Main Receptionist
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Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Main Receptionist
The closing date is 19 November 2026
Job summary
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people and delivering outstanding customer service. As the first point of contact for patients, visitors, and staff, you will provide a welcoming, efficient, and professional reception service. The successful candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and a commitment to delivering a high standard of service in a busy healthcare environment. Teamwork, professionalism, and a positive attitude are essential for this role.
Main duties of the job
You will play a key role in creating a positive experience for everyone who visits our service, while supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the reception area including the process of post using a franking machine. Strong communication, organisational, and teamwork skills are essential, along with the ability to remain calm and professional in a busy environment.
Right to Work in the UK: This role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa applications for this post in line with UKVI regulations.
About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate's individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.
All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.
Details
Date posted
06 November 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 2
Salary
£25,272 a year Per Annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
405-26-AC544Main
Job locations
Dorset County Hospital
Williams Avenue
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
Sorting and organising all incoming post to the Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to agreed time schedules Franking of outgoing external post and sorting of outgoing internal post according to agreed time schedules. Receiving and recording all external deliveries, Royal Mail and External Postal Couriers. Answering telephone calls to the Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust premises in a polite and friendly manner and forwarding to the correct and relevant members of staff efficiently, in line with laid-down procedures. Providing information in response to internal and external enquiries, including those from the public and complainants. The post holder will be required to review online systems in order to facilitate patient information (PAS). Have respect for patient confidentiality at all times. To maintain high standards of cleanliness and ensure that in all areas of your responsibility remain tidy. The Receptionist potentially will be dealing with anxious/distressed patients/visitors on a daily basis
Job description
Job responsibilities
Sorting and organising all incoming post to the Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to agreed time schedules Franking of outgoing external post and sorting of outgoing internal post according to agreed time schedules. Receiving and recording all external deliveries, Royal Mail and External Postal Couriers. Answering telephone calls to the Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust premises in a polite and friendly manner and forwarding to the correct and relevant members of staff efficiently, in line with laid-down procedures. Providing information in response to internal and external enquiries, including those from the public and complainants. The post holder will be required to review online systems in order to facilitate patient information (PAS). Have respect for patient confidentiality at all times. To maintain high standards of cleanliness and ensure that in all areas of your responsibility remain tidy. The Receptionist potentially will be dealing with anxious/distressed patients/visitors on a daily basis
Person Specification
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
- GCSE (grade C or above) in English and Maths or equivalent
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Experience of working within a main reception environment
- Experience of setting up and maintaining office systems
Desirable
- Experience of working with a franking machine
- Experience in managing workload to meet deadlines and standards
- Experience of working with a range of staff at all levels.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- Evidence of attention to detail and the ability to work without close supervision within broad procedural guidelines.
- Evidence of ability to make decisions within defined boundaries
- Evidence of ability to work as part of a team.
- Evidence of managing own workload
Desirable
- An understanding of confidentiality and its place in the NHS
- Evidence of ability to communicate effectively with the general public and colleagues across a range of issues.
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
- GCSE (grade C or above) in English and Maths or equivalent
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Experience of working within a main reception environment
- Experience of setting up and maintaining office systems
Desirable
- Experience of working with a franking machine
- Experience in managing workload to meet deadlines and standards
- Experience of working with a range of staff at all levels.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- Evidence of attention to detail and the ability to work without close supervision within broad procedural guidelines.
- Evidence of ability to make decisions within defined boundaries
- Evidence of ability to work as part of a team.
- Evidence of managing own workload
Desirable
- An understanding of confidentiality and its place in the NHS
- Evidence of ability to communicate effectively with the general public and colleagues across a range of issues.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Dorset County Hospital
Williams Avenue
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Dorset County Hospital
Williams Avenue
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Facilities
Chloe Markin
01305255688
Details
Date posted
06 November 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 2
Salary
£25,272 a year Per Annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
405-26-AC544Main
Job locations
Dorset County Hospital
Williams Avenue
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
United Kingdom
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)
Support links
© Crown copyright
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