About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Administrator to join our ever evolving team providing Administrative support to PALMS where we have a proven track record of our Administrators developing and progressing to other careers within the NHS in a range of roles.
We are seeking to appoint a motivated and forward thinking Senior Administrator who can work flexibly and is committed to supporting the development of PALMS.
Interviews will be run in person at Sandridge Gate Business Centre, full details and instructions will be provided to successful candidates.
*Proposed interview date: 9th September 2026*
HCT will prioritise recruitment of workers living in England under the new immigration rules for care workers effective from 9 April 2025. Employers must first prove that they have attempted to recruit a worker from within England who needs new sponsorship. This ensures that those who came to the UK to pursue a career in adult social care can do so.
Main duties of the job
The ideal candidate will:
Be a hardworking, well organised and adaptable individual Be able to evaluate and prioritise work, responding quickly to daily changes in work pattern Be able to work in a team environment and make valuable contributions Have an excellent telephone manner, communicating with professionals and families with tact and sensitivity Have excellent written and verbal communication skills Have excellent touch typing skills and be able to type from digitally dictated files PALMS is a friendly, cohesive and proactive team who value feedback. We empower all team members to contribute to the continuous development of the service and welcome innovation and change.
About us
PALMS works across Hertfordshire providing a specialist multi-disciplinary approach. PALMS is one of the Children and Young People's Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) which offers individually tailored support for CYP, aged 0-18 who have an intellectual disability and/or are autistic, helping families to manage behaviours of concern, toileting, feeding and sleeping concerns which have not benefitted from community interventions and/or to support mental health needs which cannot be met with reasonable adjustment by other CYPMH services.
Interventions include intervention workshops, intervention groups, individual therapy, parent as therapist sessions, and a family clinic. PALMS aims to keep CYP with their families thereby improving outcomes for all family members. PALMS predominantly applies narrative, systemic, positive behaviour, and bio-psycho social models adhering to the STOMP / STAMP and Transforming Care Agendas.
We don't want you to miss out so we'd like you to know that if we have a high level of interest in this role, the vacancy may close prior to the advertised closing date, so please make your application as soon as possible - Apply now
You can apply to Access to Work to get money for communication support at a job interview - please use this link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-communication-support-at-a-job-interview-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-access-to-workYou need to apply before the interview takes place.
Job description Job responsibilities
We can offer you:
Regular appraisal, personal development planning and opportunities for continuing professional development. Regular line management and support including clinical supervision The chance to work with a number of different professionals
In addition to the basic salary, this post attracts a High Cost Area Supplement of up to 5% of basic salary
A full valid driving licence and access to a car insured to use for business purposes is essential (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010). Applicants to be aware that PALMS work within the ULEZ zone and any charges due to non-compliant vehicles can not be reimbursed by the Trust.
We are committed to supporting flexible working options for staff, wherever possible, and welcome discussions on flexible working patterns to support our staff to maintain a healthy work life balance.
We welcome diversity in our workforce and are interested in applicants from all backgrounds and ages.
The use of AI is monitored and if you have used it then you are required to declare this, as well as what type of AI tools you have used and for what purpose. We reserve the right to further test your individual knowledge and skills in relation to the requirements for the post through robust and thorough interview and assessment.
Person Specification
Candidate requirements Essential
Demonstrate empathy, sensitivity and tact Organise office routines and develop associated policies to be shared across the service. Provide training and support to the team in using data entry system, word processing, telephone system if required Acquire full working knowledge of new and sometimes complex IT systems quickly and competently and to assist others in developing their own knowledge. Maintain a professional telephone manner at all times to make and receive telephone calls.
Skills Essential
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability be able to present written information in a format that is clear, legible and correctly spelt. Fast and accurate typing skills To demonstrate initiative and analytical skills in dealing with enquiries from the team, parents/carers and other professionals and outside agencies
Desirable
Copy typing and audio typing
Experience Essential
Experience of working in an office environment and knowledge of full range of secretarial procedures Significant secretarial experience with experience in health care setting
Qualifications Essential
GCSE English and Maths NVQ3 RSA3 or equivalent experience in similar role
Abilities Essential
Ability to work as part of a team and work together to cover and share the workload, maintaining good working relationships at all levels Adaptability/flexibility and ability to cope with unpredictable work patterns and change Maintain judgment under pressure and work within agreed deadlines Work independently and manage and prioritise own workload
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This 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.
Employer details Employer name Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust
Address Sandridge Gate
St Albans
AL4 9XR
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.hct.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)