Veterinary Receptionist – Crawley

Portland Group; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave pro rata

Free Saturday lunch

Staff pet care discount

Job summary

Portland Vets in Crawley is seeking a friendly front of house receptionist to join our busy practice. You will welcome clients and their pets, handle enquiries and support the clinical team with efficient scheduling and gentle customer care.

We offer 25 hours per week across 5-hour shifts, with 4 weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays pro rata. Training provided; Saturday lunches are free for staff, and pet care discounts apply to staff pets.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a customer service role.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organisational and multi-tasking abilities with attention to detail.
• Genuine passion for animals and their welfare.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Basic medical knowledge would be advantageous.
• IT skills, competent in the use of Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally.

Responsibilities

• Register new clients and their pets and provide welcome packs.
• Schedule appointments and procedures and manage client flow in reception.
• Answer calls, take messages and direct calls as needed.
• Process payments and assist with banking and petty cash.
• Maintain up-to-date client records and communications via email.
• Help with general client communications via PetsApp and email.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Stress management

IT skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

Portland Vets is a proudly independent, family run, small animal practice with branches at East Grinstead, Edenbridge, Horley and our new site in Forge Wood, Crawley.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Crawley front of house team, where you can really make a difference! We are looking for an individual with either previous veterinary receptionist or exceptional customer service experience, who will thrive working in a busy, fast paced environment.

The ideal candidate would need to be available for shifts between 8am-7.30pm, plus a maximum of 1:4 Saturday shifts (time off in lieu). Full training will be provided.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience within a customer service role
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
• Strong organisational and multi-tasking ability with attention to detail
• Genuine passion for animals and their welfare
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Basic medical knowledge would be advantageous
• Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally
• IT skills, competent in the use of Microsoft Office and Outlook

What We Offer

• 25 hours per week (5-hour shifts, Monday to Friday)
• Starting salary from £12.71 per hour, depending on experience
• 4 weeks' annual leave plus bank holidays pro rata, increasing after 5 years of employment
• Free lunch provided on Saturdays
• Discounted veterinary care for 2 staff pets

Job Description

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

As the first point of contact for our clients, our client care team play a crucial role in creating a warm, positive and welcoming experience for both pets and their owners. Excellent communication and organisational skills are required to ensure the smooth running of our front of house, and to the overall success of Portland Vets.

Full on the job training will be provided. Whilst additional qualifications are not mandatory, there are training courses available to further your knowledge for this role.

• Registration of new clients and their pets
• Provide new clients with welcome packs
• Request clinical histories from other veterinary practices
• Scheduling of appointments and procedures, pre-empting any issues and rectifying them for optimal scheduling efficiency
• Knowledge of emergency situations requiring immediate attention, and basic triage
• Greet clients and their pets in a warm and professional manner
• Build rapport with clients, addressing their queries and concerns with empathy and patience
• Communicate effectively with the clinical team regarding patient arrivals, updates and client and patient needs
• Manage client flow in the reception area, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience for clients and their pets
• Provide information about our services, protocols and procedures
• Handle sensitive situations with empathy, compassion and professionalism
• Answer and manage telephone calls, taking messages and directing calls appropriately
• Assist with general client communications via email and PetsApp
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate clinical records
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail and deliveries
• Process payments
• Financial tasks such as weekly banking, managing petty cash and the change float
• Setting up and maintenance of pet wellness plans
• Dispense parasite control under the direction of a veterinary

  Essential Skills & Qualifications

  • Proven experience within a customer service role
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
  • Strong organisational and multi-tasking ability with attention to detail
  • Genuine passion for animals and their welfare
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
  • Basic medical knowledge would be advantageous
  • Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally
  • IT skills, competent in the use of Microsoft Office and Outlook