Veterinary Receptionist

About the Role

You’ll be the first point of contact for clients—whether they’re walking through the door or calling to book appointments and request medications. This is a part-time role working just 15.75 hours per week across two surgeries (primarily at Ashcroft Road in Ipswich, with occasional shifts at the Barn location), so you’ll have genuine work-life balance while being part of a practice that values stability and continuity. No two days are the same in reception; the variety keeps things interesting.

The Barn Veterinary Practice is a long-established practice with an unusually stable team—many colleagues have been there for 10+ years, some for over 20. As a close-knit group, they work seamlessly together to deliver exceptional care for clients and their pets.

Your Shift Pattern

• Tuesdays: 2:00 pm – 7:30 pm
• Thursdays: 2:00 pm – 7:30 pm
• Fridays: 8:15 am – 1:00 pm
• You’ll cover additional shifts occasionally to support team holidays and sickness absence

Key Responsibilities

• Greet clients in person and manage incoming phone calls with professionalism and warmth
• Book and manage appointments across both Ashcroft Road and Barn surgeries
• Process medication requests and handle repeat prescriptions
• Support the smooth running of daily practice operations
• Work at both practice locations, with the majority of shifts at Ashcroft Road (IP1 6AA)

Requirements

• Enthusiasm and proactive approach to customer service
• Computer literacy and comfort with practice management systems
• A good working knowledge of veterinary practice (useful but not essential)
• Flexibility to cover additional shifts as needed
• Ability to work well in a close-knit team environment

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £10,034.61 per annum (£12.21/hour) depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks’ annual leave (FTE), plus an additional day for your birthday
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee wellbeing initiatives and non-accidental injury support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pawsome Benefits—reward gateway offering discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care

About the Practice

The Barn Veterinary Practice is a long-established small animal practice serving the Ipswich area from two locations. The practice is known for its exceptional team stability and collaborative culture—a reflection of how well colleagues work together and how much the team values its members. They treat dogs, cats, small pets, and are exotic friendly, rabbit friendly, and chicken friendly.