Guest Services, Reception, Front Office
Duration: 
12 months
Start date: 
15 November 2023
End date: 
1 December 2024
Application deadline: 
20 August 2023
Closed position

Together with the Reception Manager, the Reception Assistant is the first contact for Guests at the Centre and is responsible for managing the administrative work relating to the Centre’s Guests. If you are organised, enjoy administrative work and are passionate about helping our Guests from all around the world to have an incredible experience at the World Scout Centre, then we look forward to receiving your application!

Requirements

  • Needs to be at least 18 years old
  • Is a member of an Association recognised by WOSM/WAGGGS
  • Communicates well in written and spoken English

Skills & Qualifications

Essential

  • Ability to work within an international team of volunteers
  • Affinity for customer service and guest contact (in person and online)
  • Willingness to work according to a flexible schedule
  • Ability to work well under pressure in a busy office and within strict timelines
  • Excited to present a "friendly professional" image in the KISC Reception
  • Be accommodating and willing to help
  • Comfortable using and learning the booking management software (ASSD) 
  • Comfortable dealing with money procedures and till management
  • Great attention to detail 

Desirable

  • Has previously been a member of the staff team at KISC
  • Certification and experience in customer service, administration and/or management
  • Ability to communicate in German, French, Spanish or Portuguese
  • Holds a driver’s licence

Main tasks

Main Tasks

  • Ensures a high quality of guest service and timely guest correspondence
  • Support the accurate administration of the Guest Booking Journey (accommodation, meals, activities) 
  • Ensure the accuracy of all bookings at the Centre with the booking management software (ASSD) 
  • Deal with all queries received at the Reception (over the counter, by phone or email)
  • Coordinate the information flow between KISC teams regarding guest needs
  • Control and count the Centre’s tills

Other responsibilities

  • Run and develop staff training
  • Assist in other areas of the Centre where necessary
  • Involvement in the execution of the Centre’s Operational Plan
  • Work and communicate effectively with all staff and guests

 

Management

General

This position is part of the Reception team at KISC within the wider Guest Services team. The team consists of one Reception Manager (12-month role), one Reception Assistant (12- month role), and one Summer Reception Assistant (4-month role).

Line manager

The line manager for this position is the Guest Services Director, with daily work coordinated by the Reception Manager. The Reception Assistant has weekly meetings with the line manager and the Reception team to cover operational matters, and also has regular one-on-one appraisals.

Team Management

The Reception Assistant will have regular contact with the Reception team and other members of the Long Term Staff team and it is essential to build a good working relationship and honest communication with them. The Reception Assistant fills in for the Reception Manager in their absence.

 

Practical information

Insurance

  • Accident Insurance (provided by the Centre): Everyone is insured for accidents, both work and non-work related over the duration of the contract.
  • Private Liability Insurance (provided by the Centre): This insurance covers any damage caused by any staff on an object or person.
  • Sickness Insurance (provided by the Centre): All LTS will get private sickness insurance if necessary. The deductible (amount each LTS has to cover per calendar year themselves) is, if nothing else mentioned, CHF 300.-. This insurance covers any treatment due to sickness.
  • Social Insurance according to the Swiss Law (provided by the Centre): Every LTS must have Social Insurance according to the Swiss regulations. This includes invalidity insurance, maternity leave and old-age and survivors' insurance (OASI). More information will be given during training.

Benefits

  • A room in one of the shared flats in Kandersteg
  • All meals at the Centre, both while at work and on days off
  • 2 days off per week and 20 days of holidays
  • Pocket money starting from 450 CHF per month·       
  • A Swiss Pass (discount card for transportation in Switzerland)
  • Management and leadership training
  • Administration of work permits
  • Other benefits as detailed here on our website

Important information

Visa

  • Citizens of EU/EFTA countries do not need a visa, and the Centre secures the necessary work permit.
  • Citizens of the United Kingdom require a visa to work in Switzerland.
  • For citizens of non EU/EFTA countries (including the United Kingdom), there is a lower chance of a successful visa application in 2022. Positions starting in 2023 have higher chances of successful visa. 
  • The employment is dependent on securing the necessary special permission from the Swiss authorities.

Testimonials

Reception Assistant

Arinya

Switzerland
Reception Assistant
As Reception Assistant I was making sure that the guests had the smoothest and most exciting holidays of their lives. I helped them prepare their trip, I was the face they saw during their stay, and I followed up with them after they went back home to tell their friends about it. I’ve most certainly developed my organisation and communication skills in this year at KISC, and I’ve learned a lot about how to structure my work to make it more efficient and fast. Are office work, cat cuddles, multitasking and random question your thing? Welcome to Reception!