Receptionist

SALARY: Point 19 - £22, 675 per year

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO SUPPORT EMPLOYEES • Pension (auto enrolment) and Death in Service benefit of 2 x salary • Health Shield Benefit - provides access to a range of valuable cash benefits and services, such as dental and optical care, physiotherapy, scanning facilities and 24-hour counselling and Advice Line (opportunity to upgrade and add family). • Benenden Health – Private Health Care paid for by Simon Community which gives permanent employees access to 24/7 GP services, medical diagnostics, medical treatment, physiotherapy (option to add family and friends for an additional cost). • Holidays - 25 days per year – increasing by 1 additional day per year of service up to a max of 30 days. Increase is effective from the 1st April each year, once a full year of service has been completed. Additionally, 12 customary holidays (normally Bank and Public Holidays) at normal basic pay rate. • Bank & Public Holidays – paid at premium rates at time and a half and double time. • Additional Hours – paid at time and a quarter. • Other Benefits – occupational sick pay, enhanced maternity/paternity leave entitlement, career breaks (subject to 2 years’ continuous service). • Training – thorough accredited induction training and continued access to ongoing personal development.

VALUES: Our values are fundamental to how we work with clients and each other. We are driven by our values of being non-judgmental, existing to support our clients and meet their needs, being trustworthy and focused on ending homelessness and being dedicated to the people we support.

JOB PURPOSE: To assist in the smooth running of the Foyer by providing a reception service for the Foyer residents, staff and visitors, and a liaison service for staff and residents.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES: Communication Systems Telephone • Answer all incoming telephone calls in a timely, efficient and professional manner • Ensure that callers are correctly identified that their requirements are established and, where appropriate, are transferred to the correct extension.

JOB DESCRIPTION • Ensure that all messages are recorded accurately and passed on to the appropriate person. • Always adhere to security and confidentiality procedures.

Written and oral communication • Ensure that records of interactions and incidents are maintained according to procedure. • Ensure that appropriate written records are read on a daily basis to remain up to date with activities in the unit. • Attend all meetings where required. Visitors

• Receive visitors in a courteous and helpful manner, establishing their identity and ensuring they sign in the visitors book. • Refer or redirect visitors to appropriate people or departments where necessary. • Liaise with all staff to ensure the reception diary is maintained for all planned events/meetings/visitors.

Residents

• Ensure that all resident related issues are dealt with within the bounds of Simon Community confidentiality procedures. • Ensure that all residents and their visitors are treated with respect and that all Foyer policies and procedures regarding residents and their visitors are upheld. • Maintain a good working knowledge of all the Foyer residents and ensure that files are updated regularly. • Ensure that resident issues are prioritised and passed on to the appropriate staff member, and that link workers are kept up to date with information on their link residents. • Assist with the induction of new residents where appropriate. • Provide information on opportunities offered by external agencies when appropriate • Participate in the evaluation of Foyer services to residents. • Carry out any support related work as directed by management

Handling Mail

• Ensure incoming mail is handled in accordance with organisational procedures • Ensure outgoing mail is despatched within required deadlines. • Ensure accurate and legible records are maintained on all out going mail, including stamps used.

Office supplies

• Maintain sufficient office supplies to meet requirements. • Order office supplies in accordance with organisational procedures. • Check in-coming deliveries and report any discrepancies to the Senior Practitioner.

Administration

• Ensure that all information is legibly, accurately and fully recorded and stored. • Complete any written reports as requested by your manager. • Maintain a staff movement system while covering reception. • Adhere to all policies and procedures with regard to the handling of cash in the Foyer.

Housing and Health & Safety • Maintain all health and safety records • Maintain all building related records • In conjunction with manager report all property and maintenance issues in line with SCNI procedures keeping clear records relating to property and maintenance • Maintain a clean, healthy and safe working environment. • Conduct all activities in a manner which is safe to yourself and others. • Assist with health and safety checks throughout the building.

General

• Actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice in all aspects of the day to day work for which you are responsible. • Promote residents’ rights and choice within service delivery. • Undertake all duties in compliance with Simon Community quality standards. • Adhere to all Simon Community policies and procedures. • Positively prepare for and participate in staff supervision sessions and the performance appraisal system. • Participate in the development of your role through attendance at appropriate training. • Carry out any other duties which may be deemed appropriate from time to time by your manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL CRITERIA 1. 2 GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications). 2. Experience of working with young people aged 17-25 who have experienced social exclusion. 3. Experience of working with administration systems, and a working knowledge of computers and Microsoft packages.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA 1. 1 years’ experience of working with young people aged 17-25 who have experienced social exclusion. 2. Knowledge of employment and training issues that affect young people. 3. Previous reception experience.

Criteria to be assessed at interview • Communication skills • Interpersonal skills

Values

• Non-Judgmental • Supportive • Trustworthy • Dedicated