, patient and caring: able to communicate with warmth and sensitivity when working with vulnerable young people, parents, carers, and support workers.
· Professional and confidential: understand the importance of handling personal and sensitive information carefully.
Other requirements
You will have professional experience in running an office or projects involving third sector organizations as well as experience of developing strong working relationships with clients and other agencies. Some knowledge and understanding of autistic spectrum conditions is essential and a background in SEND / counselling services or knowledge of relevant local networks in the statutory and third sector would also be beneficial.
As the post will involve contact with vulnerable children and adults, we require that you reveal any criminal convictions, bind over orders of cautions, including those which would normally be regarded as spent (by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, The Children’s Act 1989 and/or the Police Act 1997). The successful candidate will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS).
You will need an understanding of GDPR Legislation and a Level two Safeguarding qualification, training in these can be provided if necessary.
Qualifications or training in one or more of the following areas would also be beneficial:
- Accounts
- Marketing
- Project management
- IT systems
You may occasionally be asked to work non-standard hours to cover meetings or community events.
Job Types: Part-time, Contract
Pay: Up to £29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Barrow-In-Furness LA14 5QR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Office or Project Management: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
