Veterinary Receptionist and Call-Handler

Vet Record Careers; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Ipswich is seeking a candidate for a telephone-based role. Responsibilities include managing incoming calls, organising the daily diary, and supporting the reception team. The role offers flexible hours, including potential overtime, and a range of benefits such as annual leave, family-friendly policies, and learning opportunities. Ideal for someone with solid communication skills and experience in customer service.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Additional annual leave for your birthday

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Wellbeing initiatives

Learning and development opportunities

Pension scheme

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Excellent telephone communication skills.
• Ability to manage a daily diary effectively.
• Experience in a customer service role preferred.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for calls.
• Organise the daily diary and assist with admin tasks.
• Cover shifts for reception team members as needed.
• Maintain high levels of client service.

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting new role available at our 2-branch veterinary practice. The primary role is based at Ashcroft Road Surgery for 5 mornings a week, 8:15am–1:00pm (23.75 hours per week). This will mainly be a telephone-based role, away from our reception area. The candidate will be the first point of contact for calls coming into the surgery, with overflow calls diverted to our reception team. The candidate will also be responsible for ensuring our daily diary is well organised. You will report to and assist the Reception Manager in any admin tasks appropriate to the role.

The secondary role is to cover holidays/sickness as needed by the rest of the reception team. When team members are on holiday or sick, the candidate will step in to their shift (at either our Copdock or Ashcroft Road Surgery). The reception team handles a variety of tasks, including booking appointments, taking payments, answering client queries, and always being the first point of contact for our clients.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for calls to the surgery and manage overflow calls as needed.
• Keep the daily diary well organised and support the Reception Manager with admin tasks.
• Cover holiday/sickness shifts for other reception team members at Copdock or Ashcroft Road Surgery as required.
• Assist with booking appointments, taking payments, answering client queries, and maintaining high levels of client service.

Hours, Flexibility and Overtime

The role requires flexibility. Hours may exceed 23.75 per week when covering holidays, but will never fall below this amount. If hours exceed contracted hours, they will be paid as overtime. Cover shifts may be early morning or evenings (2:00pm–7:30pm, 5.5 hours). If working a full day, there is a 1-hour unpaid lunch break (1:00pm–2:00pm).

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Additional annual leave for your birthday added to your holiday allowance
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives
• Non-accidental injury support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pawsome Benefits – rewards gateway with discounts and cashback from retailers
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care