Receptionist

About the Role

This is your chance to be the welcoming face of PDSA Plymouth, a charity that’s been providing vital veterinary care to pets of people in financial hardship for over a century. You’ll be the first point of contact for clients arriving at the hospital or calling with enquiries, delivering the kind of sympathetic, professional service that makes a real difference to people during difficult times.

Working on a busy reception desk in a fast-paced environment, you’ll manage check-ins, handle telephone queries, process financial contributions, and maintain accurate records. The role is part-time at 7.5 hours per week with a flexible shift pattern that may include weekdays, weekends and bank holidays according to the team rota.

Key Responsibilities

• Process client check-ins and manage the reception area during busy periods
• Handle telephone enquiries with a professional and caring manner
• Support clients with financial contributions using a sympathetic, supportive approach
• Maintain accurate PDSA paperwork and computerised record systems
• Communicate courteously with clients and colleagues, staying calm under pressure
• Prioritise workload effectively in a dynamic environment
• Work flexibly across varied shift patterns as part of the team rota

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills and professional telephone manner
• Organised, reliable and able to prioritise in a fast-paced setting
• Flexible approach to varied shift patterns including weekends and bank holidays
• Previous office or reception experience, including word processing and computerised record systems (advantageous but not essential)
• Passionate about helping vulnerable people and their pets
• Eager to learn and committed to being part of a supportive team

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate: £13.47–£13.93 per hour
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time hours)
• Three additional paid days off annually: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day
• Flexible working options to support work–life balance
• Generous pension scheme with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%
• Life assurance providing four times your annual salary
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing support
• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance and access to staff veterinary services
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts via the Fetch benefits platform

About the Practice

PDSA is a national veterinary charity dedicated to providing essential pet care for people in financial hardship. Operating across the country, the organisation has experienced significant growth in recent years and now supports thousands of pet owners and their animals annually. Based in Plymouth, PDSA operates as a collaborative, supportive workplace where staff take pride in delivering a meaningful service.

The charity is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse working environment with family-friendly policies and opportunities for flexible arrangements. PDSA adheres to rigorous safeguarding commitments and robust recruitment practices, including satisfactory references and appropriate background checks for all new appointments.