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- Tasks: Welcome visitors, manage calls, and support admin tasks in a friendly environment.
- Company: Join The Caldecott Foundation, dedicated to helping children build brighter futures.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive team committed to supporting children from various backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be the first point of contact and create a warm atmosphere for young people.
- Qualifications: Previous reception or admin experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ 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
You will need to have:
- 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.
Location: Smeeth, Kent
Department: Administration
Employment Type: Casual
Minimum Experience: Entry-level
Compensation: NLW - Zero-Hour Contract
Casual Receptionist employer: The Caldecott Foundation
Contact Detail:
The Caldecott Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on The Caldecott Foundation. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with them during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common receptionist scenarios with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident when it comes to greeting visitors or handling phone calls, making you stand out as a friendly and professional candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look smart and professional for your interview. A polished appearance shows that you take the role seriously and are ready to represent the foundation well.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation for the opportunity. It also keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
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 experiences align with our values.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience in reception or administrative roles. We love seeing how your skills can contribute to creating a warm and welcoming environment for our young people.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure to highlight your key skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
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. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Caldecott Foundation
✨Know the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research The Caldecott Foundation. Understand their mission and values, especially how they support children who have faced adversity. 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 receptionist, excellent communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, whether it’s handling difficult calls or welcoming visitors. Practise articulating these experiences clearly, as this will demonstrate your interpersonal skills during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Abilities
The role requires strong organisational skills, so be ready to discuss 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 highlight your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Since this is a zero-hour contract, flexibility is crucial. Be prepared to talk about your availability and willingness to adapt to changing needs. Share any past experiences where you’ve had to adjust your schedule or take on unexpected tasks, showcasing your readiness to step in when needed.