Receptionist - Kendal, Out of Hours

Cumbria Health is seeking two reliable and organised Receptionists to support the safe and efficient running of our Out-of-Hours Treatment Centre in Kendal. This is a key frontline role where you will be the first point of contact for patients and professionals, helping to ensure appointments run smoothly and patients receive timely care. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will liaise with clinicians, the control room and drivers, manage appointments, process confidential information and support the running of the reception shift. The role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to remain calm in a busy and demanding environment.

There are 2 positions available, each averaging 20 hours across a 4 week period. This is an out-of-hours role and shifts will include evenings, nights, weekends and in addition Bank Holidays, so flexibility to support is essential.

Main Duties:

• The post holder will be responsible for the efficient running of the reception area at their designated base.
• Welcoming patients and managing the reception area.
• Booking and coordinating appointments and contacting patients.
• Processing referrals and handling confidential patient information.
• Monitoring waiting areas and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Liaising with clinicians, drivers, control room teams and external agencies.
• Using clinical systems such as Adastra, EMIS and Outlook.
• Working flexibly to support service delivery during busy periods.

Job Responsibilities:

• Be the initial point of contact for professionals referred to Primary Medical care Out of Hours.
• Contact patients with appointment times and be the first point of contact for patients arriving at the Treatment Centre.
• Process confidential patient information to pass to Clinicians.
• Keep a watchful eye on patients waiting to be seen and alert a relevant professional in case of worsening symptoms.
• Work autonomously, managing own workload effectively referring to Control Room Supervisor when necessary.
• Liaise with and follow advice, guidance and requests from the Control Room Supervisor on shift.
• Alert Emergency Services in the event of an emergency.
• Carry out equipment checks and report issues to the Control Room Supervisor.
• Adhere to all Cumbria Health Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and comply with the Data Protection Act.
• Use a variety of computerised systems to record patient details.
• Participate and ensure own ongoing development, maintaining compliance for mandatory training.
• Undertake any other activities deemed appropriate and necessary by the organisation.
• Be flexible and adaptable with regards to shifts to support your team in rota cover.

Person Specification:

• Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent), IT or system training qualification, NVQ Business Administration.
• Skills and Aptitudes: Excellent oral and written communication skills, excellent telephone manner, ability to prioritise & manage own workload, friendly and helpful approach, excellent organisational skills, ability to work on own initiative, able to work under pressure, maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Personal Circumstances: Positive, confident, well organised, good team player, flexible, ability to build rapport and effective relationships at all levels, demonstrate initiative.
• Other Requirements: Willingness to undertake further training, flexible approach with the ability to work at short notice.
• Experience: Experience of working with various I.T. systems, confidence to adapt to new technologies, experience of interacting with the public in a customer facing environment, previous experience working within the NHS, previous experience in a similar role.

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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.