Administrative Assistant

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Newport; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) is seeking an organised, enthusiastic receptionist/clerical officer to support Ophthalmology services in Newport and across Gwent. You will handle calls, book appointments, provide reception cover, and maintain records in line with NHS policies.

The role requires accuracy, a polite telephone manner, and the ability to work under pressure. Welsh language skills are desirable; a flexible, team-focused approach will help deliver transformation within

Qualifications

• Good general education.
• Understanding of routine work procedures.
• Computer literate.
• Standard keyboard skills.
• Experience with Medical Records or PAS.
• Strong communication skills.
• Polite and professional telephone manner.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet targets.
• Ability to build good relationships with managers and staff.
• Welsh language skills desirable (level 1–5).

Responsibilities

• Answer telephone calls efficiently and courteously.
• Provide reception cover for Ophthalmology service.
• Book and schedule appointments accurately.
• Coordinate with booking/scheduling teams region‑wide.
• Engage with Directorate Managers, Medical/Nursing Leads.

Skills

General education

Medical records experience

Computer literacy

Telephone manners

Communication skills

Welsh language (desirable)

Prioritisation

Teamwork

Under pressure

Relationship building

Tools

PAS system

Job description

The posts sits within the Divison of Surgery and will initially be allocated to the Ophthalmology Division. The post holder will later be allocated on a needs basis to support other directorates within the Division, according to operational priorities and service requirements., The posts sits within the Divison of Surgery and will initially be allocated to the Ophthalmology Division. The post holder will later be allocated on a needs basis to support other directorates within the Division, according to operational priorities and service requirements. To provide an essential telephone support service relating to patient services, involving handling calls for Ophthalmology service for the Retina service and also requested to cover reception. To provide quality clerical support, ensuring all appointments are booked correctly and efficiently in a timely manner in accordance with Health Board Policies and Procedures and all documentation is updated in line with service requirements and standards. To answer telephone calls in an efficient and courteous manner ensuring a high level of professionalism is maintained. To provide reception cover for Ophthalmology service The new team will be a central link to booking and scheduling teams across the region and strong communication skills are vital. Other key contacts for the role include Directorate Managers, Medical Leads, Nursing Leads and the Regional Programme Team., You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or

We are looking for an organised, enthusiastic individual who is self-motivated and has strong team leadership skills. The post holder will play a key part in delivering our transformation plans for Ophthalmology. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply. This role will be based at Specsavers, Newport but will be required to cover pan Gwent area.

• Good General Education
• Understanding of a range of routine work procedures, which would require a combination of on-the-job training and a period of induction
• Computer Literate
• Standard keyboard skills, Previous Medical Records experience or knowledge of the hospitals patient administration system (PAS), Good communication skills
• Polite and professional telephone manner
• Ability to perform well under pressure
• Ability to prioritise workload and achieve targets within given deadlines
• Ability to establish good working relationships with managers, clinicians, clerical staff at all levels
• Ability to work flexibly either as part of a team or using ones own initiative, Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Welsh, Ability to work and problem solve under pressure whilst achieving targets
• Willingness to work under direction but also a self-starter
• Demonstrate a commitment to achieving high quality standards of work
• Flexible to the needs of the service, energetic and determined
• Accurate/Methodical in all aspects of work, Ability to work and problem solve under pressure whilst achieving targets
• Willingness to work under direction but also a self-starter
• Demonstrate a commitment to achieving high quality standards of work
• Flexible to the needs of the service, energetic and determined
• Accurate/Methodical in all aspects of work

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.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation serving the communities of Gwent. With more than 14,000 staff and volunteers, we provide safe, high-quality, and compassionate care across hospitals, GP practices, community services, and mental health settings. As a University Health Board, research, education, and innovation are central to our work, supporting evidence-based practice and continuous improvement. Our work is guided by the Gwent Strategy 2025-2035, which sets out our long-term ambition to create a fairer and healthier future for our population. We focus on prevention, reducing health inequalities, and working in partnership with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and communities to improve health and wellbeing. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where people feel valued, respected, and able to develop. Our values of Kindness, Integrity, and Respect shape how we care for patients and how we treat one another. We offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities, flexible working where possible, and a comprehensive NHS benefits package. Working for ABUHB means being part of an organisation that values its people and offers the chance to build a meaningful and rewarding career while making a real difference to the lives of others.