At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist patients over the phone and manage appointments in a supportive team environment.
- Company: Join Symphony Healthcare Services, a leader in innovative primary care solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, NHS pension, flexible working, and a range of employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and basic IT knowledge; healthcare experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; perfect for students seeking part-time work.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
Symphony Healthcare Services are looking to recruit Patient Services Advisor (phone and administration based duties) for The Contact Hub, which is part of the Symphony South group of practices, based at South Petherton Medical Centre in South Petherton, Somerset.
This role involves a variety of responsibilities, such as assisting patients over the phone, managing appointments, handling repeat prescriptions and providing general administrative support to the hub, which looks after multiple practices within Symphony South.
We have 30 hours vacant, to be worked across Monday to Friday - this can be one full time post or 2 part time posts. The starting rate of pay is £12.65 to £12.95 per hour and starting salaries are offered based on previous experience. This vacancy will close at midnight on 18 January 2026.
Main duties of the job
- This role requires courteous, calm and effective communication skills over the phone and methodical, accurate administration capabilities.
- You will assist patients in accessing the appropriate services or healthcare professional and undertake a variety of administrative duties, in accordance with agreed procedures, protocols and timescales.
- You will need to be able to work accurately and prioritise your own workload effectively while working as part of a team, while also meeting competing deadlines.
- You will also be confident to proactively alert management / clinical staff to issues of quality, risk and safeguarding, as part of your daily role.
- You will have sound IT skills and experience of using packages such as MS Office (Outlook, Word etc.).
- Knowledge of the NHS / General Practice would be desirable, but not essential.
About us
Symphony Healthcare Services (Symphony) was established in 2016 as part of the award-winning Symphony Programme Vanguard, developing new models of care. We now support 16 practices across Somerset providing care for over 100,000 patients.
Symphony has developed a model where each practice is encouraged to operate autonomously, but as a subsidiary of NHS Somerset Foundation Trust (SFT), and with the backing and economies of scale from a central support team (particularly for HR, finance, corporate and strategic management matters).
Providing NHS services is at the heart of what we do. Our vision is to ensure that primary care is sustainable for patients and practices in Somerset, and we aim to be a national exemplar for primary care provision. We work closely with our practice teams to support, develop and transform patient care and working practices with innovation and technology at our core.
Symphony welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups. When undertaking recruitment and selection for our services, Symphony is committed to equality of opportunity for all.
Symphony offers an NHS or NEST Pension, a fantastic range of employee benefits and salary sacrifice schemes, along with flexible working from day of employment and an agile approach to home / office-based working (where applicable).
We look forward to hearing from you and receiving your application.
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification document (JD) for a full list of duties, tasks and expectations associated with this role. Please read this carefully before applying.
Person Specification
- Computer literate and good keyboard skills
- Ability to listen carefully and communicate effectively and sensitively (verbal and written) to patients and staff at a range of levels
- Excellent organisational skills
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to transfer accurate information
- Work well under pressure
- Use own initiative within clear boundaries, seeking advice when necessary
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and a strong sense of teamwork
- Ability to complete tasks to a high standard with frequent interruptions
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Knowledge of the NHS/General Practice
Qualifications
- English & Maths GCSE or equivalent (grade A*-D/ grade 9 to 3)
Experience
- Experience of working within a team
- Recognise the significance of different situations (including emergencies) and take appropriate action, following standard policies and procedures
- Experience of working in a customer focused environment
- Experience of working within an administration team
- Experience of working in the NHS or similar health care setting
- Awareness of clinical systems such as EMIS
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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£12.65 to £12.95 an hour - starting salary will be offered based on previous experience.
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
Patient Services Advisor for Symphony South (South Petherton Hub base) employer: Symphony Healthcare Services Limited
Contact Detail:
Symphony Healthcare Services Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Patient Services Advisor for Symphony South (South Petherton Hub base)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Symphony Healthcare Services and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your phone skills! Since the role involves assisting patients over the phone, try role-playing with a friend or family member. Focus on being calm, courteous, and clear in your communication – it’ll make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Be ready to discuss how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully juggled multiple responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the Symphony team!
We think you need these skills to ace Patient Services Advisor for Symphony South (South Petherton Hub base)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description carefully. It’s packed with details about what we’re looking for in a Patient Services Advisor, and understanding these will help you tailor your application to match our needs.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves assisting patients over the phone, it’s crucial to highlight your communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively, just like we expect you to do on the job!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you’ve got experience in customer service or administration, make sure to showcase it! We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role, so don’t hold back on sharing those experiences that make you a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Symphony Healthcare Services Limited
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Patient Services Advisor. Familiarise yourself with tasks like managing appointments and handling repeat prescriptions. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves assisting patients over the phone, practice your verbal communication skills. You might want to role-play common scenarios with a friend or family member. Focus on being courteous and calm, as these qualities are essential for effective patient interaction.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled multiple responsibilities under pressure. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a busy environment.
✨Brush Up on NHS Knowledge
While knowledge of the NHS isn't essential, having a basic understanding can set you apart. Read up on NHS services and terminology, so you can speak knowledgeably about the healthcare system during your interview. It shows you're proactive and ready to contribute to the team.