Job Summary
The purpose of the role is to:
* Offer general assistance to the practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone.
* Receive, assist, and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient, and effective way.
* Undertake a variety of administrative duties to assist in the smooth running of the practice, including the provision of secretarial and clerical support to clinical staff and other members of the practice team.
* Facilitate effective communication between patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care, and other associated healthcare agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities may include:
* Opening up/locking up of practice premises and maintaining security in accordance with practice protocols.
* Maintaining and monitoring the practice appointments system.
* Processing personal and telephone requests for appointments, visits, and telephone consultations, ensuring callers are directed to the appropriate healthcare professional.
* Processing and distributing incoming (and outgoing) mail.
* Taking messages and passing on information.
* Filing and retrieving paperwork.
* Processing repeat prescriptions in accordance with practice guidelines.
* Computer data entry/data allocation and collation; processing and recording information in accordance with practice procedures.
* Initiating contact with and responding to requests from patients, other team members, and associated healthcare agencies and providers.
* Providing clerical assistance to practice staff as required, including word/data processing, filing, photocopying, and scanning.
* Monitoring of stationery and other supplies.
* Dealing with clinical waste collection.
* Provision of refreshments for staff and visitors as required; loading and emptying the dishwasher and keeping the kitchen area clean and tidy.
* Keeping the reception area, notice-boards, and leaflet dispensers tidy and free from obstructions and clutter.
Confidentiality
* Patients entrust us with sensitive information regarding their health. They have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately.
* In the performance of duties, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients, practice staff, and other healthcare workers.
* Information may only be divulged to authorized persons in accordance with practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality.
Health and Safety
The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining health, safety, and security as defined in the practice health & safety policy. This will include:
* Identifying the risks involved in work activities and managing those risks.
* Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills.
* Using appropriate infection control procedures and maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way.
* Actively reporting health and safety hazards immediately when recognized.
* Keeping work areas clean and assisting in maintaining cleanliness standards.
* Undertaking periodic infection control training (minimum annually).
* Reporting potential risks identified.
* Demonstrating due regard for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Equality and Diversity
The post-holder will support the equality, diversity, and rights of patients, carers, and colleagues by:
* Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of people’s rights.
* Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs, and beliefs of patients, carers, and colleagues.
* Behaving in a manner that is welcoming and non-judgmental.
Personal / Professional Development
The post-holder will participate in any training implemented by the practice, including:
* Participation in an annual individual performance review.
* Taking responsibility for own development, learning, and performance.
Quality
The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice by:
* Alerting team members to issues of quality and risk.
* Assessing own performance and taking accountability for actions.
* Contributing to team effectiveness and suggesting improvements.
* Working effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients' needs.
* Effectively managing own time, workload, and resources.
Communication
The post-holder should recognize the importance of effective communication and will strive to:
* Communicate effectively with team members and patients.
* Recognize the needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly.
Contribution to the Implementation of Services
The post-holder will:
* Apply practice policies, standards, and guidance.
* Discuss with team members how policies will affect own work.
* Participate in audits where appropriate.
Personal Specification
Qualifications
* Educated to GCSE level or equivalent (Essential)
* GCSE Mathematics & English C grade or above (Desirable)
* AMSPAR Receptionists Qualification (Desirable)
* NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care (Desirable)
Experience
* Experience of working with the general public (Essential)
* Experience of administrative/receptionist duties (Desirable)
* Experience of working in a health care setting (Desirable)
Skills
* Excellent communication skills - written and oral (Essential)
* Strong IT skills (Essential)
* Clear and polite telephone manner (Essential)
* Competent in the use of Office and Outlook (Essential)
* Previous use of EMIS / Docman / AskMyGP (Desirable)
* Effective time management, planning, and organizing (Essential)
* Ability to work as a team member and autonomously (Essential)
* Good interpersonal skills (Essential)
* Problem-solving and analytical skills (Essential)
* Ability to follow policy and procedures (Essential)
Personal Qualities
* Polite and confident (Essential)
* Flexible and cooperative (Essential)
* Motivated (Essential)
* Forward thinker (Essential)
* High levels of integrity and loyalty (Essential)
* Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations (Essential)
* Ability to work under pressure (Essential)
Other Requirements
* Flexibility to work outside core office hours (Essential)
* Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check (Essential)
* Maintains confidentiality at all times (Essential)
* Full UK Driving Licence (Desirable)
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Work remotely: No
Pay: £11.50 per hour
Expected hours: 12.5 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday
Experience:
* Working with the general public: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 17/01/2025
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