Receptionist in Kent

We are an 11,000 patient Practice on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent and are looking for a Receptionist to join our hard-working dedicated team. You must have an excellent attendance record, be a good timekeeper, able to work under pressure and enjoy working as part of a team. The successful candidate will be flexible, motivated, reliable, conscientious and committed to making a valuable contribution to the team.

Working hours are 8am-7pm, split into three shifts throughout the day. We are also open half day on Saturdays. Candidates should be available to work during these times.

Main duties of the job:

• Answering telephones, booking triages and appointments
• Assisting GP as chaperone when required
• Undertaking all mandatory training as required
• Completing referrals to the local community nursing team(s) when necessary
• Ensuring an effective and efficient reception service is provided to patients and any other visitors to the Practice
• Dealing with all general enquiries, explaining procedures and making new and follow-up appointments
• Explaining Practice arrangements and formal requirements to new patients and those seeking temporary cover and ensuring procedures are completed
• Diverting calls and taking messages, ensuring accuracy of detail and prompt appropriate delivery
• Entering patient information on the computer as required
• Actioning repeat prescription requests and ensuring that they are ready for collection by the patient within 48 working hours
• Advising patients of relevant charges for private services; letters, medicals, etc.
• Retrieving and re-filing patient records as required, ensuring strict alphabetical order is adhered to
• Ensuring correspondence, reports, results, etc. are filed promptly and in the correct records
• Updating patient contact information and addresses as appropriate

Communication:

The post holder should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:

• Communicate effectively with other team members
• Communicate effectively with patients and carers
• Recognise people's needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly

Confidentiality:

In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately. In the performance of the duties outlined in this job description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential.

Qualities:

The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment, including:

• Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development
• Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work

This job description is a reflection of the current position and may change in emphasis or detail in the light of subsequent development, in consultation with the post holder.