Care Navigator (Medical Receptionist)

Job Summary

Are you passionate about helping people and making a difference every day? We’re looking for a Care Navigator to join our friendly team at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], the largest GP surgery in the South Lakes with over 17,500 patients across two Kendal sites. As a Care Navigator, you’ll be the first point of contact for patients – whether face-to-face, by phone, or online. Your role is key to ensuring patients feel supported and cared for.

Main Duties of the Job

• Book appointments and handle medical administration
• Welcome and check in patients
• Answer queries and provide information to patients
• Share test results and assist with next steps

About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] has a long-standing reputation for excellent patient care, as the largest General Practice in the South Lakes area we have a registered list of over 17,500 patients and operate from 2 sites in Kendal. We are looking for an energetic and professional Care Navigator who is proactive and works well on their own initiative to join our busy team.

Why join us?

• Competitive NHS Pension Scheme
• 27 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Access to exclusive NHS discounts with retailers and leisure providers
• Be part of an innovative, supportive team in a vibrant practice

Job Responsibilities

As a Care Navigator, you’ll be the first point of contact for patients – providing a friendly, professional service in person, by phone, or online. You’ll help with appointments, queries, and practice information, keep systems and public areas running smoothly, and support the team with administrative tasks. This role is key to ensuring patients feel cared for and the practice operates efficiently.

Core Responsibilities

• Signpost patients to the correct service.
• Handle appointment requests (in person, phone, and electronic).
• Answer and transfer calls, manage patient and external queries.
• Process new and temporary registrations and update patient records.
• Maintain accurate data entry and confidentiality.
• Keep reception and office areas clean, tidy, and safe; report defects.
• Support clinical staff with general tasks and audits.
• Manage mail, messages, and electronic communications promptly.
• Complete opening and closing procedures per policy.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and Fire policies.

Key Standards to Follow

• Handle all enquiries promptly, efficiently, and courteously.
• Record and distribute documents accurately and on time.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry on the computer system.
• Type doctors letters correctly and without delay when required.
• Be familiar with written instructions on surgery times, booking arrangements, identifying patients needing urgent attention, clinical and nursing team duties, and duties of non-clinical staff.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

The ideal Care Navigator will be a professional, customer-focused individual with strong communication and organisational skills. You should be able to work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrate flexibility, and maintain confidentiality. A commitment to learning, accuracy in administration, and a positive approach to patient care are key to success in this role.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE (A-C) or equivalent in Maths and English
• Desire to learn and develop within the role
• Strong work ethic, self-starter, able to work autonomously
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage time effectively and follow policies
• Professional demeanour and customer service focus
• Flexible and cooperative, able to adapt to changing workloads
• Ability to use judgment and initiative appropriately
• Commitment to confidentiality and safeguarding
• Flexibility to work outside core hours occasionally
• Ability to travel between practice sites
• DBS check and pre-employment clearance

Desirable

• IT literacy
• Evidence of continuing education or professional development
• EMIS user skills
• Familiarity with NHS systems and processes

Employer Details

Employer name: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]
Address: Helme Chase Surgery, Burton Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7HR
Maude Street Surgery, Maude Street, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4QE
Employer's website: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

Contact Details

For questions about the job, contact:
Office Manager, Antonia Coathup
Email: [contact hidden]
Phone: [contact hidden]

Additional Information

Date posted: 05 May 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £13.45 an hour
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: A2946-26-0005
Job locations: Helme Chase Surgery, Kendal; Maude Street Surgery, Kendal
Closing date: 31 May 2026