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- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our animal shelter, assisting visitors and supporting our team.
- Company: Join RSPCA Little Valley, a compassionate organisation dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, wellbeing support, and discounts on pet insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of animals and their adopters every day.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong communication skills are essential; empathy is key.
- Other info: Part-time hours with flexible shifts available; apply before 16 July 2025!
Hours: Part-Time, 22.5 hours per week (Sunday–Tuesday or Saturday–Monday)
Department: Animal Shelter, Office and Admin
Closing Date: 16/07/2025
Be the Heart of Our Shelter – Join Us as Our Receptionist
Are you a people person with a passion for animals? Do you thrive in a busy, meaningful environment where no two days are the same? This could be the role for you.
RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter is looking for a friendly, organised and compassionate Receptionist to be the welcoming face of our shelter and a key part of our dedicated team. This is more than just a front-of-house role – it’s a chance to make a real difference every day, helping animals find new beginnings and supporting the people who care about them.
Whether you’re speaking with adopters, updating vital records, supporting our shop, or simply offering a reassuring presence to someone in distress, you’ll be at the very centre of what we do.
What We’re Offering:
- Part-Time, 22.5 hours per week (Sunday–Tuesday or Saturday–Monday)
- £12.71 per hour
- Based in Exeter at our beautiful, countryside shelter
- A role with real purpose, variety, and the opportunity to meet incredible people and animals
- 29 days annual leave (pro-rata), increasing with service
- Supportive team environment and wellbeing support via our Health Assured scheme
- Uniform provided, pension contributions, and discounted pet insurance
- Opportunities to support fundraising events and community engagement
What We’re Looking For:
We’re after someone with front-of-house or customer service experience, strong communication and IT skills, and a calm, empathetic approach – particularly in emotionally charged situations. You’ll need to be professional, reliable, and great at juggling tasks. A full driving licence is desirable, and previous experience in a veterinary or animal welfare setting would be a bonus.
How to Apply:
If you’re ready to join the team, email jblake@rspca-littlevalley.org.uk with your completed application form (downloadable below) and a covering letter explaining why you’re right for the role.
Closing date: Midnight on 16 July 2025. However, we’ll be reviewing applications as they come in and may close early – so don’t delay!
Shelter Receptionist employer: Rspca Littlevalley
Contact Detail:
Rspca Littlevalley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shelter Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you connect with the team and demonstrate your passion for the role during any interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Visit the shelter if possible, or engage with them on social media. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to learn more about their operations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your customer service experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've handled challenging situations, as this role requires a calm and empathetic approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees if you can. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and stand out during the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Shelter Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Shelter Receptionist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what they are looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animals and customer service. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your communication skills and ability to handle emotionally charged situations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any front-of-house or customer service experience you have. If you have worked in a veterinary or animal welfare setting, make sure to mention this as it is considered a bonus for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rspca Littlevalley
✨Show Your Passion for Animals
Make sure to express your love for animals during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have with pets or volunteering at animal shelters, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Highlight Your Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves interacting with adopters and visitors, be prepared to discuss your previous customer service experience. Provide examples of how you've handled difficult situations or provided exceptional service in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The job requires juggling multiple tasks, so be ready to talk about how you stay organised. You could mention specific tools or methods you use to manage your time effectively, especially in a busy environment.
✨Prepare for Emotional Situations
Given that you'll be dealing with emotionally charged situations, think about how you would handle such scenarios. Be ready to discuss your calm and empathetic approach, perhaps by sharing a relevant story from your past experiences.