JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Receptionist

Location:

Hours:

Based at the Rescue Centre, Biltor, Edgelands Lane, Ipplepen,
Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 5UF
Part-time: 18 hours per week over 3 days
09:30hrs - 16:30hrs with 1-hour unpaid lunchbreak.
Includes frequent weekend and Bank Holiday working.

Responsible to:  Reception Manager

Responsible for:  None

Purpose of the Role:

To act as the primary interface between the public and the Rescue Centre, ensuring Animals
in  Distress  (Torbay  and  Westcountry)  continues  to  be  portrayed  as  the  professional  and
caring organisation that we are.

The Receptionist is the first point of contact for the organisation, which requires a positive
attitude and professional appearance. This position requires the ability to multitask a variety
of Reception and other activities which include assisting with the acceptance and rehoming
of animals, receive and deal with incoming phone calls as well as proactively liaise with the
public, staff and volunteers.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

  To be the first point of contact for the public
  Deal  tactfully  and  politely  with  the  public,  in  person  or  by  telephone  in  a  professional

manner.

  To answer general enquiries from the public.
  To advise animal adopters of the Charity’s rehoming procedures.
  To complete all paperwork relating to intake and rehoming of animals.
  To ensure the accuracy of written and computerised records, updating records on a daily

basis.

  General office duties such as photocopying and other administrative tasks
  To ensure that a positive image of Animals in Distress is projected at all times
  To follow the instructions of the Reception Manager
  To be able to work as part of a team or own initiative when necessary
  To cash up and balance the till when required
  To be able to use a computerised system using software and databases such as AniLog,

Harlequin, Excel, Word and Outlook

  To promote Gift Aid when presented with donations
  Take  and  assist  others  with  deliveries  of  stores,  animal  food  and  ensure  all  storage

provisions are in line with the standards set

  Any other duties that are reasonable and within capability as directed

This job description gives a general outline of the post and is not intended to be inflexible or
a final list of duties. It may therefore be amended from time to time in consultation with the
post holder.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  A polished professional outlook & appearance with an outgoing and bubbly attitude,

whilst being a team player, with the ability to make all visitors feel welcome.

  Professional,  reliable  and  hardworking  and  able  to  work  alone  or  as  part  of  an

effective team.

  Good typing skills and a high level of proficiency with general office PC applications
(i.e., MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS PowerPoint) and comfortable with learning
new applications such as AniLog animal database etc. as required.

  Demonstrated excellent organisational, coordinating, and personal interface skills.
  Proven job diligence, dedication, and attention to detail.
  Commitment to work overtime and/or swap duties on occasion.
  Good  interpersonal  and  communication  skills,  able  to  communicate  clearly  and
concisely with people at all levels, including staff, volunteers, customers, contractors
and trades.

  Familiarity  and  working  knowledge  of  general  office  machines

(i.e.,

printer/photocopier etc.) is required.

  Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability

to successfully communicate with the public, other employees and volunteers.

  Respect and empathy for animals and a proven commitment to their welfare.
  Motivated and dedicated to the role and the work of the Charity.

Person Specification – Receptionist

Criteria

Essential

Desirable

Experience and Job
Knowledge

At  least  one  year’s  experience
working  in  a  customer  facing
role

Understanding
importance
protection

of

of

the
data

Confidence  in  dealing  with  the
public in person

General
domestic animals

knowledge

of

Understanding of Gift Aid

Knowledge  of
software packages

rehoming

Skills & Competencies

time  management
Excellent
skills and ability to manage own
workload  effectively;  highly
organised and methodical

Excellent  standard  of  written
English and a good standard of
education

Excellent  interpersonal  skills;
confident and personable

High  level  of  proficiency  in  the
use  of  MS  Office,  particularly
Outlook, Word, Excel

Personal Qualities

Hardworking,
motivated & focussed

flexible,  highly

Willing  to  use  initiative  and
exercise  good  judgement  in
decision-making

Trustworthy, honest & reliable

Commitment and conscientious
approach to work

Responsive and helpful manner

Confidence,
enthusiasm

drive

and

Full  clean  current  UK  Driving
Licence

Participate in events

Commitment to animal welfare

Additional
requirements