Receptionist: Merton Animal Hospital

**Contract: 12-month fixed term contract, part time, 22.5 hours over 5 days**

**Salary: £13,424 - £14,540 (inclusive of London Weighting Allowance)**

**Location: Merton, SW19 1BD**

**Closing date: Wednesday 1 May 2024**

**Interview date: 10 & 16 May 2024**
- We’re recruiting Receptionists for our Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton- In 2023, our Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton were very proud to win the first BVA Wellbeing award for our team’s efforts to make this a great place to workMore about the role
- At Blue Cross, we're dedicated to providing vital veterinary treatment to sick and injured pets when their owners can't afford private veterinary fees. Our vet care is accessible to pets whose owners receive certain means-tested benefits and reside within the catchment area of one of our animal hospitals or pet care clinics.- Since June 1999, we've been a cornerstone of the Merton community, delivering veterinary services to approximately 6,000 unique pets every year. From routine procedures like neutering to intricate surgeries and advanced diagnostics, our hospital offers a comprehensive range of treatments.- Our reception team play a key role in the effective delivery of our services and in ensuring the best outcome for our patients and their owners by providing the highest level of customer service. They are the link between our clients and the veterinary team and build relationships with clients, their pets, and all members of the hospital teams.- As a Receptionist at our Merton animal hospital, you will be the first point of contact for visitors and callers, ensuring a warm, compassionate, and friendly welcome that leaves a positive first impression.- In addition to providing excellent customer service, you will play a crucial role in offering administrative support and collaborating with our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.- Your warm and compassionate welcome sets the tone for all interactions at our hospital, contributing to the overall atmosphere of care and support. By providing administrative support, you ensure the smooth operation of our hospital, allowing our veterinary team to focus on delivering high-quality care to animals in need.**What you will be doing**
- Greet clients and visitors warmly, addressing inquiries both face-to-face and over the telephone.
- Keep clients and visitors informed while they wait in the reception area.
- Provide general advice on responsible pet ownership with support from the Veterinary Services team.
- Admitting and discharging hospitalised patients
- Dispensing medication, processing payments and booking appointments
- Making pre-operation calls to clients
- Triaging emergency phone calls to the hospital and assessing their priorities.
- Handle cash, credit card, and cheque payments from clients.
- Assess client eligibility and maintain accurate records.
- Provide administration support including database updates, filing, and adhering to GDPR regulations.
- Coordinate with other hospitals for the transportation of animals when necessary.
- Attend and actively participate in team meetings.
- Assist with deliveries of stock and conduct stocktakes.
- Support open days and event organisation.
- Maintain cleanliness in client areas, ensuring all Blue Cross materials are up-to-date and replenished within brand standards.

**Working pattern**
- You will be working on a rota basis covering weekends, evenings and late shifts and bank holidays. Due to the nature of the work of Blue Cross, and this post, it may be necessary to exceed these hours when the workload demands.About you
- You will have exceptional communication skills, prioritising client care and inclusivity while maintaining a positive outlook and adaptability to various situations.- With strong numerical skills and meticulous attention to detail, you'll confidently provide effective administrator support within a dynamic reception environment.- Working in an animal hospital can often involve supporting clients who are distressed. You will understand the importance of meeting their needs and be comfortable working in an emotionally charged environment. You will have the resilience to ‘bounce back’ quickly and the ability to keep calm under pressure, re-prioritising tasks where needed.**Knowledge, skills, and experience**
- Experience of working in a busy customer service role.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- IT literate with MS Office and web-based databases and platforms.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

**How to apply**Blue Cross benefits
- Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.- In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.- Our benefits packag