Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

The closing date is 23 March 2026

We are seeking a highly organised and motivated Administrative Assistant to join our busy Orthoptic Department. The post holder will provide comprehensive administrative support to Orthoptists and the wider clinical team, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of outpatient services.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong administrative skills who enjoys working in a patient-facing healthcare environment.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people's own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

It's never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you'll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Job responsibilities

We would like to recruit a professional and reliable individual to provide efficient and effective administrative support and reception service to the Orthoptic Department based at North Devon District Hospital. The post holder will be proficient in dealing with the administrative aspect of the role and be able to provide excellent customer care service. This position is instrumental in creating a good first impression of the Trust / Department to patients and visitors.

This role would suit someone who has excellent interpersonal skills, is proactive and looking for a challenge.

You will demonstrate excellent communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure and experience of dealing with the general public. A flexible approach to work and experience of working in a busy environment and with minimal supervision are also essential.

You will be required to cover for colleagues during periods of annual/sick leave.

Experience of working within ophthalmology or orthoptics would be advantageous.

The working hours are currently a total of 22.5 hours per week. The post holder will be based at North Devon District Hospital however there may be a requirement to work at Eye Clinic Reception at other community hospital locations.

Interview Date: 05 March 2026

For further information please contact: Susan Thorne, Head Orthoptist

Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2026-7 rates, inclusive of a 3.3% pay award implemented from April 2026. If you join before this date, remuneration will be based on the 2025-6 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2025/26 NHS Employers)

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

Benefits

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme.

Person Specification General Requirements

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description.

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.

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust