About this role
Job summary
This apprenticeship offers the unique opportunity to gain experience across two specialist services within one service group: Somerset-wide Integrated Sexual Health Services (SWISH) and Community Dental Services. Together, these services deliver safe, inclusive and person-centred healthcare to people across Somerset, supporting patients with a wide range of health needs through innovative and specialist models of care.
As an Apprentice Administrator/Receptionist, you will provide administrative and reception support across both services while developing valuable knowledge and skills within a healthcare setting. Under supervision, you will support appointments, referrals and enquiries, act as a first point of contact for patients and professionals, maintain accurate records, and develop strong communication, organisational and customer service skills. Full training, supervision and support will be provided throughout the programme as you work towards a recognised apprenticeship qualification.
Your working week will be split across Taunton and Yeovil, with occasional Saturday morning SWISH clinics supported on a rota basis, as required.
Your supporting statement is the most important part of your application. Once the required apprenticeship entry qualifications have been confirmed, shortlisting will focus on how well you demonstrate your interest in this apprenticeship opportunity and your potential to succeed in the role.
Main duties of the job
As part of your apprenticeship programme, you will work towards independently providing administrative and reception support across community services. You will act as a first point of contact for a range of patients, families and team members, communicating effectively face-to-face, by telephone and in writing. You will support appointments, referrals, registrations and clinic administration, ensuring information is recorded accurately and confidentially within Trust systems.
Working closely with clinical and operational colleagues, you will develop skills in managing workloads, responding to enquiries, preparing documentation, maintaining records and supporting admin processes. You will assist patients throughout their care journey, demonstrating a professional and compassionate approach that reflects the Trust's values.
The role involves exposure to sensitive patient information, particularly within sexual health services, requiring a strong understanding of confidentiality, discretion and respectful communication.
You will also support operational processes such as recording patient charges, ordering supplies and helping maintain equipment and resources. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will take part in supervision, appraisal and learning activities, developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to perform the role confidently and independently. You may be required to support services across a range of sites to meet service needs.
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
If you would like to find out more about this apprenticeship role before formally applying, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Jon Parish, 07780 004151 / 01823 428338 and/or Sonja Mapstone 07771 742161 who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Please see the attached job description with further details of the role.
To enrol on the apprenticeship, you must meet the relevant eligibility criteria. We encourage applicants to contact Yeovil College directly for further information about the course requirements on 01935 845380 or via [email protected].
If you no longer have a copy of your certificate, you can obtain a replacement via the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate
Non UK National applicants - must also have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship, in most cases have been in the UK for at least 3 years and have the right to remain (it is vital to ensure that the duration of your visa outlasts that of the apprenticeship) Please see apprenticeship funding rules Apprenticeship funding rules 2025 to 2026.
**Please note: this advertised vacancy does not meet the UKVI eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa and therefore SFT would not be able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.**
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Good standard of literacy and numeracy and spoken English (minimum level 2 functional skills, or GCSE grade C/4 or above)
Desirable
Typing skills, experience of databases and computer literacy
Experience Essential
Good organisational skills, ability to manage own time and plan timed activities for staff and patients Ability to spend extended periods working at a computer and using display screen equipment
Desirable
Understanding of general clerical / administration settings and duties NHS / Social Care / Public Sector experience Experience of supporting people who may be distressed, anxious, or vulnerable
Additional Criteria Essential
Good standard of IT (such as email, Word, Excel) Confidentiality -- Understands the importance of maintaining strict confidentiality when handling sensitive patient information, particularly within sexual health services Positive and clear oral communication skills -- good telephone manner Sound and accurate written communication skills - takes care towards detail Compassionate - Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with patients, carers and relatives remaining sensitive and empathetic Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the patients Able to support the Saturday morning SWISH clinic across Taunton and Yeovil on a rota basis, as required
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 Summerlands
56 Preston Road
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 2BN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)