Overview of the vacancy
To assist in the smooth running of the firm by providing a range of support services within the general office function and assist all staff with the general office and administrative duties.
To provide a professional, welcoming, pleasant, accurate and high-quality reception service to clients, suppliers and visitors to the office. The reception function is crucial to the firm’s ability to impress clients, whether new or existing. Receptionists are our ambassadors and set the tone for our clients’ experience of TWM. They fulfil an invaluable marketing function and can positively affect the fee earning potential of the firm.
Purpose of the department
The Central Services department comprises all the core functions of the firm.
The Office Assistant/Receptionist reports to the Head of Office at each site, but performs tasks for all staff. Those tasks differ from office to office but those listed below are the minimum required.
Job description
- Runs the post desk and dealing with incoming and outgoing mail and faxes quickly and efficiently.
- Receives the post, deliveries, payments from clients and miscellaneous items and distributes these items in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Archiving of files, maintain and monitoring file archiving databases and undertaking associated administration duties, including arranging for files to be collected or retrieved from storage as required.
- Undertakes some physical lifting.
- Photocopying, often in large volumes for court bundles and under the pressure of deadlines, and distributes appropriately and in a timely manner.
- Manages stationery stock.
- Runs errands in the town centre.
- Undertakes general administration duties.
- May be asked to undertake some basic IT work, possibly some typing of attendance notes.
- Makes and receives telephone calls, answering any queries helpfully and referring callers to other offices of the firm if required. Puts calls through to fee earner’s secretaries if they are unavailable but holds calls briefly if they cannot be taken immediately.
- Accurately takes messages over the telephone, and transcribes any messages from the answerphone each morning, and delivers the messages accurately to the intended recipient as quickly as possible either by phone or email.
- Actively promotes the firm by delivering good customer care standards.
- Welcomes clients calling for appointments, inviting the clients to wait in the waiting room.
- Takes copies of passports and utility bills from clients calling with identification for Money Laundering Regulation purposes.
- Keeps the reception area and meeting rooms tidy and free from litter at all times.
- Provides refreshments when asked to do so.
- Offers a co-operative “can do” and team-oriented attitude and positive attitude to asking for work.
Qualifications
GCSE in Maths and English (A*-C) or (9-4) or equivalent.
Essential personal qualities and attributes
- Courteous and efficient telephone manner, bright, alert, interested and helpful.
- Professional appearance, including tidy hair, appropriate makeup (where worn) and attired as agreed as appropriate by the firm, including being prepared to wear a uniform.
- Patient and diplomatic manner.
- Flexible, co-operative and a supportive team player.
- Bright and enthusiastic.
- Self-motivated and able to work without close supervision.
- Demonstrates appropriate commercial awareness.
- Is comfortable working in a busy environment and working under pressure.
- Is willing to learn and try new ways of working.
Essential skills, knowledge and abilities
- Proven experience of dealing with clients either face to face or over the telephone.
- Able to provide a welcoming environment.
- Skilled in customer care and communication.
- Is attentive when being spoken to, asks questions and seeks clarification where necessary.
- Demonstrable experience of having dealt with difficult situations and customers.
- Able to convey straightforward information clearly and accurately in writing and orally.
- Able to make sound judgements which show an understanding of the boundaries of the post.
- Computer literate.
- Self-motivated.
- Able to work in a discreet and sensitive manner.
Desirable skills, knowledge and abilities
- Previous telephone switchboard and customer service experience.
Contact us
If you are interested, please send your CV and covering letter to jobs@twmsolicitors.com.
TWM Solicitors (www.twmsolicitors.com) is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
No agencies please