Job Description
Role: Veterinary Receptionist
Location: Abbey Vet Centre, Durham
Contract: Part-Time, Permanent
Abbey Vets is small animal only practice. We have two branches; one in Durham and one in Chester le Street. Durham is a lovely city with excellent transport links to the North and South. Beautiful coast and dales nearby for people who prefer the countryside.
IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.
At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.
How you'll make a difference
As a Receptionist, you will be the first point of contact for clients, playing a key role in delivering a welcoming, professional, and compassionate experience at every interaction.
You’ll support the smooth running of the practice by managing appointments, handling enquiries, supporting client communications, and working closely with clinical and non-clinical colleagues to ensure a positive client and patient journey.
As a veterinary receptionist, you will:
*Answer phones promptly and professionally, handling enquiries with empathy and care
*Book, manage and optimise appointment diaries
*Welcome clients and support them throughout their visit
*Take payments, ensure invoices are correct and manage end-of-day tasks
*Keep client and patient records accurate and up to date
*Follow up missed appointments, reminders and call-backs
*Promote practice services, healthcare plans and insurance
*Support the clinical team with clear communication and accurate information
*Maintain a clean, organised and welcoming reception area
*You’ll be trusted to work efficiently, communicate clearly and provide outstanding client care in a high-energy reception setting.
*Driving License required.
You will work 28.3 hours per week, with shifts between 8:00am-7:00pm Monday-Friday across both our sites based in Durham and Chester-Le-Street. You will also be included in our 1:4/5 Saturday morning rota.
You might be a great fit if...
You are a friendly, organised, and customer-focused individual who enjoys working as part of a team. You’ll bring:
* Excellent communication skills and a professional, welcoming manner
* Experience in a customer-facing role, with a strong focus on service and attention to detail
* The ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a busy environment
* A collaborative approach and willingness to support colleagues
* A proactive attitude, with openness to feedback and learning
How we'll support you
At IVC Evidensia, we’re committed to supporting your development and wellbeing from the very start of your career. You’ll benefit from:
* A key client-facing role within a supportive and collaborative practice team
* Clear career pathways with progression opportunities within client care and practice leadership roles
* Ongoing learning and development supported by experienced colleagues and practice teams
* A values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement
What we offer our team
*6.6 weeks' annual leave FTE
*Additional annual leave for your birthday, which will be added to your holiday allowance
*Increasing annual leave accrued through length of service
*Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/ paternity/ adoption/ shared parental and surrogacy pay
*Healthcare Cash Plan
*Cycle to Work scheme
*Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
*Pension scheme
*Discounted staff pet care
* Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you
* Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
