The posting
Hope Valley College are looking to recruit a temporary receptionist for the remainder of the academic year to assist in the provision of an efficient, professional and welcoming reception and administrative support service. In the role of receptionist, you are often the first point of contact for the school. The successful postholder will be required to demonstrate a high level of customer service, be able to communicate effectively with parents, students and staff and show initiative and organisation, and multi-tasking skills in a busy work environment.
The student medical room is based at reception, this role is part of the first aid team within school, and it is required to provide this to students and staff and administer medication. Full training will be provided, but applicants must be patient, compassionate and willing to fulfil this task.
The advertised hours are 22.5 per week and will include Mondays plus two other days to be discussed with the successful candidate. Working hours are 8am to 4pm, 3 days per week, term time only. This role is offered on a job share basis with the current postholder.
If you do not currently hold GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) we would still encourage you to apply. If appointed, you will be expected to work towards and achieve the required qualification, with support provided to help you succeed.
Job description
The post holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities within the spirit of the school and trust policies and within the framework of legislation relating to academies and education, with particular regard to the statutory responsibilities of the trust and the governing body of the school.
The specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Specific duties and responsibilities
Provide a professional receptionist role to internal and external visitors.
Employ initiative, resourcefulness and discretion at all times when dealing with all school staff, visitors and outside agencies.
Ensuring visitors’ appointments are kept as promptly as possible.
Ensuring that all visitors sign in and out of school.
Providing assistance to staff and students with any queries made at the reception area by resolving or redirecting queries and giving advice where appropriate.
Being the first point of contact for all enquiries to school, by whichever means, e.g. Post, email, telephone
Operate the switchboard, identify and deal with problems raised by callers on the telephone by liaising with other staff as necessary.
Maintaining the reception area, medical room and entrance area in a clean, tidy and attractive condition
Ensuring deliveries are not left in reception for long periods of time and in view of the public.
Administering the PFI facilities helpdesk system and requests/logs by email from staff, including chasing updates. (PFI schools only)
Maintaining school diaries, calendars and room bookings as/if appropriate
Ensuring the display boards in reception and the immediate area are kept up to date and in good order.
Reviewing and ensuring sufficient stocks are maintained for all leaflets held in reception.
Organising student receptionists including training in conjunction with the Pastoral Teams as applicable to the school/college
Provide first aid to students, visitors and staff.
Administrate and organise all outgoing post facilities.
Support for the trust/school
Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
Work in a flexible way to respond to the needs of the trust and to fulfil other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and role as and when required.
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Appreciate and support the role of other professionals.
Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required.
Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the trust/schools.
Participate in relevant training, other learning activities and performance management as required.
Team responsibilities: all staff are considered part of the overall trust team and may be required to provide assistance to colleagues in other areas from time to time commensurate with the role, skillset and grade.
From time to time, to meet the needs of the trust, you may be asked but not expected to work hours additional to your normal working hours. The trust will give you as much notice as possible and you will be paid/recompensed for such work. Situations where this might be required are, for example: relevant key school events such as open evenings, exam results days, trips, clubs, training etc.
Changes to these duties
The above duties are not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake tasks, roles and responsibilities as may be reasonably assigned to them by the Headteacher.
The job description and allocation of particular responsibilities will be kept under review and may be amended via consultation with individuals, the governing body or board of trustees and/or senior leadership team as required. Trade union representation will be welcomed in any such discussions.
