Referral Receptionist

About the Role

This is a permanent, on-site receptionist position at Bristol Veterinary Specialists in Severn Beach, Bristol. The role is 40 hours per week, worked Monday to Friday on a varied shift pattern, with a share in the weekend rota.

You will be part of a referral setting that supports clients through busy and sometimes emotional moments, while helping keep appointments, calls and patient flow organised. The practice describes itself as one of the largest and most advanced veterinary referral centres in the UK, with a custom-built site and specialist services across a wide range of disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage incoming calls and arrange appointments
• Respond to queries by phone, email and in person
• Welcome and register new clients
• Process insurance forms
• Dispense medication as required
• Take payments accurately and efficiently
• Support clients with empathy while maintaining professionalism
• Use the in-house system to organise patients
• Liaise with veterinary practices about patient needs and queries
• Handle calls about debts, belongings and refunds
• Help ensure every client feels welcomed and valued

Requirements

• Previous experience as a receptionist or in a demanding, client-focused role is required
• Veterinary reception experience is a bonus
• Resilience and the ability to handle emotional situations kindly and professionally
• Strong communication skills
• Genuine empathy and excellent customer service
• A positive attitude and good teamwork skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database systems
• Right to work in the UK is required, as visa sponsorship is not available for clinical support roles

Benefits

• Salary aligned with the National Minimum Wage
• Five weeks' annual leave, pro rata, plus bank holidays
• Staff discount on veterinary bills and care
• Staff discount on Animed Direct, the online dispensary
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
• Receptionist Careers Pathway with courses to support development within CVS

About the Practice

Bristol Veterinary Specialists (BVS) is described as one of the largest and most advanced veterinary referral centres in the UK. The practice covers over 30,000 square feet and is custom-built with designed facilities and cutting-edge equipment.

The centre offers referral services including anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiology, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, emergency and critical care, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology including radiotherapy, and orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. It sits within CVS Vets, which is presented as one of the UK's leading veterinary groups with a network of over 500 practices and more than 8,000 professionals.