Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our veterinary team while providing top-notch care to our furry patients.
- Company: Join a caring and inclusive veterinary practice with a fantastic team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health benefits, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in animal care are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20800 - 25396 £ per year.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Patient Care Assistant/Receptionist to join our team here at Dart Vale! You'll be joining us on a full time, permanent basis working 40 hours per week (shifts between the hours of 7:30am-7pm) and weekends on a rota basis. This role is one of the foundations of an outstanding veterinary practice; you would be involved in supporting our team of qualified RVNs and Vets to provide outstanding care to our patients, working alongside a lovely team of people. This role will be a 50/50 split between PCA and Receptionist duties.
This role will involve:
- Animal handling
- Assisting vets and nurses in restraining animals for treatment
- Cleaning, walking and feeding patients
- General cleaning and maintenance duties
- Answering phone calls
- Reception cover
- Greeting clients
- Providing the highest standards of animal and customer care
What we’re looking for:
- An excellent communicator with strong empathy
- Excellent customer service skills and experience in dealing with members of the public
- Experience in animal welfare, including feeding, cleaning, medicating and handling and a high level of understanding of how to meet the welfare needs of animals
- Resilient with the ability to cope with potentially distressing and emotional situations
- A positive attitude and excellent teamwork skills
- Experience in looking after animals in a veterinary environment would be desirable
What we can offer you:
- Salary will be in line with the UK National Minimum Wage £20,800 - £25,396
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 5 weeks per year plus Bank Holidays
- Buy/sell up to an additional 4 weeks annual leave!
- Staff discount scheme on Veterinary bills and products
- A range of health benefits including private healthcare
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to over 400 Mental Health First-Aiders
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept and progress applications from candidates without the Right to Work in the UK as we cannot provide visa sponsorship, due to our clinical support roles not meeting the criteria set out by the Home Office to be eligible. CVS is committed to being a fully inclusive place to work where all our colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated and where everyone feels able to deliver their best. We are also determined to build a workforce that is more representative of our diverse communities and the people we provide our services to.
Receptionist/Patient Care Assistant in Totnes employer: Southdown Veterinary Group
Contact Detail:
Southdown Veterinary Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist/Patient Care Assistant in Totnes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Dart Vale and its staff. Mentioning specific team members or values during your chat can show you’re genuinely interested and that you’ve done your homework.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your animal handling skills! If you have experience with animals, be ready to share some stories about your interactions. If not, consider volunteering at a local shelter to gain some hands-on experience before your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your customer service skills! Think of examples where you’ve gone above and beyond for a customer. This role is all about providing top-notch care, so demonstrating your empathy and communication skills will really make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re keen and professional, and it keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist/Patient Care Assistant in Totnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Care: When writing your application, let us know why you love working with animals! Share any experiences you've had in animal welfare or veterinary settings. This will help us see your genuine interest in the role.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills: Since you'll be interacting with clients regularly, make sure to emphasise your customer service experience. Talk about how you've handled difficult situations and provided excellent care to customers in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown Veterinary Group
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the split between PCA and Receptionist duties. Familiarise yourself with animal handling techniques and customer service expectations. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a Patient Care Assistant/Receptionist, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated strong communication and understanding, especially in emotional situations. This will highlight your ability to connect with both animals and their owners.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, like dealing with distressed pet owners or managing multiple tasks at the reception. Think of scenarios you might face in the role and how you would approach them. This shows your problem-solving skills and readiness for the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready about the team dynamics or the types of cases you might encounter. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the practice is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers!