Receptionist

About the Role

This is a part-time permanent position at Newport Veterinary Hospital, a 24/7 CVS Vets practice on the Isle of Wight. You'll work 30 hours per week on a structured pattern: three 10-hour days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It's a role that balances responsibility with predictability, giving you consistent hours and genuine work-life balance.

As the first point of contact for clients and their pets, you'll manage the busy reception desk, handling calls, appointments, and inquiries with warmth and professionalism. You'll work alongside a supportive team within one of the UK's largest veterinary groups, with access to development pathways and genuine career progression opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer incoming calls and schedule appointments efficiently
• Greet and register new clients, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience
• Respond to client queries via phone, email, and in-person with professionalism and empathy
• Process and manage insurance forms accurately
• Dispense medications as required
• Process payments and handle financial transactions
• Manage the practice management system to organise patient records
• Liaise with other CVS practices to address patient needs and queries
• Handle debt and refund management calls with sensitivity
• Provide emotional support to clients during distressing situations while maintaining professionalism

Requirements

• Previous reception experience is essential; veterinary reception experience is highly valued
• Strong communication skills and genuine empathy for clients and their pets
• Ability to handle emotionally charged situations with grace and resilience
• Outstanding customer service skills and experience working with the public
• Positive attitude and excellent teamwork abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems
• Right to Work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available for this role)

Benefits

• Salary in line with the National Minimum Wage
• Five weeks annual leave per annum (pro rata), plus bank holidays
• Long Service Award: an additional day of annual leave for each year of service, up to 5 extra days
• Staff discount on veterinary bills and care
• Staff discount at Animed Direct, the online dispensary, for pet medicines, products and food
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing and mental health support
• Receptionist Careers Pathway with structured training and development courses
• Commitment to inclusive workplace culture and diversity

About the Practice

Newport Veterinary Hospital is part of CVS Vets, one of the UK's leading veterinary groups with over 500 practices and more than 8,000 professionals. As a 24/7 facility on the Isle of Wight, the practice provides comprehensive care for small animal patients and operates within a supportive network that prioritises putting pets first.

CVS is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where team members can be their authentic selves. The practice offers clear career pathways, ongoing professional development, and a culture focused on animal welfare and client care excellence.