At SWRAC Specialist Independent College we support individuals to thrive through real-life and relevant education programmes. Our intention is to provide everyone with the skills, knowledge and experience to:
– Be independent and resilient
– Grow into education, employment or meaningful activity
– Live healthily and sustainable
– Develop and maintain healthy relationships
– Grow socially and contribute positively to communities and local economies
– Be safe
We have an exciting opportunity for a Receptionist/Administrator (Maternity Cover up to one year) to join our friendly team in our Bootle Centre, Liverpool.
You will be working with a friendly team to really make a difference to young people.
Job Description
- Welcome learners, staff and on-site visitors, determine the nature of the business, and announce visitors to the appropriate team member or assist if appropriate
- Answer telephone calls, determine purpose of calls, and forward calls to the appropriate person
- Retrieve messages from voice mail and forward to the appropriate person
- Take messages for team members and email to them
- Answer questions about the organisation and provide callers with address, directions, etc
- Monitor visitor access and ensure signing in and out procedures are adhered to
- Receive, sort and route post
- Maintain orders - chase, receive and distribute supplies for the centre
- Petty cash
- Monitor registers to ensure being completed
- Assist tutors with booking students on to their courses
- Assist tutors with chasing students who do not attend courses / absences
- Perform other clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and collating
- Manage a job book for all ad hoc tasks that are requested by the team
- Set up and clean down refreshment areas daily
- Ensure general tidiness of reception areas etc
- Any other duties required by the management team
Person specification:
1. Qualifications & Training
Essential
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above)
- Evidence of good IT literacy (e.g. Microsoft Office / Google Workspace)
- Willingness to undertake safeguarding and relevant compliance training
Desirable
- Level 2 or 3 qualification in Business Administration or Customer Service
- First Aid qualification (or willingness to train)
- Safeguarding training
- Training in SEND awareness or autism awareness
2. Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a reception, front-of-house, or administrative role
- Experience handling telephone calls and email enquiries professionally
- Experience working with confidential information
- Experience providing customer service to a range of stakeholders
Desirable
- Experience working in an educational setting
- Experience working with young people or adults with additional needs
- Experience managing visitor signing-in systems and safeguarding procedures
3. Knowledge & Understanding
Essential
- Understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality (GDPR awareness)
- Awareness of safeguarding principles and the importance of safeguarding in education
- Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion
Desirable
- Understanding of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
- Awareness of behaviour support approaches used in specialist settings
4. Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Warm, calm and welcoming manner
- Ability to communicate clearly with students who may have communication differences
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritise workload and work under pressure
- Competent in IT systems, email, databases and telephone systems
- Ability to manage difficult or sensitive situations professionally
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable
- Ability to use alternative communication methods (e.g. visual supports, Makaton – basic awareness)
- Ability to support with basic administrative tasks across departments
5. Personal Qualities
Essential
- Patient, empathetic and approachable
- Professional and reliable
- Resilient and emotionally intelligent
- Discreet and trustworthy
- Flexible and adaptable
- Positive and solution-focused attitude
Desirable
- Genuine interest in supporting learners with additional needs
- Commitment to inclusive practice
6. Safeguarding & Compliance
Essential
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students
- Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check
- Commitment to safeguarding training and compliance procedures
SWRAC is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment and selection practices will reflect this dedication. All successful candidates will undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, along with other relevant employment screening. We are also committed to ensuring genuine equality of opportunity in all aspects of our activities as an employer and educational provider.
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Pay: £24,706.50 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Private medical insurance
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Bootle L20 3EF: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
