Job Description

The closing date is 18th Dec 2025

Job summary

---------------


We are seeking a Administrator/Receptionist to join our Mental Health & Learning Disabilities Directorate within Community Mental Health Services. This is a key role at the heart of our service, providing a welcoming and professional reception experience for clients and visitors while delivering essential administrative support to clinicians and the wider team.


You will be the first point of contact for many service users, so a friendly, compassionate, and professional approach is vital. The role involves working as part of a small, supportive reception team, ensuring that appointments run smoothly, records are accurate, and queries are handled efficiently. Flexibility is important, as you will provide cross-cover for colleagues during absences and adapt to changing priorities in a busy environment.


This position offers an opportunity to make a real difference by supporting individuals with mental health and learning disabilities, contributing to their care journey, and helping maintain high standards of service delivery. If you are organised, approachable, and committed to teamwork, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

-----------------------------------------

Greet clients and visitors on arrival and inform clinicians promptly. Answer telephone calls, take messages, and direct queries to the appropriate personnel. Ensure client information on the electronic patient record is accurate and up to date. Arrange client transport when required. Use computer systems to book, cancel, and arrange appointments. Log maintenance issues and ensure timely resolution. Process incoming and outgoing post efficiently. Type reports and other documents as needed. Assist in maintaining administrative systems and participate in meetings, training, and service development. Support induction of new staff and those assisting on a short-term basis. Scan and upload client-related documents to electronic records. Provide cross-cover for colleagues during absences, acting up or down as required.

About us

------------


At

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options

to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme

for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance

to recharge and relax A strong focus on

career development

to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our

Blue Light Card

, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.


We are proud to foster a

diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce

, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset?

Somerset offers the perfect blend of

idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty

, and

breathtaking coastlines

, with vibrant cities like

Bristol

,

Bath

, and

Exeter

just a short drive away - and only two hours to

London

.


The region is home to excellent

educational facilities

, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all

- the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job description

-------------------


In this role, you will:

Deliver a professional reception service, acting as the first point of contact for clients, visitors, and staff. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to Trust policies, including GDPR and health and safety requirements. Use IT systems effectively for data input, retrieval, and appointment management. Communicate sensitively and empathetically with clients, carers, and staff, including those with complex mental health needs. Support the smooth running of the office by managing administrative tasks such as typing, filing, and record-keeping. Participate in team meetings and contribute to service development initiatives. Assist with audits and data analysis when required. Uphold Trust values of

kindness, respect, and teamwork

in all aspects of your work. Be adaptable and able to manage changing priorities in a busy environment.

Person specification

------------------------

Qualifications

#

Essential

GCSE English. Level 2 NVQ Business Administration or equivalent.



#

Desirable

Typing skills (minimum RSA or equivalent).

Experience

#

Essential

Experience of general clerical/administration duties.



#

Desirable

Experience of databases and computer literacy. NHS/Social Care/Public Sector experience. Experience of mental health/learning disability

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

Accurate word processing skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word. Ability to remain calm under pressure. Compassionate - Open minded, treats colleagues, patients, carers and relatives with dignity and respect.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

For help with your application, contact:

Charlotte Morrison


charlotte.morrison2@somersetft.nhs.uk


01749836600

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 2

Salary

24465.00 to 24465.00 Yearly

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-Time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-3665

Job locations

The Bridge

Glastonbury Road

Wells

Somerset

BA5 1TJ