Job overview
As the first point of contact for staff, patients, carers, and professional visitors, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the safety, security, and smooth running of the unit. This is a unique opportunity to work in a highly professional and structured setting, where your communication skills and attention to detail will directly contribute to the wellbeing of those receiving specialist mental health care.
You’ll be responsible for managing reception duties, handling enquiries with sensitivity, and supporting both administrative and security procedures. From processing visitor access to coordinating maintenance requests and responding to emergencies, your role will be central to the safe and effective operation of the service.
We’re looking for someone who:
1. Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills
2. Can remain calm and professional in a secure and sensitive environment
3. Is confident using administrative systems and technology
4. Values teamwork and is committed to high standards of service delivery
5. Is eager to learn and grow within a supportive team
Join us and be part of a team that truly makes a difference.
Please note - This role is not eligible for sponsorship unless you meet criteria by temporary exemption from current changes to immigration rules put in force on 22/07/2025. Separate provisions are applied to workers who have been sponsored and held continuously Skilled Worker visa since prior to 04/04/2024.
Main duties of the job
As a Receptionist in the Adult Forensic Service at GMMH, you will be the first point of contact for staff, patients, carers, and visitors, providing a professional and welcoming front-of-house service. You’ll manage access and egress using security systems, handle enquiries sensitively, and ensure messages are communicated accurately.
You’ll support a range of administrative tasks including maintaining records, processing correspondence, managing diaries, and preparing reports using Microsoft Office. You’ll also log maintenance issues and transport requests efficiently.
Security is a key part of the role. You’ll learn and apply protocols to maintain unit integrity, respond to emergencies, and liaise with the Safety and Security team to ensure a safe environment.
Teamwork is essential. You’ll work collaboratively with colleagues, participate in supervision and training, and uphold Trust policies. The role requires excellent communication, IT proficiency, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently under pressure. Flexibility, integrity, and a respectful approach to others are vital.
Working for our organisation
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.
We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.
Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.
Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.
Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main Responsibilities
Reception & Customer Service
6. Welcome and manage all visitors, staff, and patients entering or exiting the unit, ensuring appropriate security checks are completed.
7. Respond to telephone and face-to-face enquiries professionally and sensitively, ensuring accurate message-taking and prompt communication.
8. Provide clear information regarding visiting policies and unit procedures to patients and visitors.
Administrative Duties
9. Maintain accurate paper and electronic records in accordance with Trust data quality and confidentiality policies.
10. Process incoming and outgoing correspondence, distribute documents, and support general clerical tasks.
11. Input staff and visitor data into relevant systems, including ID pass and security equipment records.
12. Prepare memos, reports, and other documentation to a professional standard.
13. Log and report maintenance issues and transport requests efficiently using internal systems.
Security & Safety
14. Operate and monitor visitor management systems to control access and egress in line with security protocols.
15. Learn and apply emergency response procedures, including fire and psychiatric emergencies.
16. Report incidents, near misses, and concerns promptly to the relevant manager or safety lead.
17. Liaise with the Safety and Security team to ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures.
Teamwork & Collaboration
18. Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments to support service delivery and maintain high standards.
19. Participate in regular supervision, training, and development activities.
20. Contribute to audits, surveys, and service improvement initiatives as required.
21. Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
Essential Skills & Qualities
22. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional telephone manner.
23. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and confident using electronic diaries and databases.
24. Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
25. Experience in customer service and dealing with a wide range of people.
26. Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritise tasks under pressure.
27. Knowledge of the Data Protection Act and patient confidentiality.
28. Flexible, reliable, and adaptable to changing demands.
29. Professional in appearance and conduct, with a respectful and empathetic approach to others.
30. Honest, trustworthy, and committed to maintaining high standards.
Please see attached job description and person specification
Staff benefits
31. Pay Enhancements
32. 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
33. Excellent pension
34. Cycle to work scheme
35. Salary sacrifice car scheme
36. Wellbeing programme
37. fuelGenie Fuel Cards (for applicable roles)
Person specification
experience
Essential criteria
38. experience in admin/clerical
39. experience of microsoft office applications
Desirable criteria
40. experience of working in a security role
41. An awareness of policies & procedures in relation to role
Skills
Essential criteria
42. Basic knowledge of the needs of the client group and respect for peoples diversity
Desirable criteria
43. Experience of carrying out administrative duties to complete a piece of work in a methodical, efficient, and timely man
The Trust mandates all post holders who require a DBS for their role to subscribe to the DBS Update Service. You will be required to enrol for this service for a fee of £16 per year and maintain registration throughout your employment with GMMH.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts at Greater Manchester Mental Health who have direct experience of mental health, learning disability or drug and alcohol services either as a service user or a carer.
The Trust is also committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are aspiring to ensure our workforce is representative of the diverse communities that we serve, and we are strongly committed to removing barriers to employment for candidates from under-represented groups, for example BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ communities. If you would like to have an informal chat about the recruitment process for this role or would value some additional support, we’d love to hear from you.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when writing job applications
A candidate may utilise the help of AI when writing job application. The assessment of an application is made on its entirety and most times AI-generated content does not fully grasp the context and requirements of the job one applies for thus producing inaccurate and misleading information, especially in the supporting statement section of an application that can lack real life examples of one’s achievements, success and challenges.
We have added a disclaimer to our application process advising that the use of AI is monitored. GMMH reserves the right to follow up with a candidate at the interview on specific responses and those examples used in the supporting statement to explore it further.
Sponsorship
We are proud to be an approved sponsor for the Skilled Worker visa. Applications from individuals who require sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications. Please be aware that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible roles and salary requirements on the UK Government’s website – click .
If you are offered a role with us and you require sponsorship, we will check your eligibility in line with the information on the above website. Your offer of employment could be withdrawn if the role is not eligible for sponsorship, and you are not otherwise able to evidence your right to work in the UK.
The Home Office introduces new changes from 22/07/2025 that impact the health and care sector, you may wish to familiarise with it.
Do you have experience outside the NHS?
We want to attract and retain people with diverse skills and experience, to deliver inclusive healthcare services to our communities.
We will consider relevant experience outside the NHS to calculate your salary on appointment.