Patient Services Advisor (Receptionist) - Crewkerne, Somerset
Dual Location Practice specific and Contact Hub working within the South Somerset West PCN (SSW PCN)
Symphony Healthcare Services are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Patient Services Advisor (Receptionist) to join our warm and supportive team at Crewkerne Health Centre in Somerset and our Contact Hub at South Petherton Surgery.
This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a patient-focused organisation committed to providing high-quality care to the local community.
We are looking for someone who is:
* Friendly and approachable, with strong communication skills
* Proactive and able to work well as part of a team
* Willing to learn and adaptable to a dynamic healthcare environment
* Comfortable using computer systems and managing patient enquiries efficiently
Full and part-time hours available. Working patterns to be discussed at interview.
The starting rate of pay is £12.21 per hour, increasing to £12.50 once a successful 6-month probation period has been completed.
Main duties of the job
Duties include greeting and directing patients, effective use of the appointment system, booking appointments, processing information, and assisting patients as required. To act as the central point of contact for patients, distributing information, messages, and enquiries for the clinical team, liaising with multidisciplinary team members and external agencies such as secondary care and community service providers.
This role requires courteous, calm, and effective communication skills both over the phone and face-to-face in a fast-paced health centre.
You will provide administrative and reception duties, including assisting and directing patients to access appropriate services or healthcare professionals, and undertaking various administrative tasks in accordance with procedures, protocols, and timescales.
You will need to work accurately, prioritize your workload effectively, and work as part of a team while meeting deadlines. You should also be confident to proactively alert management or clinical staff to issues of quality, risk, and safeguarding as part of your daily role.
Sound IT skills and experience with packages such as MS Office (Outlook, Word, etc.) are required. Knowledge of the NHS / General Practice is desirable but not essential.
Please read the full Job Description (JD) attached carefully before applying.
About us
Symphony Healthcare Services (SHS), established in 2016 as part of the award-winning Symphony Programme Vanguard, supports 16 practices across Somerset, providing care for over 100,000 patients.
Our model encourages each practice to operate autonomously, as a subsidiary of NHS Somerset Foundation Trust (SFT), with support from a central team for HR, finance, and strategic management. Our vision is to ensure sustainable primary care for patients and practices in Somerset, aiming to be a national exemplar for primary care provision. We work closely with practice teams to support, develop, and transform patient care through innovation and technology.
Symphony welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality of opportunity in our recruitment and selection processes.
We offer NHS or NEST Pension schemes, a range of employee benefits, salary sacrifice schemes, flexible working from day one, and an agile approach to home or office-based working where applicable.
We look forward to hearing from you and receiving your application.
Job responsibilities
* Triage, assess, examine, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate treatments and interventions, integrating drug- and non-drug-based methods into management plans.
* Provide information and advice on prescribed or over-the-counter medication, including side-effects and interactions.
* Develop shared management plans with patients to support compliance and adherence.
* Identify and refer patients at risk of long-term conditions.
* Support patients in adopting health promotion strategies and self-care principles.
* Collaborate with clinical and non-clinical staff, using individual skills to contribute positively and develop a team approach.
* Provide education and training to staff and promote teamwork and best practice sharing.
Please read the full Job Description (JD) attached carefully before applying.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Skills
* Computer literacy and good keyboard skills.
* Effective listening and communication skills, both verbal and written, with patients and staff at various levels.
* Excellent organizational skills.
* Strong attention to detail and ability to transfer accurate information.
* Ability to work under pressure.
* Initiative within clear boundaries, seeking advice when needed.
* Enthusiasm and a strong sense of teamwork.
* Ability to complete tasks to a high standard despite interruptions.
* Knowledge of medical terminology.
* Knowledge of NHS/General Practice.
Experience
* Experience working within a team.
* Recognize the significance of different situations, including emergencies, and take appropriate action following policies and procedures.
* Experience in customer-focused environments.
* Experience working in an administrative team.
* Experience in the NHS or similar healthcare setting.
* Awareness of clinical systems like EMIS.
Qualifications
* English & Math GCSE or equivalent (grades A*-D or 9-3).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a DBS check for any criminal convictions.
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