At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors and manage calls while providing essential admin support.
- Company: Join The Caldecott Foundation, a caring organisation dedicated to helping children thrive.
- Benefits: Flexible zero-hour contract with competitive pay of £12.21 per hour.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Previous reception or admin experience and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive team environment with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
Locations: Ashford, Kent
Salary: Zero-hour contract (Casual Worker), Hourly rate: £12.21 per hour
About Us
For over 110 years, The Caldecott Foundation has been helping children build a future. We provide homes, schools and therapeutic services for children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity and disrupted relationships. We focus on creating safe, nurturing and playful environments where young people can develop life skills, grow in confidence, enjoy new opportunities and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
About the Role
We are looking for a Casual Receptionist to provide reception and administrative cover during school holidays and to support with ad‑hoc cover for staff absence. You will be the first point of contact for visitors and callers, ensuring a warm welcome and a professional, efficient service. This role offers flexibility, with hours offered on an as‑needed basis. As this is a zero‑hour arrangement, shifts are not guaranteed and may vary depending on operational needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Meeting and greeting visitors in a professional and friendly manner.
- Answering and directing telephone calls and responding to general enquiries.
- Sorting and distributing incoming post and preparing outgoing mail, including franking.
- Supporting travel and accommodation bookings for Foundation staff.
- Managing deliveries, ensuring items are distributed appropriately and documentation is passed to Finance.
- Maintaining the House diary and supporting meeting arrangements, including refreshments.
- Keeping reception and kitchen areas tidy, including updating noticeboards and displays.
- Providing word‑processing and general administrative support, including document formatting.
- Supporting managers with administrative tasks and small projects when required.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Previous experience in a reception or administrative role.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational abilities and attention to detail.
- Confident using Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and respond calmly and professionally in a busy environment.
- A positive, compassionate and resilient approach aligned with our values.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves. The children and young people we support come from many different backgrounds, and we believe our workforce should reflect and celebrate that diversity. We welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds and lived experiences who share our commitment to helping children build brighter futures.
Sound Like a Match?
If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference and help our young people feel safe, supported and hopeful for their futures, we’d love to hear from you. Please click apply to be redirected to our website.
Please note: The Caldecott Foundation is committed to safeguarding children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check in line with safer recruitment guidelines.
Casual Receptionist employer: THE CALDECOTT FOUNDATION LTD
Contact Detail:
THE CALDECOTT FOUNDATION LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure you research The Caldecott Foundation before your interview. Knowing their mission and values will help you connect with the role and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference for the children they support.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Casual Receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors and callers. Role-play with a friend to get comfortable with greeting people and handling inquiries professionally.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your organisational skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you managed multiple tasks or kept things running smoothly in a busy environment. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in the role.
✨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 team at The Caldecott Foundation.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your enthusiasm for the role and how your values align with ours.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience. Focus on your previous reception or administrative roles and showcase those excellent communication skills we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE CALDECOTT FOUNDATION LTD
✨Know the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research The Caldecott Foundation. Understand their mission and values, especially how they support children and young people. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Casual Receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors and callers. Practice clear and friendly communication during your interview. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've effectively handled inquiries or resolved issues in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Abilities
Highlight your organisational skills by discussing how you manage multiple tasks. Think of specific instances where you successfully juggled responsibilities, like managing a busy reception area or coordinating schedules. This will reassure them that you can handle the dynamic environment they'll expect from you.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Since this role is on a zero-hour contract, it's important to convey your flexibility and willingness to adapt. Share examples of times when you've been available on short notice or adjusted your schedule to meet the needs of your team. This will show that you're ready to step in whenever needed.