Helpdesk Assistant Job Vacancy at Westmorland and Furness Council | Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Available

Location: Penrith, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Salary: £25,584 – £25,992 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week (Full time)
Contract Type: Permanent
Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship available
Application Deadline: 1st June 2025

Overview: Join Westmorland and Furness Council as a Helpdesk Assistant

Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a motivated and skilled Helpdesk Assistant to join their Corporate Asset Team. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates who excel in customer service and possess strong communication skills to play a pivotal role in supporting the maintenance and management of council properties and assets.

The successful applicant will be responsible for handling helpdesk requests efficiently, engaging with building users and contractors, and ensuring all maintenance work complies with safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities of the Helpdesk Assistant Role

Provide comprehensive electronic and telephone helpdesk support for users of council-owned and approved external buildings.
Receive, log, and prioritise maintenance and service requests according to established protocols.
Offer professional advice and, when necessary, challenge non-compliant requests to support portfolio reshaping aligned with corporate strategies.
Coordinate with approved contractors to place orders for reactive, planned preventative, and statutory maintenance and testing.
Work closely with Contract Administrators to maintain property compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
Promote safe working practices and ensure high-quality work is consistently delivered.
Put customer satisfaction at the heart of every interaction, ensuring that all stakeholders are supported with a clear, professional, and empathetic approach.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate?

We are looking for a customer-focused professional with proven experience in helpdesk or customer service roles, ideally within facilities or asset management environments.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage diverse stakeholders effectively.
Strong organisational skills to handle multiple requests and maintain accurate records.
Ability to prioritise tasks and resolve conflicts calmly and efficiently.
Experience liaising with contractors and understanding maintenance service workflows.
Detail-oriented and proactive, able to work independently and as part of a team.
Commitment to upholding health and safety standards in all activities.

Why Work at Westmorland and Furness Council?

Working for Westmorland and Furness Council offers more than just a job – it’s a chance to make a real impact in your community and grow your career within a supportive environment. Employees enjoy:

Competitive pension scheme and enhanced annual leave entitlements.
Access to exclusive employee perks and discounts.
Opportunities for professional growth and continuous training.
Work-life balance with options for hybrid working and flexible hours.
A vibrant and inclusive workplace that values diversity and equality.
Supportive policies for disability confident employees and guaranteed interviews for veterans, care-experienced individuals, and under 24s who meet essential criteria.

Learn more about the culture and benefits at Westmorland and Furness Council’s Careers site.

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship – International Applicants Welcome

Westmorland and Furness Council is proud to offer Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship for eligible candidates applying to this role. This makes the position ideal for international professionals seeking to live and work in the UK. Applicants should review government guidelines for eligibility and prepare their documentation accordingly.

Note: Visa and health surcharge fees are not covered by the employer.

Application Process: How to Apply

Submit your application by 1st June 2025 via the official Westmorland and Furness Council careers portal.
Please complete the application form thoroughly, ensuring you address all essential criteria listed in the Person Specification.
Provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills and experience relevant to the Helpdesk Assistant role.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email for interview arrangements.
Interviews can be conducted in-person or virtually, accommodating any reasonable adjustments required.

Apply Here

Additional Information and Support

If you have questions about the Helpdesk Assistant position or need more details on eligibility and role responsibilities, you can reach out directly to:

Paul Scullion: paul.scullion@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Grant Long: grant.long@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

Westmorland and Furness Council actively promotes a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and fosters an environment of inclusion. They encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, especially from groups underrepresented in local government roles.

The Council is a Disability Confident Leader and guarantees interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential job criteria.
Guaranteed interviews are also offered to Armed Forces personnel and veterans, as well as individuals under 24 or those with care experience.

Essential Skills & Qualifications for Helpdesk Assistant

Proven experience in customer service or helpdesk support, preferably within facilities or asset management.
Strong familiarity with telephone and electronic communication systems.
Ability to manage and prioritise multiple maintenance and service requests effectively.
Knowledge of building maintenance processes, contractor liaison, and compliance standards.
Proficiency in using computer systems and databases for logging and tracking requests.
Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Awareness of health and safety legislation and best practices.

Benefits of Working in Facilities Helpdesk Roles

A career as a Helpdesk Assistant in facilities management offers:

Exposure to property management and maintenance operations.
Opportunities to develop project coordination and vendor management skills.
Steady career progression in public sector administration.
Ability to contribute positively to community infrastructure and service delivery.
Stable employment with public sector benefits and job security.

Westmorland and Furness Council: About the Employer

Westmorland and Furness Council is a newly formed unitary authority that serves a diverse population across Cumbria, focusing on delivering exceptional public services. The Council is committed to:

Supporting local communities and businesses.
Sustainable and innovative asset and property management.
Creating a workplace that values integrity, transparency, and community engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this role suitable for international applicants?

Yes, Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship is available for eligible candidates, making it accessible to international professionals wanting to work in the UK.

What are the working hours?

This is a full-time role with 37 hours per week.

Can I work remotely?

This role is primarily office/campus-based, but flexible and hybrid working arrangements may be available depending on business needs.

What is the salary range?

The salary for this position is between £25,584 and £25,992 per annum.

What are the key personal qualities required?

Strong communication, customer service orientation, organisational skills, and the ability to multitask under pressure are essential.

Final Thoughts: Apply Today to Join Westmorland and Furness Council

If you are a detail-oriented, proactive, and customer-focused professional ready to take on the role of Helpdesk Assistant, we encourage you to apply now. This role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a vibrant council team while benefiting from competitive pay, a supportive work environment, and visa sponsorship opportunities.

Take the next step in your career with Westmorland and Furness Council – apply before 1st June 2025!