Receptionist

About the Role

You’ll join PDSA Bournemouth as a Receptionist, welcoming clients and helping create a calm, supportive experience for people who really need the charity’s help. The role sits at the front desk of a busy pet hospital, so your day will involve a mix of client contact, telephone work and accurate admin.

The hours are fixed across the week: 1.00pm to 6.00pm on Monday and Friday, 1.00pm to 5.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday, plus Saturdays 1 in 5 from 9.00am to 12.00pm. There may also be extra hours required to cover annual leave.

You’ll be part of a supportive team in a fast-paced environment, where flexibility, professionalism and a caring approach all matter.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for clients arriving at or calling PDSA Bournemouth.
• Deliver courteous, sympathetic customer service to pet owners.
• Process clients attending the hospital and handle telephone enquiries.
• Encourage appropriate financial contributions from clients.
• Maintain accurate PDSA paperwork and records.
• Support the reception team across weekdays, weekends and bank holidays as part of the rota.

Requirements

• Good communication skills and an excellent telephone manner.
• A caring, professional approach.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisation and the ability to prioritise workload.
• Flexibility to respond to changing demands.
• Previous office or reception experience is an advantage, including word processing and using computerised record systems, but it is not essential.
• A willingness to learn and work as part of a supportive team.

Benefits

• Hourly pay of £13.47 to £13.87.
• Part-time, permanent contract for 19 hours per week.
• Flexible working options.
• 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays.
• Three paid special days each year, Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day.
• Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.
• Life assurance worth four times annual salary.
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing support.
• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts through the Fetch benefits platform.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.

About the Practice

PDSA provides vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship and has done so for over a century. The organisation is focused on expanding its reach so it can support even more people and their pets.

PDSA describes its teams as collaborative and supportive, with a culture built around meaningful purpose, individuality and a shared passion for pets.