Apprentice Administrator/Receptionist

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Career developmentSupport

Blue Light Card benefits

Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is offering an apprenticeship for an Administrator/Receptionist across SWISH and Community Dental Services. You will support appointments, referrals and enquiries, acting as the first point of contact for patients and professionals while developing essential administrative skills in a healthcare setting.

Under supervision, you will maintain records, manage confidentiality, and assist with clinic administration.

Qualifications

• Good standard of literacy and numeracy.
• Typing skills.
• Experience of databases and computer literacy.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to manage own time and plan activities for staff and patients.
• Ability to work long periods at a computer.
• Understanding of general clerical/admin duties in NHS/public sector.
• Experience of supporting distressed or vulnerable people.
• Good IT skills (email, Word, Excel).
• Confidentiality and respectful communication.
• Strong oral communication and telephone manner.
• Clear written communication and attention to detail.
• Compassionate interpersonal skills with patients and families.
• Flexible and adaptable to patient needs.
• Able to support Saturday SWISH clinics on a rota.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and reception support across SWISH and Community Dental Services.
• Support appointments, referrals and enquiries.
• Act as first point of contact for patients and professionals.
• Maintain accurate records within Trust systems.
• Develop communication, organisational and customer service skills under supervision.
• Support admin processes and documentation as part of the apprenticeship.
• Work across multiple sites and within supervising teams.

Skills

Literacy

Numeracy

Typing

Databases

IT literacy

Organisational skills

Time management

Communication

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

This apprenticeship offers the unique opportunity to gain experience across two specialist services within one service group: Somerset-wide Integrated Sexual Health Services (SWISH) and Community Dental Services. Together, these services deliver safe, inclusive and person-centred healthcare to people across Somerset, supporting patients with a wide range of health needs through innovative and specialist models of care. As an Apprentice Administrator/Receptionist, you will provide administrative and reception support across both services while developing valuable knowledge and skills within a healthcare setting. Under supervision, you will support appointments, referrals and enquiries, act as a first point of contact for patients and professionals, maintain accurate records, and develop strong communication, organisational and customer service skills. Full training, supervision and support will be provided throughout the programme as you work towards a recognised apprenticeship qualification. Your working week will be split across Taunton and Yeovil, with occasional Saturday morning SWISH clinics supported on a rota basis, as required., As part of your apprenticeship programme, you will work towards independently providing administrative and reception support across community services. You will act as a first point of contact for a range of patients, families and team members, communicating effectively face-to-face, by telephone and in writing. You will support appointments, referrals, registrations and clinic administration, ensuring information is recorded accurately and confidentially within Trust systems. Working closely with clinical and operational colleagues, you will develop skills in managing workloads, responding to enquiries, preparing documentation, maintaining records and supporting admin processes. You will assist patients throughout their care journey, demonstrating a professional and compassionate approach that reflects the Trust's values. The role involves exposure to sensitive patient information, particularly within sexual health services, requiring a strong understanding of confidentiality, discretion and respectful communication. You will also support operational processes such as recording patient charges, ordering supplies and helping maintain equipment and resources. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will take part in supervision, appraisal and learning activities, developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to perform the role confidently and independently. You may be required to support services across a range of sites to meet service needs.

Non UK National applicants - must also have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship, in most cases have been in the UK for at least 3 years and have the right to remain (it is vital to ensure that the duration of your visa outlasts that of the apprenticeship) Please see apprenticeship funding rules Apprenticeship funding rules 2025 to 2026.

• Good standard of literacy and numeracy and spoken English (minimum level 2 functional skills, or GCSE grade C/4 or above)
• Typing skills
• experience of databases and computer literacy
• Good organisational skills
• ability to manage own time and plan timed activities for staff and patients
• Ability to spend extended periods working at a computer and using display screen equipment
• Understanding of general clerical / administration settings and duties NHS / Social Care / Public Sector experience
• Experience of supporting people who may be distressed, anxious, or vulnerable
• Good standard of IT (such as email, Word, Excel)
• Confidentiality -- Understands the importance of maintaining strict confidentiality when handling sensitive patient information, particularly within sexual health services
• Positive and clear oral communication skills -- good telephone manner
• Sound and accurate written communication skills - takes care towards detail
• Compassionate - Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with patients, carers and relatives remaining sensitive and empathetic
• Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the patients
• Able to support the Saturday morning SWISH clinic across Taunton and Yeovil on a rota basis, as required

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer, Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

£25272.00 to £25272.00 Yearly