About this role
Job summary
Are you an organised and compassionate administrator who enjoys making a difference behind the scenes? If so, we would love you to join our Specialist Psychological Interventions team as a Secretary.
This is a rewarding opportunity to become a valued member of a friendly, multidisciplinary service that supports people accessing specialist mental health care. Working alongside clinicians and fellow administrators, you will play an essential role in ensuring patients receive a seamless, well-coordinated experience throughout their care journey.
No two days are the same. From supporting clinics and managing referrals to communicating with patients, carers and healthcare professionals, you will be at the heart of a busy and supportive team. You'll gain experience within a specialist healthcare setting, develop your administrative expertise, and build meaningful working relationships while contributing to high-quality patient care.
This role offers the opportunity to become an integral part of a specialist mental health service where your organisational skills and attention to detail will have a direct impact on patient care. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working collaboratively, and take pride in delivering excellent customer service, this could be the perfect role for you.
Main duties of the job
You will support a team of clinicians by providing high-quality secretarial and administrative assistance, helping services run efficiently and ensuring patients experience a professional and responsive service. You will be responsible for managing a varied workload, balancing competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality at all times.
Working closely with clinical and administrative colleagues, you will coordinate appointments, maintain patient information, prepare correspondence, and support meetings and clinics. You will also liaise with a wide range of internal and external partners, building positive working relationships that help deliver effective patient care.
We're looking for someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who can remain calm and professional when dealing with sensitive situations. You will be confident using Microsoft Office systems, have strong organisational abilities, and be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
In return, you'll join a supportive and inclusive team that values collaboration, kindness and continuous learning. You'll have the opportunity to develop your skills within a specialist area of healthcare, contribute to meaningful work every day, and play an important role in improving the experience of patients and those who support them.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
Flexible working options to help you balance work and lifeNHS pension scheme for long-term financial securityGenerous annual leave allowance to recharge and relaxA strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potentialAdditionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description Job responsibilities
As a Secretary, you will provide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to the Specialist Psychological Interventions team, helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the service.
Your responsibilities will include:
Acting as a first point of contact for patients, carers, clinicians and external organisations, providing a professional and welcoming service.Supporting clinicians with appointment scheduling, diary management and clinic coordination.Processing referrals and maintaining accurate patient records and administrative systems.Preparing letters, reports, meeting documentation and other correspondence to a high standard.Managing incoming and outgoing communications, including telephone calls, emails and post.Organising meetings, booking rooms and ensuring all necessary documentation is available.Maintaining electronic and paper-based records in line with confidentiality and data protection requirements.Assisting with office administration, including ordering supplies and supporting effective office systems.Providing cross-cover for colleagues and contributing to a positive, team-focused working environment.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
NVQ Level 3 Business Administration or willing to work towards.
Desirable
Level III Word Processing or Typing qualification.Audio Typing.
Experience Essential
Previous administrative experience.Experience of setting up and maintaining office systems and procedures that support the smooth running of the department.Knowledge and experience of Microsoft Office Packages.
Desirable
Experience of contact with users of mental health services.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address Magnolia House
56 Preston Road
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 2BN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)