My experience as an receptionist
I
have been a receptionist at the Littlehampton Citizens Advice Bureau since
1994. It's an extremely rewarding job: providing a warm welcome and keeping
the supply of information leaflets readily available and up to date are very
necessary functions for the overall service.
Clients often get involved in conversations in the waiting room. This helps pass the time, and they can often end up advising one another.
On the whole, people who come to the Bureau are good humoured but I sometimes have to put a word in the right direction to help calm a potential problem.
Support from the Management and staff is excellent and they are always on hand when needed.
I enjoy my time at the Bureau, and what really makes it all worthwhile is to see a worried face turn into a great big smile as the client leaves.
Sylvia Bark
Being a receptionist
Our receptionists are a vital link in the smooth running of the Bureau. We ask that a Volunteer can offer to cover a weekly session (10am - 1pm, 1pm - 4 pm or 4pm - 7pm on a Thursday)
They should be able to respond with empathy (rather than sympathy) to a wide range of people, who may have a range of emotional difficulties.
We do not ask for any specialist skills but the confidence to interact with people from all walks of life is essential. Patience, understanding, good humour and an ability to deal with tricky situations is needed.
There is no training requirement but we offer a structured induction period. The rewards of the post are varied and include an opportunity to become involved with local community life and being a key member of a very active and busy Bureau.