Senior Administrative Officer

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC624530
Salary Range: £33,178 - £36,369 per annum
Work Location: Swanwick Lodge, Southampton 
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent 
Closing Date: 3 August 2026

The Role:

Swanwick Lodge is a highly specialist, secure children’s home supporting up to ten children with complex attachment, mental health and behavioural needs. Operating within a fast-paced and highly regulated environment, we rely on strong business support to help ensure the safe, effective and compliant delivery of care. As our Senior Administration Officer, you will play a key role in leading and co-ordinating the administration function and supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the home.

Working closely with the Business Manager, Service Manager and wider leadership team, you will oversee financial administration, data and reporting, recruitment, training compliance and systems management. This is an excellent opportunity for an organised, proactive and solution-focused individual whose work will directly support frontline colleagues to achieve the best possible outcomes for children, while helping the service remain compliant, efficient and inspection-ready.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and support the administration team.
• Provide high-level business support to the home's leadership team.
• Manage data, reporting and compliance processes.
• Support the smooth day-to-day running of the home.
• Maintain confidentiality, safeguarding and regulatory standards.
• Resolve challenges and drive continuous improvement.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in an administrative or business support role.
• Experience leading or supervising a team.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage priorities.
• Confident using IT systems, data and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive, adaptable and solution-focused approach.
• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and compliance requirements.
• A compassionate and empathetic approach, aligned with our core values.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Senior Administration Officer role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application. 

Why join us?

As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of vulnerable children while developing your own skills and career.

• Rewarding work: Make a positive difference in our service users’ lives, knowing that your efforts can create a lasting impact and enhance their quality of life.
• Training: We provide a full, in-depth and supportive induction programme along with continuous training and development.
• Supportive environment: Work within an inclusive, friendly, and collaborative team who take pride in their work and value and support each other.
• Ongoing development opportunities: We invest in your future, offering you the chance to enhance your skills and advance your career in the care sector.
• Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.

**Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK.

**

Other roles you may have experience of may include:  Care Home Administrator, Senior Administrator, Admin Officer, Administration Manager, Business Support Manager, Manager, Business Services Manager, Workforce Administration Manager or Administration Team Leader.

Additional Information:

Senior Administrative Officer Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk 
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Chris Bailey, Business Manager on Chris.Bailey2@hants.gov.uk 

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
 

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
 

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.