Receptionist

Sussex Partnership Nhs Foundation Trust; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS Pension Scheme

Agenda for Change benefits

Training and development

Job summary

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a receptionist for the newly redesigned CAMHS inpatient unit, reopening Autumn 2026. The role covers evenings and weekends, working as part of a supportive multidisciplinary team to deliver caring, patient-centered service to young people and families.

The post offers induction, training and opportunities for progression within NHS Trusts, with a focus on least restrictive practice and trauma-informed care in a modern environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in reception and general administration.
• Experience in handling switchboard and visitor enquiries.
• Clear communication and polite interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist visitors in a professional, courteous manner.
• Operate the switchboard and route calls to the appropriate person.
• Sort, process, and distribute mail; prepare meeting papers as needed.
• Maintain security and raise any facilities or safety issues promptly.

Skills

Customer service

Switchboard

Administrative support

Reception duties

Job description

We are pleased to invite applications for a brand new receptionist for evening and weekend working to join our newly redesigned Children and Young People's Mental Health Inpatient Unit, reopening in Autumn 2026. Following extensive co-design with young people, families and staff, and significant investment in our workforce and therapeutic approach, this is an exciting opportunity to work in a modern, recovery-focused inpatient service delivering high-quality, purposeful care to young people with acute mental health needs. About the unit Our refreshed CAMHS inpatient service is built around:

About the unit

• Purposeful admissions with early review points
• Structured, therapeutic care programmes delivered across 7 days
• Strong links with crisis and community services, including COAST (Crisis Outreach Acute Support Team),
• Trauma-informed and autism-aware practice
• A focus on least restrictive practice and improving experience and outcomes
• Supportive MDT working, safe staffing and strong clinical leadership

You will work as part of a skilled and supportive multidisciplinary team, delivering therapeutic care to young people and working closely with families and carers from admission through to discharge. Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 4-8pm, Saturday 10am-4pm,

Reception and Customer Service

• + Greet and offer a warm welcome to visitors, young people, families and staff in a professional and courteous manner.
• + Provide information and assistance to visitors, including arranging access requirements.
• + Notify relevant staff members of visitor arrivals.
• + Deal politely and effectively with enquiries, including those where communication barriers may exist.

Switchboard and Communications

• + Operate the switchboard and answer telephone calls promptly and professionally.
• + Respond to queries or direct calls to the appropriate person.
• + Take and relay messages accurately.

Mail and Administrative Support

• + Sort, process, and distribute internal and external mail.
• + Arrange postage, including Recorded and Special Delivery services when required.
• + Carry out general clerical duties such as typing, photocopying, document production, and preparing meeting papers.
• + Produce documents using Trust templates and guidelines.

Facilities and Building Management

• + Maintain beverage machines and monitor stock levels, ordering supplies as required.
• + Report maintenance issues promptly to Estates and Facilities.
• + Monitor building security and report suspicious attempts to gain entry.
• + Contact the Fire Brigade if a fire alarm sounds and attend mandatory fire safety training.

Working for our organisation Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust delivers specialist mental health, learning disability and neurodevelopmental services across Sussex. This post sits within our Specialist CAMHS Services, providing opportunities to gain experience across acute, crisis and community pathways as part of your career development. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to creating a compassionate and supportive working environment where staff feel valued, developed and able to thrive.

• The opportunity to be part of a newly reopened CAMHS inpatient unit
• Comprehensive induction programme prior to opening where all new staff train together and contribute to the team's therapeutic approach
• A welcoming and supportive team culture with strong clinical leadership
• Access to training
• Clear development and progression pathways into senior nursing roles
• NHS Pension Scheme and Agenda for Change benefits

If you are looking to start or develop your career in CAMHS and want to make a meaningful difference to young people and their families, we would love to hear from you.