Veterinary Patient Care Assistant & Receptionist

Join Our Team as a Veterinary Patient Care Assistant & Receptionist!

Are you ready to put pets first? At CVS Vets, we make pets a priority every day!

We're on the lookout for a dynamic and passionate animal enthusiast to step into the role of a Veterinary Patient Care Assistant & Receptionist at our Ayres Veterinary Hospital.

Role Details:

Location: To be based at our Hospital in North Shields - Unit 7 Royal Quays, Coble Dene, North Shields, NE29 6DW

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week

Shift Pattern: Wednesday – Sunday. More details on the shift pattern below:

Wednesday – Friday: 09.00 – 19.00

Saturday: 08.30 – 16.30

Sunday: 09.30 – 13.30

Discover Our Practice:

Get a glimpse of what makes us special: Ayres Veterinary Hospital - North Shields | CVS Vets

About CVS Vets:

Joining a CVS Vets-owned practice is more than just starting a job—it's the beginning of a rewarding career with one of the UK's leading veterinary groups. Our mission is simple yet meaningful: to provide the best possible care for animals, and this dedication guides everything we do. 

With a network of over 500 practices and more than 8,000 devoted professionals, you'll become part of a supportive community focused on one goal: putting pets first. 

If you're looking for a role where your skills truly matter and your future is bright with possibilities, CVS Vets is the perfect place for you.

About the Role:

This is a blended role, with structured, split shifts to ensure focused time for each responsibility.

Patient Care Assistant Duties:

• Patient Nursing Care: Deliver attentive nursing care to animal patients, ensuring comfort, safety, and wellbeing
• Clinical Support: Assist veterinarians and nurses with the safe handling and restraint of animals during examinations and treatments
• Animal Husbandry: Provide daily care including feeding, walking, cleaning, and monitoring of patients
• Surgical & Emergency Preparation: Prepare operating theatres and emergency facilities to a high clinical standard
• Hygiene & Maintenance: Carry out general cleaning and maintenance duties to maintain a sterile and organised environment
• Laboratory Assistance: Run and process internal laboratory samples accurately and efficiently
• Emergency Communication: Answer and respond to emergency calls promptly, relaying critical information to the clinical team

Receptionist Duties:

• Manage Communication: Handle incoming calls and schedule appointments efficiently
• Inquiries Resolution: Respond to queries via phone, email, and in-person interactions with professionalism
• Client Reception: Greet and register new clients, ensuring a warm welcome
• Insurance Management: Process and manage insurance forms adeptly
• Medication Distribution: Dispense medications as required
• Financial Transactions: Process payments accurately and efficiently
• Emotional Support: Provide empathy and understanding to clients during distressing times, while maintaining professionalism
• System Utilisation: Organise patients using the in-house system efficiently
• Inter-practice Communication: Liaise with veterinary practices to address patient needs and queries
• Debt and Refund Management: Make necessary phone calls regarding debts, belongings, and refunds
• Client Care: Above all, ensure that every client feels welcomed and valued at our practice

Who We're Looking For:

• Experience in animal welfare, including feeding, cleaning, medicating and handling and a high level of understanding of how to meet the welfare needs of animals is essential
• Experience in caring for animals in a veterinary environment would be desirable
• Experience in a front of house/customer facing role is a must
• A full UK driving licence is preferred
• Resilience and the ability to handle emotional situations with grace
• Strong communication skills paired with genuine empathy
• Outstanding customer service skills and experience with the public
• Positive attitude and superior teamwork abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems

Our Offer to You:

We understand that benefits matter. Here are just a few of the perks you'll enjoy:

• Salary aligned with the National Minimum Wage
• Five weeks' annual leave (pro rata) per annum, plus bank holidays
• Long Service Award – employees receive an extra day of annual leave for each year of service (up to 5 additional days)
• Staff discount scheme on Veterinary bills and care
• Staff discount on Animed Direct, our online dispensary, where you can benefit from discounts on pet medicines, products and food
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
• And lots more, as part of our commitment to help you feel recognised, supported and appreciated!

For a full list of what we offer, click here: CVS Vets | What We Offer

Our innovative Receptionist Careers Pathway offers a clear, structured path to develop your skills and grow within CVS. With a range of courses, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to deliver top-tier client service and advance your career with us.

CVS is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their true selves, celebrating diversity and empowering each team member to perform at their best.

We're committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

Ready to join us? Click the 'Apply Now' button below.

Please note: We can only accept or progress applications from candidates with the Right to Work in the UK, as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for clinical support roles due to Home Office criteria.