Receptionist for Main School Site at Safa Community School

POST: Receptionist for Main School Site - Safa Community School, Dubai

Safa Community School - a beacon of excellence. In 2024, we were honoured with the ‘Happiest School in the UAE’ title, a testament to our commitment towards student well-being. In addition, we were proud recipients of the ‘Value Add, Leaving No Child Behind Award’, reflecting our dedication to academic progress. This was further underscored by our 2024 GCSE VA score of +2.2. Our high staff retention rates and inclusion in the top 15 Schools in the UAE by the Schoolscompared.com survey are a source of pride for us all.

At Safa Community School, we are more than just a school-we are a community. With a parent body comprising Expats, including around 35% from the UK, we have fostered a reputation for being a friendly, warm, and community-oriented school. Our positive relationships among staff, parents, and students are a testament to our inclusive approach, making everyone feel welcomed and part of a larger family. This sense of belonging sets us apart and should make you feel at home in our school.

Safa Community School is not just another school but an award-winning all-through UK curriculum school, from FS1 to Year 13, with 2,570. Follow our school Instagram channel for a glimpse into our vibrant community showcasing student achievements, community events, and much more at safa_scs. Discover how we nurture talent, foster creativity, and build a thriving environment for every student.

We are currently seeking a dynamic, organised, and enthusiastic Main School Receptionist to join our accomplished administration team. The chosen candidate will be responsible for overseeing the front desk at our main school site on a daily basis, as well as performing a range of administrative and clerical duties. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, possess excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrate proficiency in IT, be fluent in English (both written and spoken) and have the ability to multitask and prioritise in an environment with frequent interruptions.

Receptionist responsibilities include: 

• Receiving visitors at the front desk by greeting, welcoming, directing and announcing them appropriately. 
• Answer incoming telephone calls, screening and forward to the appropriate personnel or department. Takes accurate messages if required and relay information to relevant stakeholders in a concise and timely manner.
• Confidently answer frequently asked questions with accurate information as the first point of contact for all parent, staff and visitor enquiries.
• Provide administrative support across the organisation. 
• Deal with emergencies in a timely and effective manner while streamlining office operations. 
• Ensure reception area is tidy and presentable, with all necessary stationery and material (e.g. pens, forms and brochures). 
• Provide basic and accurate information in-person and via phone/email. 
• Receive, sort and distribute daily mail/deliveries. 
• Maintain office security by following safety procedures and controlling access via the reception desk (monitor logbook, issue visitor badges). 
• Perform other clerical receptionist duties such as booking tours, disseminating information correctly, assisting parents with any queries as best possible.
• Manage students who arrive late or leave early in the day.
• Manage the absence mailbox by translating the information onto iSAMS (our school management system), responding to emails from parents, disseminating the information to teachers and recording absence accurately. This may often require liaising with other members of the team dealing with absence for multi-sibling families.
• Assist with dealing with lost property.
• Support admissions with new parent access passes and other administrative duties as requested.
• Manage and respond to reception email addresses, ensuring emails are actioned and appropriately filed in a timely manner.

Essential Requirements and Skills 

• Proven work experience as a Receptionist, Front Office Representative, or similar role. Minimum of two years in this kind of role. Experience of working in a school is a definite plus. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite - this is an essential requirement.
• Hands-on experience with office equipment. 
• Professional attitude and appearance. 
• Confident and friendly personality.
• Demonstrate personal dynamism, energy, and enthusiasm.
• Excellent and fluent command of written and verbal communication skills in English. 
• Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise - solution focused. 
• Excellent organisational skills. 
• Multitasking and stress-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, are essential for this position. 
• Positive customer service attitude, able to gracefully assist with complaints. 
• Work without supervision completing required tasks to a high quality and standard.
• Team Player who adds to the collaborative culture of the school.
• Positive attitude, flexible and adaptable.
• Humility and humour - An ability to work hard but have fun.
• Excellent attendance and time-keeping record.

Education

Due to regulations, we can only employ individuals with a minimum of High School education or a degree.

Note: 

• This job description will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to modification and amendment.

Application Process

Closing date for applications is Tuesday, 31st December 2024 at 10h00 UAE time.

Dear Candidate

The application process is: 

• All applications must be submitted on the TES Portal. Only applications submitted through the Portal will be considered.
• Only candidates already residing in Dubai will be considered.
• Submit an up to date, full resume / CV.   
• Submit a covering letter of no more than two A4 pages.   
• Provide at least three referees’ names, telephone numbers (with international dialling codes) and email addresses. One must be a current employer.   
• The closing date for all applications is Tuesday, 31st December 2024 at 10h00 UAE time.
• Applications will be assessed in order of receipt and interviews may occur at any stage after applications are received. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date and therefore invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.   

Upon request, feedback will only be provided to candidates who progress to the interview stages.

Important Notice

At Safa Community School we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to various background checks including, receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks.