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- Tasks: Join us as a Secretary/Receptionist, supporting wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
- Company: Be part of the RSPCA, a leading charity dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, team support, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: This role offers a unique opportunity to impact animal welfare while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Previous office experience and good communication skills are essential; training provided for wildlife knowledge.
- Other info: Work 15 hours a week on weekends; apply early to secure your spot!
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
Do you want to help create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe animal welfare is everyone's welfare. Join us in creating a better world for every animal. We can do it if we work together, everyone for every animal.
We're looking for a dedicated Secretary/Receptionist to join our West Hatch Wildlife Centre team. This isn't just an office job; it's a chance to be at the heart of our operations, helping us rescue, rehabilitate, and release thousands of wild animals every year.
Working hours: 15 hours a week working every Saturday & Sunday
It's important to us that you feel part of our team from the start. We like to keep in touch with regular check-ins and team meetings. There's always a teammate around for support or a quick chat.
Here at RSPCA no two days are the same, as a Secretary/Receptionist we’ve added a short summary of what a typical day might look like:
- Receive callers/deliveries to the Centre, and deal with telephone enquiries.
- Admit and triage wildlife casualties.
- Type up documents and correspondence, including clinical records and reports.
- Maintain Centre records on our computer database to enable accurate and timely responses to requests for statistical information.
- Deal with incoming/outgoing post, distributing to the relevant member of staff, including collating application forms and sending thank you letters for donations.
- Participate in and support fundraising events to generate income and public awareness.
Requirements:
- Previous secretarial/office experience.
- Some experience with cash handling/balancing is essential.
- Experience working in a customer service environment.
- Computer Literate.
- Good communication skills.
- Good customer service skills.
- Good organisational skills.
- Wildlife knowledge and/or animal handling is desirable but not essential as you will receive training.
Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA.
We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible.
We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed to our mission. For this reason, we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family!
Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.
Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect.
Secretary / Receptionist employer: RSPCA
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Secretary / Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you convey your passion during the interview, showing that you're not just looking for a job, but genuinely want to contribute to their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience in customer service or administrative roles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've handled challenging situations or provided excellent service, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the Secretary/Receptionist position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare questions to ask during the interview about the team dynamics and daily operations at the Centre. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you, while also making a positive impression on the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have any knowledge of wildlife or animal handling, be sure to mention it. Even if it's not essential, demonstrating your enthusiasm for animals can set you apart from other candidates and align you more closely with the RSPCA's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Secretary / Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in secretarial or customer service roles. Emphasise skills like communication, organisation, and any experience with cash handling.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for animal welfare and your desire to contribute to the RSPCA's mission. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Highlight Transferable Skills: If you have experience in other fields, identify and highlight transferable skills that would be beneficial for the Secretary/Receptionist position, such as teamwork, multitasking, and problem-solving.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for animal welfare during the interview. The RSPCA is dedicated to creating a better world for animals, so sharing any relevant experiences or personal stories related to animal care can really help you stand out.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a Secretary/Receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for callers and visitors. Practice clear and confident communication, and be prepared to discuss how you've effectively handled customer inquiries in the past.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Abilities
This role requires excellent organisational skills. Be ready to provide examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or maintained records efficiently in previous positions. This will show that you're capable of handling the diverse responsibilities of the job.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios where you had to triage or prioritise tasks, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
