Administrator/Receptionist

Recovery Focus; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days leave

Pension contribution

Life assurance

Birthday leave

Fees reimbursement

GP access 24/7

Long service awards

Recommend a Friend bonus

Cycle to Work

Blue Light Discounts

Job summary

Waythrough is hiring an Administrator/Receptionist at Peterlee Health Centre to provide reception and administrative support across County Durham Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service. The role involves handling enquiries, maintaining records, and assisting with referrals and appointments in a busy environment.

You will be based in Peterlee and may cover other County Durham sites as required, contributing to quality assurance and efficient service delivery.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a customer-facing administrative role.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and using electronic systems.
• The ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands.
• A professional and confidential approach to work.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.
• Knowledge of drug and alcohol services (desirable).
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles (desirable).
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Providing a friendly, professional and confidential reception service.
• Managing enquiries received via telephone, email and in person.
• Maintaining accurate records and updating electronic systems.
• Supporting referral and appointment processes.
• Managing shared email inboxes and administrative tasks.
• Providing administrative support to operational teams across the service.
• Liaising with partner agencies and stakeholders.
• Supporting meetings, room bookings and minute taking where required.
• Assisting with data collection, reporting and quality assurance requirements.
• Maintaining office supplies and supporting the efficient running of service locations.

Skills

Customer service

Administrative experience

Microsoft Office

IT skills

Tools

Theseus

Job description

Administrator/Receptionist - County Durham Drug & Alcohol Service

Salary: £25,877.80 will be starting salary, with full earning potential up to £28,453.69

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week (Monday-Friday, between 9am-5pm)

Location: Peterlee Health Centre, SR8 1AD

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.

About Waythrough

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community.

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. When you choose to join us, you're choosing more than just a job – you're choosing to make a difference.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Administrator to join our County Durham Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service (CDDARS). Our administration team plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of high-quality services across County Durham. As an Administrator, you will provide professional reception and administrative support, helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of our services while creating a welcoming environment for service users, colleagues and partner agencies. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, has strong organisational skills and is passionate about making a positive difference in their local community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing a friendly, professional and confidential reception service.
• Managing enquiries received via telephone, email and in person.
• Maintaining accurate records and updating electronic systems.
• Supporting referral and appointment processes.
• Managing shared email inboxes and administrative tasks.
• Providing administrative support to operational teams across the service.
• Liaising with partner agencies and stakeholders.
• Supporting meetings, room bookings and minute taking where required.
• Assisting with data collection, reporting and quality assurance requirements.
• Maintaining office supplies and supporting the efficient running of service locations.

You will be based at Peterlee Health Centre but will be expected to provide support and cover across other County Durham services when required.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is organised, approachable and committed to delivering excellent customer service. You will have:

• Previous experience in a customer-facing administrative role.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and using electronic systems.
• The ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands.
• A professional and confidential approach to work.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of drug and alcohol services.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles.
• Experience using Theseus or similar case management systems.
• Experience of quality assurance processes and audits.
• A driving licence and access to a vehicle.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
• Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
• Life assurance (3× annual salary)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
• Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
• Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
• 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
• Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
• £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
• Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
• Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
• Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

Inclusion and Accessibility

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: [e-mail]

Closing Date: 2026-11-02

Waythrough launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. In April 2026, Aquarius, our former subsidiary partner, merged with Waythrough. Our vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. We tackle poverty and disadvantage in communities, through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing and related support. We have 260 services around England – and nearly 3,500 amazing staff and volunteers who run them. Every year our services support around 130,000 people.