Veterinary Receptionist and Call-Handler

British Veterinary Association; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Ipswich is seeking a Receptionist to manage calls and assist clients. This role requires flexibility as duties include covering for sick or holiday colleagues. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and a willingness to learn, even if they lack prior veterinary experience. Benefits include 6.6 weeks of annual leave, additional leave on your birthday, and various family-friendly policies.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Additional birthday leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Learning opportunities

Pension scheme

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Previous veterinary reception work is ideal but not required.
• Strong communication skills to handle client queries effectively.
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to varying schedules.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for calls coming into the surgery.
• Manage and organize the daily diary efficiently.
• Cover shifts for reception team members during holidays or sickness.

Skills

Flexibility

Communication skills

Client service

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting new role available at our 2 branch veterinary practice!

Role and hours

The primary role of the applicant will be to be at our Ashcroft Road Surgery 5 mornings a week 8.15am-1pm (23.75hrs/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 being 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 for this candidate will be to cover any holiday/sickness as needed by the rest of the reception team. When members of the reception team are on holiday/sick, the candidate will step in to their shift (at either our Copdock or Ashcroft Road Surgery). The role of our veterinary reception team is very varied, from booking appointments, taking payments, answering client queries and always being the first point of contact for our clients.

While covering colleague holiday, you will know your shifts at least 4 weeks in advance. Your weekly hours may exceed 23.75hrs, but will never fall below this. Any hours worked over your contracted hours will be paid as overtime. Cover shifts will either be your normal morning shifts or evening shifts which are 2 pm-7.30 pm (5.5hrs). If working a full day, you will have a 1 hour lunch break (1-2pm, unpaid).

Requirements

This role has an obvious need for flexibility, so the right candidate for the role is essential. Previous veterinary reception work would be ideal, but not required.

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Additional annual leave for your birthday which will be added to your holiday allowance
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/ paternity/ adoption/ shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
• Non-accidental injury support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care