Job Description
Receptionist
Location: Oxford
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week
Contract Duration: Until end of October 2025
Brook Street is currently recruiting on behalf of a government client for the position of Receptionist based in Oxford. This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a vital public service and play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the Probation Service.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Front Desk & Visitor Management:
Act as the first point of contact for the Probation Service, welcoming people on probation and visitors professionally. Manage face-to-face, telephone, and email enquiries, log arrivals and departures, issue visitor passes and security fobs, and ensure relevant staff are notified.
2. Safety, Security & Situational Awareness:
Use observation skills and situational awareness to de-escalate potentially volatile situations. Identify when to involve management or emergency services. Be alert to safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action such as notifying staff and updating relevant systems.
3. General Enquiries & Signposting:
Provide basic information about the Probation Service and direct individuals to local support services (e.g. food banks). Refer more complex queries to the appropriate manager.
4. Facilities & Logistics Management:
Manage incoming/outgoing mail, order office supplies and PPE, handle deliveries, coordinate room and desk bookings, and support meeting and event logistics.
5. Petty Cash & Travel Support:
Distribute bus fares and travel warrants to people on probation. Manage petty cash and transport funds securely between probation sites.
6. Health, Safety & Security Compliance:
Support building security procedures including fire and panic alarm testing, CCTV monitoring, and evacuation drills. Act as a key holder, Fire Warden or First Aider where required, and assist with risk assessments when trained.
Skills & Requirements:
7. Strong interpersonal and communication skills
8. Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
9. Organised with attention to detail
10. Basic IT skills and ability to use internal systems
11. Previous reception or customer-facing experience preferred
If you're a reliable, proactive individual who thrives in a people-focused environment, we'd love to hear from you.