Receptionist

Job overview

We are looking for an individual who is innovative, positive and capable of providing challenge to the status quo in the interest of service and workforce development. The role will require an individual who is passionate about providing the highest standard of care to our service users whilst understanding and maintaining physical security.

They will be a highly skilled and well-motivated individual with considerable experience of working in a dynamic secure mental health service.

Main duties of the job

The post holder is expected be first point of contact for patients, visitors and staff entering the Low and Medium Secure Service. The post holder is expected to ensure that all entering the Low and Medium Secure Service are complying with Trust and Forensic service polices.

To provide a reception service to all users, visitors and staff which comprises of switchboard duties, checking identification, sorting mail, issuing/receiving keys and monitoring attendances in order to ensure the smooth operation of the unit. To deal with any queries and always give information and directions in a polite manner.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To operate the electronic switchboard ensuring that all telephone enquiries to the service are handled politely and sympathetically, ensuring that all messages are passed on to the appropriate person in a timely and accurate manner which may often involve dealing with difficult and distressed patients on the phone or in person.
• To ensure that all patients and visitors are received in a courteous and efficient manner and escorted accordingly. This will include checking identification, issuing keys, passes and alarms to all staff entering the building and recording arrival/departure times.
• To provide administrative and secretarial support to colleagues ensuring that all correspondence and documents are accurately and efficiently typed and dispatched according to priority.
• To be responsible for checking all ward incident books are up to date in line with Trust policy and report any gaps in reporting to the Forensic Security Liaison Lead
• To inform the wards of all visitors to the unit and arrange for them to be escorted as appropriate.
• To issue keys to new staff after security induction has taken place and forms duly signed off.
• To maintain a booking system of all keys loaned to specific personnel within the department.
• To undertake key audits at the beginning and end of each day taking appropriate action for any keys unaccounted for.
• To be responsible for carrying out an audit check of all maintenance tools brought on to the unit.
• To update and maintain the security system logbook, including the addition and deletion of new members of staff to the database.
• To assist the Security Liaison Manager by collating data where necessary.
• To ensure the patients leave book, has been completed and duly signed by the nursing staff before releasing airlock security mechanisms.
• To book transport on behalf of all departments within the clinic.
• To respond immediately to emergency calls according to unit procedure which includes radioing all wards immediately on fire alarm activation.
• To monitor, respond and implement all security/safety procedures, including contacting emergency services and senior staff as necessary.