Receptionist and Administration Assistant (Hertfordshire) in Hitchin

Receptionist and Administration Assistant (Hertfordshire) in Hitchin

Hitchin Full-Time 19994 - 23993 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Blue Cross For Pets

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Be the friendly face of our Rehoming Centre, managing client interactions and administrative tasks.
  • Company: Join Blue Cross, a dedicated organisation committed to helping pets in need.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous holiday, wellbeing support, and discounts on pet insurance.
  • Other info: Part-time role with a 2-week rota; apply by 18 August 2025.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pets while working in a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in customer service and administration is essential; empathy and resilience are key.

The predicted salary is between 19994 - 23993 £ per year.

Receptionist and Administration Assistant (Hertfordshire)

Application Deadline: 18 August 2025

Department: Rehoming & Fostering Services

Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time

Location: Hertfordshire

Reporting To: Centre Manager

Compensation: £23,993 / year


Description

Contract: Permanent, part-time (3.5 days a week on a 2 week rota)
Salary: £23,993 per annum FTE
Location: Hitchin, SG4 8EU
Closing date: Monday 18 August 2025
Interview date: 28 & 29 August 2025
Join our team as a Reception and Administration Assistant at our Rehoming Centre in Hertfordshire!
Are you passionate about providing exceptional customer service and administrative support that makes a real difference? Here\'s your chance to become an integral part of our Blue Cross family, where you\'ll play a crucial role in delivering our mission to help more pets in need.

More about the role

As our Reception and Administration Assistant, you\'ll be the welcoming face and organisational backbone of our Rehoming Centre. From greeting clients with a warm smile to ensuring our administrative processes run smoothly, you\'ll be at the heart of everything we do.
In this role, you\'ll engage with clients in person, over the phone, and through digital channels, providing them with non-judgemental support and assistance. You\'ll maintain a clean and inviting front of house environment, ensuring all materials are up-to-date and in line with Blue Cross branding. You\'ll manage administrative tasks efficiently, including stock management, pet movement coordination, and cash handling.
Your collaboration with colleagues across departments will be essential as you work together to deliver outstanding client service and optimise administrative processes. Collecting and analysing visitor feedback, you\'ll continuously strive for excellence and contribute to the training and development of team members and volunteers, sharing your expertise and fostering growth.
This role is available on a permanent, part-time basis working on a 2 week rota. The rota is as follows:
Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
Week 2: Sunday, Monday, Friday
If you excel in an environment where you can see the difference you make every day, then this is the role for you. Interested? Then apply and let’s work together to see if this is the role for you.

About you

We\'re looking for someone who demonstrates empathy, resilience, and a positive mindset, even in emotionally charged environments. Thriving in a diverse, fast-paced environment, you enjoy taking on new challenges and excel in problem-solving, organisation, and attention to detail.
Knowledge, skills, and experience
  • Experience in delivering high level reception service in a fast paced and often emotional environment.
  • Good standard of verbal and written communication.
  • Experience of dealing with the public, managing enquiries by phone, email enquiries and face-to-face.
  • Strong administration skills, including the use of computerised systems.
  • Experience of handling and managing cash and spreadsheets.
  • Current full driving licence.
It would be great (but not essential) if you also had:
  • NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Customer Care
  • Experience of working in a similar role or working in a pet welfare role/environment.
  • Experience working with volunteers.
  • Experience of working with the public
  • Experience of public speaking
  • An understanding for the voluntary sector
  • Experience of working in a team and mentoring others
  • Understanding of safeguarding issues.
For more information about this rewarding role, please take a look at the attached job description.
How to apply
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on Monday 18 August 2025.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.

Blue Cross benefits

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.
In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.
Our generous benefits package includes:
  • Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
  • Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
  • Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
  • Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
  • Health cash plan
  • Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
  • Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
  • Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
  • Life assurance
  • 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
  • Enhanced family friendly policies
  • Recognition scheme
  • Annual volunteer days
  • Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the \'why work for us\' page on our website.
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Receptionist and Administration Assistant (Hertfordshire) in Hitchin employer: Blue Cross For Pets

At Blue Cross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values the contributions of every team member. Located in the heart of Hertfordshire, our Rehoming Centre provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their owners, while enjoying generous benefits such as extensive holiday entitlement, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities. Join us and be part of a dedicated team that is committed to making a difference every day.

Blue Cross For Pets

Contact Details:

Blue Cross For Pets Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Receptionist and Administration Assistant (Hertfordshire) in Hitchin

Get to Know the Company Culture

Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Blue Cross For Pets. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.

Join Customer Support Communities

Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Blue Cross For Pets before they even post them.

Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events

Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!

Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions

In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!

We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist and Administration Assistant (Hertfordshire) in Hitchin

Exceptional Customer Service
Strong Verbal and Written Communication
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Experience in Reception Services
Cash Handling Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Blue Cross For Pets:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Blue Cross For Pets specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!

Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!

Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Blue Cross For Pets!

How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross For Pets

Show Off Your People Skills

In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!

Know the Tools of the Trade

Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!

Show Genuine Enthusiasm

As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!

Practice Common Scenarios

Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.