Eligibility Officer

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC622968
Salary Range: £33,178 - £36,369 per annum
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 11 January 2026
Interview Date: w/c 26 January 2026

The Role:

Early applications are encouraged as we may close the advert ahead of the stated closing date.

Joining our School Transport Service as an Eligibility Officer, you’ll play a crucial part in safely transporting over 14,000 children to school across Hampshire every day. If you’re organised, detail-oriented, and passionate about delivering excellent customer service, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact.

What you’ll do:

• Maintain a high standard of customer care when dealing with families and stakeholders.
• Ensure timely and accurate updates to school transport applications, enabling easy tracking of progress and status.
• Draft clear and professional written responses to customer queries.
• Assess eligibility of school-aged and post-16 children for school transport, in line with policy.
• Communicate eligibility decisions effectively to families and stakeholders.
• Follow documented Standard Operating Procedures and develop knowledge of School Transport policy and related services that informs transport eligibility.

What we’re looking for:

• GCSEs in English and Maths or equivalent.
• Practical experience using and managing administrative systems and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organisational skills and flexibility to manage priorities.
• Ability to follow processes and work collaboratively across other parts of the service and wider department.
• Previous experience of Microsoft 365 applications.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Eligibility 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?

• Play a vital and rewarding role in making a significant impact on the School Transport Service.
• Work in a dynamic and supportive team environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Be part of a service that makes a real difference to families and communities.
• 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. 
• A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.   

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

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 before applying.

Other roles you may have experience of may include: School Transport Compliance Officer, Education Transport Coordinator, Student Transport Eligibility Advisor, Transport Eligibility Officer, School Transport Assessment Officer, School Transport Services Officer, School Transport Advisor School Transport Access Officer

Additional Information:

Eligibility 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 Jayne Ricketts, Eligibility and Contracts Manager on jayne.ricketts@hants.gov.uk