Job description
Applicants should enjoy working in a busy environment where every day is different. As a Client and Patient Care Assistant you will work 50% of your time in reception and 50% of your time in the clinical areas. It is an unusual role, but very rewarding. You have an insight into how the two areas work together and are a key team member in creating harmonious workflow. The role is incredibly varied and the ability to work under pressure and multitask is essential. The ideal candidate will be positive, friendly, and service-orientated.
In the Client Care part of your role, you are the main point of contact for clients by telephone and in person whilst supporting the clinical team of vets and nurses.
Experience required:
- Previous customer service experience working within a fast-paced environment (essential)
- Experience in a veterinary practice is preferable but not essential
- Proven track record of maintaining good working relationships with clients and colleagues
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent organisational and prioritising skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks, work to tight deadlines and stay focused under pressure
- Outstanding telephone manner with the ability to build rapport with customers quickly
- Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative
- Excellent attention to detail
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook desirable
This role will involve:
- Welcoming and registering new customers.
- Booking in customers and making sure they receive gold standard care
- Answering the telephone and dealing with a range of customer queries
- Managing customer expectations regarding wait time.
- Administration duties e.g. scanning paperwork, filling in forms etc.
- Taking payments
- Promoting offers and services
- Ensuring that public areas are clean and presentable.
- Flexibility to cover holidays or sickness
In the Patient Care part of your role you will work alongside the clinical team. The ideal candidate will have a good background in animal handling, with previous veterinary care experience preferred. High standards of patient care and premises management need to be maintained at all times, and the PCAs are key to achieving this.
The ideal candidate will have an Animal Care qualification, but this is not essential, and want to ensure the highest standard of care is provided for our patients and clients. The role is varied, but includes:
- Giving oral medication under supervision
- Completing paperwork to ensure accurate monitoring of all in-patient care
- Feeding in-patients, noting specific dietary needs
- Exercising in-patients
- Bathing and grooming in-patients if required
- Deep Cleaning kennels, the hospital and other practice areas
- Operating the laundry equipment
- Checking stock levels and ordering supplies as necessary
- Supporting the Clinical and Reception team
- Answering calls and assisting owners
- General housekeeping
- Operating lab equipment to run tests
- Supporting nurse team in Dispensary
Training will of course be provided. The role is part of a rota that involves 1 weekend in 6, a week of 7am starts and a week of 9pm finishes.
You may have the opportunity to move onto Nurse training if successful in the PCA role and meeting set achievements.
Hours and package:
- £10.58 per hour
- Full-time
- 37.5 hours per week
- Permanent