Reception Volunteer

Reception plays an important part in everyone’s first impressions of St Leonard’s Hospice, and is the hub for the daily activities of the organisation. Our volunteer receptionists support us by warmly welcoming patients, families, guests and visitors to the hospice as well as handling phone calls, donations and enquiries from patients’ relatives and members of the public.

When am I needed?

The Reception is staffed by volunteers weekday evenings from 5pm-8pm and weekends from 9am-8pm.  Volunteers also provide lunchtime cover through the week doing a 2 hour shift, approx 12:30pm-2:30pm.

The shifts we currently have vacancies for are:

Tuesday evening 5:00pm-8:00pm  

Sunday afternoon 1:00pm-5:00pm

Shifts are covered on a fortnightly basis but there may be opportunities to cover extra shifts . If you would like to come in more frequently, please let us know.

What will I be doing?

• Welcoming new patients and their relatives, and all other visitors to the Hospice, in a courteous and friendly manner in accordance with our current Covid guidance
• Answering the telephone efficiently and sensitively, directing calls to the appropriate member of staff and responding to enquiries
• Keeping the reception area well-presented and tidy
• Occasionally processing donations from members of the public
• Process purchases through the reception shop

What skills and qualities will I need?

• Experience of working in a customer service environment
• Enjoy meeting and dealing with a variety of people
• A clear speaking voice,  good hearing and a professional telephone manner

• Good handwriting, spelling and numeracy
• Be empathetic and approachable, with a positive attitude

• Be reliable, flexible and dependable
• Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality
• Have a good understanding of personal and professional boundaries

• The ability to remain calm under pressure
• The ability to deal with complex, sensitive and emotionally challenging situations.

How will I benefit from being a volunteer receptionist?

• Be part of a friendly and flexible team
• Be valued and respected
• Have full training and support
• The opportunity to develop my interpersonal and administrative skills

Support and Supervision

Reception volunteers report to the Senior Receptionist who will provide you with full training, plan your duties, and liaise closely with you over all aspects of your role.  The Volunteer Services Department staff will help with your induction and be your point of contact for general enquiries about volunteering.

Training

Volunteers are required to attend face-to-face training sessions and to complete our standard mandatory training modules, which are delivered via our online platform.  Additional, booster and refresher training may be delivered as needed via e-learning, video links or face to face

You may also be invited to attend role specific training and supervision sessions in person.

For all volunteering enquiries please contact the Volunteer Services Office on 01904 777765 or email volunteers@stleonardshospice.org.uk

About the Hospice

St Leonard’s Hospice provides care and support to those living with life-limiting illnesses and to the people they care about. We couldn’t carry out the important work we do without a committed and talented team of Volunteers and Supporters – people of all ages, and from all walks of life who help us provide care, assistance, and support throughout the organisation, as well as promoting the work of the hospice in local communities and raising crucial funds.