Job summary
As the first point of contact for staff, patients, carers, and professional visitors, you'll play a vital role in maintaining the safety, security, and smooth running of the unit. This is a unique opportunity to work in a highly professional and structured setting, where your communication skills and attention to detail will directly contribute to the wellbeing of those receiving specialist mental health care.
You'll be responsible for managing reception duties, handling enquiries with sensitivity, and supporting both administrative and security procedures. From processing visitor access to coordinating maintenance requests and responding to emergencies, your role will be central to the safe and effective operation of the service.
We're looking for someone who:
- Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Can remain calm and professional in a secure and sensitive environment
- Is confident using administrative systems and technology
- Values teamwork and is committed to high standards of service delivery
- Is eager to learn and grow within a supportive team
Join us and be part of a team that truly makes a difference.
Please note - This role is not eligible for sponsorship unless you meet criteria by temporary exemption from current changes to immigration rules put in force on 22/07/2025. Separate provisions are applied to workers who have been sponsored and held continuously Skilled Worker visa since prior to 04/04/2024.
Main duties of the job
As a Receptionist in the Adult Forensic Service at GMMH, you will be the first point of contact for staff, patients, carers, and visitors, providing a professional and welcoming front-of-house service. You'll manage access and egress using security systems, handle enquiries sensitively, and ensure messages are communicated accurately.
You'll support a range of administrative tasks including maintaining records, processing correspondence, managing diaries, and preparing reports using Microsoft Office. You'll also log maintenance issues and transport requests efficiently.
Security is a key part of the role. You'll learn and apply protocols to maintain unit integrity, respond to emergencies, and liaise with the Safety and Security team to ensure a safe environment.
Teamwork is essential. You'll work collaboratively with colleagues, participate in supervision and training, and uphold Trust policies. The role requires excellent communication, IT proficiency, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently under pressure. Flexibility, integrity, and a respectful approach to others are vital.
About us
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.
We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford,Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.
Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.
Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.
Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Responsibilities
Reception & Customer Service
- Welcome and manage all visitors, staff, and patients entering or exiting the unit, ensuring appropriate security checks are completed.
- Respond to telephone and face-to-face enquiries professionally and sensitively, ensuring accurate message-taking and prompt communication.
- Provide clear information regarding visiting policies and unit procedures to patients and visitors.
Administrative Duties
- Maintain accurate paper and electronic records in accordance with Trust data quality and confidentiality policies.
- Process incoming and outgoing correspondence, distribute documents, and support general clerical tasks.
- Input staff and visitor data into relevant systems, including ID pass and security equipment records.
- Prepare memos, reports, and other documentation to a professional standard.
- Log and report maintenance issues and transport requests efficiently using internal systems.
Security & Safety
- Operate and monitor visitor management systems to control access and egress in line with security protocols.
- Learn and apply emergency response procedures, including fire and psychiatric emergencies.
- Report incidents, near misses, and concerns promptly to the relevant manager or safety lead.
- Liaise with the Safety and Security team to ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures.
Teamwork & Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments to support service delivery and maintain high standards.
- Participate in regular supervision, training, and development activities.
- Contribute to audits, surveys, and service improvement initiatives as required.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
Essential Skills & Qualities
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional telephone manner.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and confident using electronic diaries and databases.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
- Experience in customer service and dealing with a wide range of people.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritise tasks under pressure.
- Knowledge of the Data Protection Act and patient confidentiality.
- Flexible, reliable, and adaptable to changing demands.
- Professional in appearance and conduct, with a respectful and empathetic approach to others.
- Honest, trustworthy, and committed to maintaining high standards.
Please see attached job description and person specification
Staff benefits
- Pay Enhancements
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Excellent pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Wellbeing programme
- Blue Light Card Discounts
- fuelGenie Fuel Cards (for applicable roles)
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Responsibilities
Reception & Customer Service
- Welcome and manage all visitors, staff, and patients entering or exiting the unit, ensuring appropriate security checks are completed.
- Respond to telephone and face-to-face enquiries professionally and sensitively, ensuring accurate message-taking and prompt communication.
- Provide clear information regarding visiting policies and unit procedures to patients and visitors.
Administrative Duties
- Maintain accurate paper and electronic records in accordance with Trust data quality and confidentiality policies.
- Process incoming and outgoing correspondence, distribute documents, and support general clerical tasks.
- Input staff and visitor data into relevant systems, including ID pass and security equipment records.
- Prepare memos, reports, and other documentation to a professional standard.
- Log and report maintenance issues and transport requests efficiently using internal systems.
Security & Safety
- Operate and monitor visitor management systems to control access and egress in line with security protocols.
- Learn and apply emergency response procedures, including fire and psychiatric emergencies.
- Report incidents, near misses, and concerns promptly to the relevant manager or safety lead.
- Liaise with the Safety and Security team to ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures.
Teamwork & Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments to support service delivery and maintain high standards.
- Participate in regular supervision, training, and development activities.
- Contribute to audits, surveys, and service improvement initiatives as required.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
Essential Skills & Qualities
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional telephone manner.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and confident using electronic diaries and databases.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
- Experience in customer service and dealing with a wide range of people.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritise tasks under pressure.
- Knowledge of the Data Protection Act and patient confidentiality.
- Flexible, reliable, and adaptable to changing demands.
- Professional in appearance and conduct, with a respectful and empathetic approach to others.
- Honest, trustworthy, and committed to maintaining high standards.
Please see attached job description and person specification
Staff benefits
- Pay Enhancements
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Excellent pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Wellbeing programme
- Blue Light Card Discounts
- fuelGenie Fuel Cards (for applicable roles)
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- experience in admin/clerical
- experience of microsoft office applications
Desirable
- experience of working in a security role
- An awareness of policies & procedures in relation to role
Skills
Essential
- Basic knowledge of the needs of the client group and respect for peoples diversity
Desirable
- Experience of carrying out administrative duties to complete a piece of work in a methodical, efficient, and timely man
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- experience in admin/clerical
- experience of microsoft office applications
Desirable
- experience of working in a security role
- An awareness of policies & procedures in relation to role
Skills
Essential
- Basic knowledge of the needs of the client group and respect for peoples diversity
Desirable
- Experience of carrying out administrative duties to complete a piece of work in a methodical, efficient, and timely man
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT
Address
GMMH NHS Adult Forensic Service - Riverside Centre
Tottington Lane, off Bury New Road
Prestwich, Manchester
M25 3BL
Employer's website
https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
