Are you ready for the next step in your career? If so, apply now!
If you have strong organisational, communication and project support skills, enjoy working across services and partnerships, and are passionate about supporting work that improves outcomes for children and young people, this could be the role for you.
As a Service Support Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the Education Division within Children’s Services. The Education Division is responsible for the council’s strategy to improve educational outcomes for children and young people across East Sussex, particularly those who are vulnerable to underachievement.
Working closely with Heads of Service and the wider leadership team, you will develop, manage and coordinate guidance, policy and procedure instructions across the division. You will provide specialist administrative support, help improve systems and processes, and contribute to projects that support organisational effectiveness and service improvement.
You will also act as a key point of contact for a wide range of enquiries from elected members, council officers, governors, school staff, parents and members of the public, coordinating responses as appropriate. The role includes supporting responses to Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Local Government Ombudsman and similar requests, ensuring these are completed accurately and within statutory timescales.
This is a varied role where you will help prepare for inspections, support consultation activity, produce clear guidance and information for different audiences, contribute to communications and engagement activity, and oversee the planning of departmental events and conferences. You will also manage a team of administrative staff, supporting their development, performance and wellbeing.
This is an excellent opportunity to use your skills in administration, communication, project coordination and people management to support services that make a real difference for children, young people and families across East Sussex.
We are looking for candidates who:
- RQF level 3 qualification in a relevant field such as project management, education and training, teaching and learning or customer service
- Ability to use IT systems and managing accurate records
- Able to work independently, prioritise effectively and manage competing demands
- Experienced in working across partnerships, including leading or facilitating meetings
Knowledgeable in SEND legislation and committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
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To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. Your supporting statement is the most important part of your application as it will be used in the shortlisting process to determine if you will be invited to attend an interview so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.
For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI .
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
Interviews are scheduled for Monday 20 July 2026 and will be held in person at County Hall, Lewes. We will be unable to provide an alternative date due to time constraints.
Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.
Why Join Us?
You will be joining a committed and collaborative Education Division that works to improve outcomes for all children and young people across East Sussex—particularly those most vulnerable to underachievement.
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Work closely with school leaders and system partners across the county
- Contribute to meaningful projects that impact education outcomes
- Develop your skills in project management, partnership working and strategic support
- Be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team
- A commitment to a model of reflective practice based on regular supervision to support all employees in their professional development.
- A continued professional development (CPD) programme to ensure your personal and professional skills and knowledge are enhanced and developed to support the performance of the service.
- A fellow team of motivated and committed professionals, and a supportive wider management team.
You’ll also benefit from a comprehensive induction, ongoing professional development, and access to a wide range of employee benefits.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, contact Katie Ridgway, Head of Education: Inclusion and Partnerships, [email protected]
For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!
Additional Information
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record . Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.
If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.
