Part Time Receptionist jobs in Swindon SN4

Job Type: Permanent, Part-Time
Hours: Average 31.75 hours per week
Working Pattern: Fixed four-week rota, including 1 in 4 Saturday mornings
Location: Across our four Wiltshire branches
Work Location: In person

About Us

Chalkland Vets is a proudly independent small animal veterinary practice based in Wiltshire, operating across four branches in Chippenham, Corsham, Melksham and Calne.

Since opening in April 2019, we've grown into a friendly, passionate and dedicated team committed to providing exceptional veterinary care and outstanding customer service.

Our practice is led by our co-owners and veterinary surgeons, Selina and Philly, who remain actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business.

Our growing team includes 12 veterinary surgeons, 11 registered veterinary nurses, two trainee nurses, two animal nursing assistants, 10 receptionists and a practice manager.

We're proud to offer a wide range of in-house services, including:

• Ophthalmology
• Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy rehabilitation
• Soft tissue surgery
• Orthopaedic procedures

As an independent practice, we value teamwork, compassion and building lasting relationships with our clients and their pets.

We're now looking for two enthusiastic, friendly and dedicated Veterinary Receptionists to join our growing team.

About the Role

We are seeking two compassionate, organised and proactive individuals to join our busy, multi-site reception team.

As a Veterinary Receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for our clients, playing an essential role in ensuring that every pet and owner receives a welcoming, professional and supportive experience.

This is a varied and fast-paced position requiring excellent communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.

From welcoming clients and booking appointments to assisting with insurance queries and supporting our clinical teams, you'll be involved in a wide range of responsibilities that help keep the practice running smoothly.

Veterinary reception can be both incredibly rewarding and emotionally challenging. We're looking for individuals who can remain calm under pressure, demonstrate genuine empathy and provide exceptional customer service, even in difficult situations.

Previous veterinary experience is desirable but not essential. We welcome applications from candidates with strong customer service backgrounds who are enthusiastic about learning and developing their skills within the veterinary industry.

Key ResponsibilitiesClient Care & Reception

• Welcome clients and their pets in a friendly, compassionate and professional manner.
• Handle client enquiries in person, over the telephone and via email.
• Schedule appointments and manage diaries for veterinary surgeons and nurses.
• Provide accurate information regarding appointments, services and practice procedures.
• Assist clients with insurance enquiries and claims.
• Handle sensitive situations, complaints and challenging conversations with empathy and professionalism.
• Deliver consistently high standards of customer service.

Administration & Financial Duties

• Answer incoming telephone calls and direct or escalate enquiries appropriately.
• Manage incoming emails, correspondence and post.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client and patient records using our practice management system.
• Process payments, invoices and client billing accurately.
• Follow established cash-handling and financial procedures.
• Prepare and process insurance documentation and support direct insurance claims.
• Maintain client confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.

Teamwork & Practice Support

• Support the smooth day-to-day running of reception across our four branches.
• Communicate effectively with veterinary surgeons, nurses and fellow receptionists.
• Maintain clean, tidy and welcoming reception areas and client-facing facilities.
• Monitor reception supplies and assist with stock ordering.
• Support colleagues during busy periods.
• Assist with additional shift cover during periods of annual leave or sickness where reasonably required.
• Undertake additional administrative tasks and projects as directed by management.

What We're Looking ForEssential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a customer-facing or customer service role.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A friendly, approachable and professional manner.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to multitask, prioritise workloads and remain calm under pressure.
• Confidence dealing with clients over the telephone and face-to-face.
• Good computer literacy and keyboard skills.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Reliability, flexibility and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A willingness to learn and adapt to practice procedures.
• A full, clean driving licence and access to transport to travel between our branches.

Desirable

• Previous experience working in a veterinary practice or animal care environment.
• Experience using veterinary practice management software.
• Three years' experience in a customer service environment.

We recognise that excellent receptionists come from a variety of professional backgrounds. Experience in healthcare, hospitality, retail or other busy customer-facing environments can provide valuable transferable skills.

Above all, we're looking for the right attitude, a genuine commitment to client care and someone who will be a positive addition to our team.

Working Hours & Shift Patterns

We are recruiting for two permanent Veterinary Receptionist positions, each averaging approximately 31.75 paid hours per week over a fixed four-week rotating rota.

Both positions include one Saturday morning every four weeks (8:30am–1:30pm).

Position 1 – Veterinary Receptionist

This position offers a varied working pattern, predominantly Tuesday to Friday, with a mixture of full-day and afternoon shifts.

• Monday: One full-day shift every four weeks (8:30am–7:00pm).
• Tuesday: 8:30am–7:00pm.
• Wednesday to Friday: 1:00pm–7:00pm.
• Saturday: One morning every four weeks.

Weekly paid hours vary between 28 and 38 hours, averaging 31.75 hours per week across the four-week rota.

Position 2 – Veterinary Receptionist

This position offers a consistent Tuesday-to-Friday working pattern, with Mondays off and earlier finishes on Thursdays and Fridays.

• Monday: Day off.
• Tuesday: 8:30am–7:00pm.
• Wednesday: 8:30am–6:00pm.
• Thursday and Friday: 8:30am–2:30pm.
• Saturday: One morning every four weeks.

Weekly paid hours vary between 30.5 and 35.5 hours, averaging 31.75 hours per week across the four-week rota.

Additional Information

Both positions require flexibility to work across our Chippenham, Corsham, Melksham and Calne branches.

We aim to maintain a consistent rota to support a healthy work-life balance. However, some flexibility may be required to accommodate annual leave, sickness and operational requirements.

Applicants are welcome to apply for either position or both.

What We Offer

• A friendly, welcoming and supportive working environment.
• The opportunity to join a growing, proudly independent veterinary practice.
• A collaborative team of experienced veterinary professionals.
• Training and ongoing support.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Staff discounts on veterinary care.
• A structured four-week rota to support work-life balance.
• A varied and rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to pets and their owners.

How to Apply

If you're caring, proactive, organised and passionate about delivering excellent customer service, we'd love to hear from you!

Whether you already have experience in veterinary reception or are looking to bring your customer service skills into a new industry, we welcome your application.

We have two positions available. Please indicate in your covering letter whether you would prefer Position 1, Position 2, or would be happy to be considered for either.

Please send your CV and covering letter to:

danielle.boulter@chalklandvets.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully welcoming you to the Chalkland Vets team!

Pay: £13.00-£14.00 per hour

Experience:

• Veterinary Receptionist: 1 year (preferred)
• Customer Service: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person