Receptionist

Dorset Healthcare; Bridport; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in England is seeking a part-time team member for a role focused on patient interaction and support. The successful candidate will ensure continuity by managing communications and providing cover for Ward Clerk duties. Essential skills include excellent communication, calm multitasking, and a commitment to customer service. The role offers generous annual leave, NHS pension benefits, and access to health and well-being services, encouraging flexibility and support for career development.

Benefits

27 days of annual leave

Excellent NHS pension scheme

Health and wellbeing services

Flexible working options

Free training and career coaching

NHS discounts

Qualifications

• Experience dealing with the public face-to-face and via telephone.
• Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to be covered by the Trust.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.
• Operate the telephone system, directing calls and taking messages.
• Provide cover for Ward Clerk duties and assist with additional tasks as requested.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work calmly and logically

Clerical and organisational skills

Job description

This exciting part-time role (22.5 hours per week, Monday to Wednesday) requires flexibility, including providing cover for Ward Clerk duties when needed, to ensure continuity and support across the team.
Warm and welcoming, the successful applicant will have experience in dealing with the public face‑to‑face and via telephone. You will need to work calmly, logically, and methodically while multi‑tasking amid frequent interruptions. Excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to delivering a customer‑focused service are essential.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact on telephone or face‑to‑face for patients, carers, visitors and other healthcare and service professionals, providing a positive and responsive point of contact on behalf of the Trust.
• Operate the telephone system, direct calls to relevant staff members, deal with enquiries efficiently, take accurate messages, and disseminate them to the relevant person.
• Utilise good clerical, organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Provide cover for Ward Clerk duties when needed to ensure continuity and support across the team.
• Assist in any additional duties as requested.

Requirements

• Experience dealing with the public face‑to‑face and via telephone.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work calmly, logically and methodically while multi‑tasking.
• Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check – the Trust will cover the cost.
• Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service may present a valid DBS certificate instead of a new check.
• Not eligible to accept applications from candidates requiring current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK.

Working for our organisation

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined‑up healthcare services. We operate 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities, and a broad range of integrated community and mental health services for almost 800,000 people. Our organisation has been rated "outstanding" by the CQC in 2019 and 95% of patients report a good or very good experience of our services. Our 7,000‑strong workforce builds a workplace for the future, celebrating diversity and encouraging everyone to be their best self.

What working for us will provide

• 27 days of annual leave, rising to 33 over ten years (for staff on Agenda for Change terms and conditions)
• Excellent NHS pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing services
• Flexible working options, including family‑friendly hours
• Free training and one‑to‑one career coaching to reach your career goals
• Preceptorship programme for newly qualified nurses and AHPs
• Access to nine staff networks – have a voice and transform our Trust
• Relocation costs where applicable
• Salary sacrifice scheme opportunities – including childcare vouchers, car lease and cycle scheme, home technology equipment, and buying annual leave
• NHS discounts to save on your shopping, gym membership and more

What you need to do

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
We encourage the use of AI as a supportive tool but expect it not to replace your authentic experience; if your statement appears entirely generated, we may withdraw your application.

We also offer an employability support service to aid individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you or someone you know would value this support, please contact [email protected]. Flexible working is welcomed – discuss options with the recruiting manager.