Receptionist / Administrator

Society of St James; Southampton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Buying additional annual leave

Induction and training

Job summary

Society of St James (SSJ) seeks a dedicated on-site role in Southampton to support homeless and substance-use-affected individuals. This 37-hour-per-week, permanent position offers varied duties in a reception setting and requires empathetic, resilient teamwork.

The charity has operated in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering person-centred accommodation and support services. Salary scale is £25,947–£26,305 per annum, with benefits and flexible working options.

Qualifications

• Experience working with disadvantaged groups, particularly in substance misuse or related support services.
• Strong IT system skills and ability to multitask in a busy reception environment.
• Ability to manage risk and build trusting relationships with service users.

Responsibilities

• Reception duties in a busy service environment.
• Provide support to service users and maintain records with attention to detail.

Skills

Disadvantaged groups experience

IT systems

Multitasking

Risk management

Relationship building

Job description

Employment Type

Permanent

Application Start Date

11-09-2026

Application End Date

24-09-2026

Location

Southampton - England

State/County

Hampshire

SO15 2AH

Country

United Kingdom

Work Style

On-site

Non-profit charitable organisations

Experience

Experience working with disadvantaged groups, particularly in substance misuse or related support services.

Description

37 hours per week

Permanent

Southampton SSJ&I Service, London Road

Salary Scale: 20-21 (£25,947 - £26,305 per annum)

About Us

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association.The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.

Who We're Looking For

Engaging & Personable: An innovative, tenacious individual who can connect meaningfully with service users and multitask effectively in a busy reception environment.

Empathetic & Resilient: Someone equipped with a self-reflective, motivated mindset who thrives both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Flexible Team Member: A dedicated professional ready to work service-based across a 37-hour week, Monday - Friday working week.

Essential Qualities and Skills

Sector Knowledge & Experience: Experience working with this client group and a strong understanding of the impact of substance misuse on individuals, families, and communities. (Transferable skills from working with other disadvantaged groups will also be considered.)

Awareness of Resources: Up-to-date awareness of the issues this client group presents with, as well as knowledge of the relevant interventions, resources, and agencies available locally.

Core Competencies: Strong IT system skills, excellent multitasking capabilities, and proven expertise in risk management and building trusting relationships.

What we can offer you

We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:

• A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
• Flexible working options
• Buying additional annual leave
• Comprehensive induction and training
• Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
• Company cycle to work scheme
• Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie's Computers
• Electric Car Scheme
• Blue Light Card

SSJ are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.

At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union. To learn more about their membership benefits or to sign up, you can visit their official website.

Application closing date: 5pm on Thursday 24 th September 2026

Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier.

Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie's Computers
• Employer pension contributions via salary sacrifice
• Flexible working opportunities
• Counselling, financial, personal support, and health and well-being services via our Employee Assistance Programme