Job overview
We are looking for a highly-motivated and enthusiastic individual to undertake the role of Emergency Department Receptionist.
You will be able to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team, whose aim is to provide a polite, friendly and patient-focused service to patients attending a busy Emergency Department.
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
Main duties of the job
You will have experience of dealing with the general public and be able to manage difficult situations. Good IT and keyboard skills are essential. You will need GCSE or equivalent in English Language and Maths together with good verbal and written communication skills.
You will have to work in a logical and methodical way but be able to multi-task whilst dealing with frequent interruptions.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will need to be able to remain calm in a pressured and stressful environment. A good telephone manner, confidence and a positive attitude is essential. You will be able to demonstrate sensitivity and discretion when dealing with matters that are confidential in nature.
You will be expected to complete a number of administrative tasks and, therefore, must be able to multi-skill whilst ensuring that all work is completed to a high standard.
This role forms part of a fixed rota providing cover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You will need to be able to work days, evenings, nights, weekends and Bank Holidays, including Christmas and New Year on a fixed 4 week rolling rota. You will need to be flexible to cover colleagues’ shifts for annual leave and sickness, sometimes at short notice.
If you are a dynamic, friendly and adaptable personality who enjoys diversity, this could be the role for you.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential criteria
1. Educated to GCSE standard including english and maths
2. Experience of working with patient contact
3. Fast and accurate data skills
4. Experience working in a front facing role
Desirable criteria
5. Experience in an acute NHS trust
6. Aptitude with Microsoft Outlook and Word
7. Dealing with complaints
Skills
Essential criteria
8. Excellent communication skills: well developed levels of patience, and excellent listening skills.
9. High levels of tact and empathy required
10. Ability to be courteous and professional at all times even when under emotional pressure and in situations concerning clinical / emotional trauma
11. Time management and ability to prioritise
12. Be logical and methodical whilst multi-tasking when dealing with frequent interruptions.
Analytical Skills
Essential criteria
13. Confidents to escalate situations to appropriate sources of help when necessary eg senior member of staff, Security, Police
Physical Skills
Essential criteria
14. Listening and observation skills
Patient/Client Care
Essential criteria
15. Must remain calm under pressure and be adaptable and versatile
16. Postholders may be exposed to distressing events involving patients eg clinical and emotional trauma and should therefore have high levels of emotional tolerance.
17. Must be able to maintain high levels of tact, empathy, sensitivity whilst dealing with patients and visitors
Information Resources/ IT
Essential criteria
18. Knowledge of Microsoft package ability to learn and use multiple systems
19. Accurate data entry skills
Personal Qualities and attributes
Essential criteria
20. Team player in a fast-paced work environment
21. Ability to work autonomously
Other Qualities
Essential criteria
22. Postholders will be required to work a shift pattern of hours that will include working unsocial hours eg evenings, weekends, nights and Public Holidays (including Christmas and New Year)
23. Maintain high standards of personal conduct, dress and personal hygiene in accordance with Trust uniform policy
24. Maintain the security and confidentiality of all patient records
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
25. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
26. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications