At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the welcoming face of our charity, guiding clients and supporting their recovery journey.
- Company: Join The Society of St James, a dynamic charity making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days annual leave, flexible working, and comprehensive support services.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on vulnerable individuals while growing in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Engaging personality, empathy, and multitasking skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25947 - 26305 £ per year.
Company: The Society of St James
Salary: £25,947 to £26,305 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: Southampton
Working pattern: On-site
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 11 Sept 2026
Closing date: 24 Sept 2026
Summary
37 hours per week Permanent Southampton SSJ&I Service, London Road Salary Scale: 20 - 21 (£25,947 - £26,305 per annum)
About Us
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association. The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.
The Impact You'll Make
As one of the primary faces of the SSJ&I Alcohol and Drug Service, you will set the tone for every individual walking through our doors or reaching out over the phone. Operating with a calm, controlled, and welcoming manner, you will seamlessly guide clients to their appointments, pass queries to duty teams or care coordinators, and serve as a reassuring presence during critical moments in their recovery journey. Working with a person-centred approach, you will directly support Southampton residents who are ready to make meaningful changes to their lives. By connecting service users to vital interventions—from therapeutic groups to prescribing and needle exchange services—and maintaining strong risk management standards, you will help create a safe environment where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow. Through building genuine, trusting relationships with our client base, you will actively contribute to SSJ’s core mission. Your everyday interactions will help cultivate a community of continuous growth and development, delivering real, positive change for both our service users and the wider organisation.
Who We’re Looking For
- Engaging & Personable: An innovative, tenacious individual who can connect meaningfully with service users and multitask effectively in a busy reception environment.
- Empathetic & Resilient: Someone equipped with a self-reflective, motivated mindset who thrives both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Flexible Team Member: A dedicated professional ready to work service-based across a 37-hour week, Monday - Friday working week.
What we can offer you
We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:
- A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
- Flexible working options
- Buying additional annual leave
- Comprehensive induction and training
- Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
- Company cycle to work scheme
- Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie's Computers
- Electric Car Scheme
- Blue Light Card
SSJ are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union.
Application closing date: 5pm on Thursday 24th September 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 1st October 2026
Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier. Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Receptionist/ Administrator in Southampton employer: The Society of St James
The Society of St James (SSJ) is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, particularly in Hampshire. With over 50 years of experience, SSJ offers a supportive work culture that values its staff as its greatest assets, providing generous benefits such as flexible working options, comprehensive training, and well-being services. Joining SSJ means being part of a dynamic team committed to equal opportunities and making a difference in the lives of those facing homelessness and substance use challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist/ Administrator in Southampton
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at The Society of St James. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like The Society of St James before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist/ Administrator in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to The Society of St James:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at The Society of St James specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at The Society of St James!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Society of St James
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
