Receptionist

Pdsa; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options where poss

Annual leave pro rata

Volunteering Day

Celebration Day

Wellbeing Day

Pension scheme

Life assurance

EAP - wellbeing

Discounts via Fetch

Parental leave

Pet insurance discount

Staff veterinary services

Job summary

PDSA Derby is seeking a friendly receptionist to be the first point of contact for clients and their pets. You will welcome clients at reception, answer calls with professionalism, and maintain accurate records while supporting the hospital team with admin tasks.

This part-time, self-covering role offers flexible working where possible, a caring team environment, and a range of benefits designed to support staff wellbeing and work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Empathy and understanding when dealing with people and pets.
• Organised, reliable and able to manage competing priorities.
• Confident telephone manner and basic IT skills.
• Works well independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible and willing to support colleagues when needed.

Responsibilities

• Welcome clients and process appointments efficiently.
• Handle a range of telephone enquiries with professionalism and empathy.
• Maintain accurate records and client information.
• Support the hospital team with administrative tasks.
• Encourage appropriate financial contributions from clients in line with PDSA policies.
• Help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the reception service.

Skills

Excellent communication

Customer service

Empathy

Organised

Telephone manner

Teamwork

Tools

IT basics

Job description

Make a Difference Every Day with PDSA

About the Role

We're looking for a friendly, compassionate Receptionist to join our team at PDSA Derby.

As the first point of contact for our clients and their pets, you'll play a vital role in creating a welcoming and supportive experience. Whether greeting clients at reception or assisting over the phone, you'll provide excellent customer service and ensure every client feels listened to, valued and supported.

In this varied and busy role, you'll:

• Welcome clients and process appointments efficiently.
• Handle a range of telephone enquiries with professionalism and empathy.
• Maintain accurate records and client information.
• Support the hospital team with administrative tasks.
• Encourage appropriate financial contributions from clients in line with PDSA policies.
• Help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the reception service.

Our pet hospitals are often fast-paced environments, so you'll need to be organised, adaptable and able to remain calm under pressure while maintaining a positive and caring approach.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Enjoys working with people and demonstrates empathy and understanding.
• Is organised, reliable and able to manage competing priorities.
• Has a confident telephone manner and basic IT skills.
• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• Is flexible and willing to support colleagues when needed.

Previous reception, administration or office experience would be beneficial, although full training will be provided.

Most importantly, you'll share our passion for helping pets and the people who love them.

Working Pattern

This is a part-time, self-covering position, meaning flexibility is essential.

The role operates on a rotating shift pattern consisting of:

• 8:30am - 1:15pm
• 1:15pm - 6:00pm

There is no fixed weekly pattern, so you must be able to work either shift as required.

You will also be required to cover for colleagues during periods of annual leave, sickness absence and other planned absences.

The role also includes participation in a 1 in 4 weekend rota, working:

• 9:00am - 12:00pm

Due to the nature of the role, we're looking for someone who is genuinely flexible and able to support the wider team when required.

Rewards, Support and Benefits

We're passionate about creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued and proud of the difference they make.

Alongside a rewarding career, we offer an excellent range of benefits, including:

• Flexible working options where possible.
• 25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata).
• Three paid special days each year: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day.
• Generous pension scheme, with PDSA contributions between 5% and 10%.
• Life assurance worth four times your annual salary.
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing support.
• Retail, travel and lifestyle discounts through our Fetch benefits platform.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance.
• Access to staff veterinary services.

About Us

Join us in helping keep people and pets together when times are tough.

For over 100 years, PDSA has provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people experiencing financial hardship. Today, we're building on that legacy and expanding our reach so we can support even more people and their beloved pets in the years ahead.

To achieve this ambitious vision, we're looking for passionate, caring people who want to make a genuine difference. By joining PDSA, you'll become part of a dedicated team committed to compassionate care, continuous improvement and ensuring our services remain available for those who need them most.

If you're looking for a rewarding role where every day matters, we'd love to hear from you.

Diversity and Inclusion

PDSA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to ensuring all colleagues can thrive in an environment free from discrimination and harassment.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we'll be happy to support you.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all colleagues. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.