At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our Rehoming Centre, managing admin tasks and client interactions.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to animal welfare and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, health perks, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Great career growth potential and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in reception, strong communication skills, and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 19980 - 19980 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent, part-time (30 hours per week)
Salary: £19,980 (£24,976 FTE)
Location: Hitchin, SG4 8EU
Closing date: Sunday 14th June 2026
Responsibilities
- 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.
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 of the voluntary sector.
- Experience of Working In a Team And Mentoring Others.
- Understanding of safeguarding issues.
Benefits
- 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.
- 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.
Receptionist and Administration Assistant employer: Blue Cross UK
At Blue Cross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. As a Receptionist and Administration Assistant at our Hitchin Rehoming Centre, you'll enjoy generous benefits such as 38 days of holiday, access to health and wellbeing programmes, and opportunities for professional development, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their owners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist and Administration Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Blue Cross and their values. When you walk into that interview, show us you understand what they stand for and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Receptionist and Administration Assistant, you'll be the face of the organisation. Role-play with a friend or family member to nail that warm greeting and confident communication.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed tasks in a busy environment. We want to see how you keep things running smoothly, even when the pressure's on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows us you're genuinely interested and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make our decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist and Administration Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and the values we stand for.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the Receptionist and Administration Assistant role. We love seeing how you can contribute to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of interaction with clients, it’s important to demonstrate your verbal and written communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to engage effectively with others.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross UK
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Receptionist and Administration Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like managing enquiries and maintaining a welcoming environment. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role involves engaging with clients face-to-face, over the phone, and digitally, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully interacted with the public in previous roles. Highlight your empathy and resilience, especially in emotionally charged situations, as these traits are crucial for this position.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The job requires strong administration skills, so come ready to discuss how you manage tasks efficiently. You might want to prepare a few anecdotes about how you've handled stock management or cash handling in the past. This will show that you can keep things running smoothly at the Rehoming Centre.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
