Clerical Assistant

Job Introduction

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours. 

Job introduction 

We are looking for a Clerical Assistant to join our SensePlus Portsmouth team to provide all areas of administrative support to the team and Unit Manager. This is a part time role based at SensePlus Portsmouth full time.

Your new role

The role provides comprehensive administrative and financial support to SensePlus Portsmouth, assisting the Unit Manager, staff, and service users. Key responsibilities include maintaining and improving administrative systems, managing financial processes using Fusion and manual systems, raising purchase orders, and handling petty cash and purchase card transactions. The position also involves updating client databases, managing inventory via SharePoint, and ensuring compliance with financial procedures and health & safety regulations. Duties include word processing, correspondence, filing, and general clerical tasks to support the smooth operation of the service.

Who is the person summary: 

The ideal candidate should demonstrate a positive attitude, be approachable and creative, and work well within a team. They must possess strong literacy and numeracy skills, including the ability to proofread official documentation, and have considerable IT proficiency—particularly in Excel, Word, Outlook, Publisher, and SharePoint—with a willingness to continually learn and support new systems for improved efficiency. Experience in handling business calls, accurate message recording, and familiarity with bespoke databases is preferred. A fast and accurate typing speed, understanding of data protection and confidentiality, and flexibility to work across different units are essential. The role also requires the ability to self-prioritise, work independently, manage electronic filing efficiently, and proactively suggest process improvements.

For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.

Our recruitment process

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal

Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. This role is based 5 days per week at SensePlus, please ensure you can fulfil this prior to submitting your application.

You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful. 

Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we have a successful applicant.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800. 

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Basic level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.

You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.