Veterinary Receptionist

About the Role

You'll be the welcoming face of Harbour Veterinary Centre Southsea, a large, purpose-built small animal practice established in the early 1980s and located in The Pompey Centre. This is a part-time permanent role working 24 hours per week across a flexible shift pattern: Wednesday mornings or afternoons on alternate weeks (0830-1330 or 1330-1830), plus full days Thursday and Friday (0830-1830 with a 30-minute lunch break).

The practice is easily accessible with disabled access and on-site parking. Alongside routine check-ups and procedures, the team provides access to specialist referral services in cardiology, keyhole surgery, orthopaedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, and ophthalmology at the hospital in Portsmouth.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle incoming calls and schedule appointments efficiently
• Respond to client queries via phone, email, and in-person with professionalism
• Greet and register new clients, creating a warm welcome
• Process and manage insurance forms accurately
• Dispense medications as required
• Process payments and manage financial transactions
• Provide empathy and support to clients during distressing situations while maintaining professionalism
• Organise patient information in the practice management system efficiently
• Liaise with other veterinary practices to address patient needs
• Handle debt and refund management communication
• Ensure every client feels welcomed and valued

Requirements

• Previous reception experience is essential; veterinary experience is a bonus
• Resilience and ability to handle emotional situations professionally
• Strong communication skills with genuine empathy
• Outstanding customer service experience and public-facing skills
• Positive attitude and excellent teamwork abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems
• Right to Work in the UK (visa sponsorship not available for this role)

Benefits

• Salary aligned with the National Minimum Wage
• Five weeks' annual leave per year (pro rata), plus bank holidays
• Long Service Award scheme: one additional day of leave for each year of service, up to five extra days
• Staff discount on veterinary bills and care
• Discount on Animed Direct online dispensary for pet medicines, products, and food
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
• Receptionist Careers Pathway with structured training and development courses

About the Practice

Harbour Veterinary Centre Southsea is part of CVS Veterinary Group, one of the UK's leading veterinary groups with over 500 practices and more than 8,000 professionals. The practice is a large, purpose-built facility established in the early 1980s, with disabled access and on-site parking in The Pompey Centre. The friendly and experienced team prioritises the wellbeing of their patients and is committed to providing the highest quality of care, surgery, and treatment.

CVS is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and every team member can perform at their best. The group is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves.