Call Handler/receptionist

**Call Handler/Receptionist**

**Salary: £9.50 - rising to £10 after probation.**

**Location: The College Practice/Albion Place Medical Practice - Maidstone**

**Working hours will be between 8:00am - 8:00pm Monday-Friday**

**We are seeking enthusiastic Care Navigators**

**Do you have excellent verbal communication skills to help our patients find the most appropriate care? If so, read on to find out more about this exciting opportunity.**

**Who are we?**

The College Practice, part of Maritime Health Partnership, is a dynamic and forward-thinking practice in Maidstone.

**Why work for us?**

We are a supportive and caring employer, and our Senior Management Team have an open door policy which allows staff the freedom to share their views and opinions of how we operate, ask questions in relation to their own employment and terms and conditions, or to express concerns or obtain clarity on various topics.

We are creative with our approach to Primary Care and have an amazing group of staff who share our passion and commitment to do the best for our patients.

**The role**

This is an excellent opportunity to be part of the evolution of the future of Primary Care as we escape from the world of the traditional GP surgery receptionist and aspire to embrace new more ambitious Care Navigator role that recognises the diversity of the wider multi-disciplinary team in General Practice and can identify and steer patients to the best person to manage their health or care needs.

As a Call Handler you will be the first point of contact for patients requiring an appointment at one of our Primary Care Centres in Maidstone.

As a key member of the first contact team, you will answer calls, book appointments using EMIS web and provide a prompt, courteous service to all patients and members of the clinical team to ensure that the patient receives a first class and seamless service. You will also provide general assistance to the Practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone.

**You will require**:

- The ability to communicate professionally and in friendly person centred way
- Previous experience of working within a call hub setting (desirable)
- Previous experience of working within a GP surgery (desirable)
- Good listening skills, compassion and empathy
- Willing to connect with people and arrange their care however complex
- Ability to respond sensitively to people from different backgrounds, cultures and in challenging situations
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
- Ability to prioritise workload and exercise judgement when dealing with patient enquiries/problems

It is important that you can stay calm under pressure and work well within a highly focused operation and be prepared to be a flexible member of a busy team.

Ensuring patient experience is the best that it can be, is an essential requirement of the role as you will often be the first point of contact at the Practice and services that we deliver on behalf of the wider Primary Care Network including COVID Vaccination.

**Benefits**
- NHS Pension Scheme
- Full Induction programme will be provided and further training and development opportunities will be available ongoing.
- Annual appraisal and regular one to one meetings with management
- A supportive and caring team

**Please note that this vacancy may be closed early if a suitable applicant is found.**

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £9.50 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Company pension
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

- Can you work between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm?
- Are you double vaccinated against Covid-19?
- What experience do you have that will make you a suitable applicant?

**Experience**:

- Customer service: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: One location