About this role
Job summary
If you thrive on helping people, enjoy staying organised in a busy environment and want to make a real difference to children and families during their hospital journey, we'd love to hear from you.
As a Ward Receptionist within our Children's Unit, you will be the welcoming face of the service and often the first person patients, parents and visitors meet when they arrive. Your friendly approach, professionalism and attention to detail will help create a positive experience for children, young people and their families at what can sometimes be an anxious time.
Working alongside a supportive multidisciplinary team, you will play a key role in the smooth running of the unit, helping to coordinate patient admissions and discharges, manage appointments, respond to enquiries and ensure essential administrative processes are completed accurately and efficiently.
This is an opportunity to join a caring and dedicated team where every day is different, and where your contribution directly supports the delivery of safe, high-quality care. Full training will be provided, making this an excellent opportunity whether you already have receptionist experience or are looking to develop your skills within the NHS.
We are committed to supporting flexible working wherever possible; however, this role is based on 12-hour shifts, including weekends, to provide consistent cover across the Children's Unit.
Two positions available:
24 hours per week34.5 hours per week
Main duties of the job
As a Ward Receptionist, you will:
Welcome children, families and visitors, providing a professional and caring first point of contact.Support patient admissions, discharges and transfers, helping services run smoothly and efficiently.Manage appointments, patient records and general administrative processes with a high level of accuracy.Respond to telephone and face-to-face enquiries, providing information and directing people appropriately.Work closely with nursing, medical and administrative colleagues to support excellent patient care.Help maintain a safe, organised and welcoming environment across the Children's Unit.Contribute to effective communication and teamwork across different areas of the service.Provide flexible reception and administrative support across the Children's Unit, including weekends and service cover when required.
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
You'll be joining a friendly Children's Unit team that is passionate about delivering outstanding care for children and young people. This front-of-house role combines excellent customer service with important administrative responsibilities, ensuring patients and families receive a seamless experience throughout their time with us.
You will use a range of hospital systems and digital tools to support the patient journey, maintain accurate records, arrange appointments, coordinate admissions and discharges, and ensure information is available to clinical teams when needed. You'll also handle telephone enquiries, manage email communications, organise documentation and support the day-to-day administrative running of the unit.
We're looking for someone who can remain calm and professional in a busy environment, confidently manage competing priorities and communicate effectively with a wide range of people. You will need excellent organisational skills, a positive attitude and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
To succeed in this role, you should have:
A good standard of general education.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Good customer service and interpersonal skills.Basic keyboard and IT skills, with confidence using computer systems.The ability to prioritise work, multitask and meet deadlines.A professional, responsible and flexible approach.Experience working as part of a team.A willingness to learn new systems and use technology to improve services.Previous receptionist experience, experience within the NHS and knowledge of Microsoft Word would be beneficial, but these are not essential as full training and support will be provided.
Because of the nature of the service, you'll occasionally support families during challenging or emotional situations. Kindness, empathy and excellent communication skills are therefore essential qualities for this role.
If you're looking for a rewarding role where your organisational skills and customer-focused approach can make a genuine difference to children, young people and their families, we look forward to receiving your application.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Good standard of general education. Must be able to communicate in English both written and verbally.
Desirable
ECDL or equivalent is desirable
Experience Desirable
Previous NHS receptionist experience desirable but full training will be given.
Additional Criteria Essential
Basic keyboard skills
Desirable
Basic knowledge of NHS Legislation to include Health & Safety, Infection Control, Manual Handling and Confidentiality and Data Protection Act. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word desirable but training can be given.
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 Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)