Front Desk Receptionist (Bilingual)

Job Description

Job Description

Front Desk Receptionist (Bilingual)About LifelineFounded in 1973, Lifeline Community Services knows that thriving communities begin with people who feel seen, supported, and empowered. Reaching more than 25,000 people across San Diego County each year, our work sits at the intersection of behavioral health and economic empowerment, helping individuals and families face life's challenges and move toward a future filled with possibility. Our strength lies in our integrated approach and deep community connection, today providing services in six key areas: Behavioral Health, Family Strengthening, Housing & Stabilization, Youth Development, Anti-Human Trafficking, and Economic Empowerment. Position SummaryThe Front Desk Receptionist (Bilingual) serves as the first point of contact for clients, visitors, and staff, ensuring a welcoming, professional, and efficient front office experience. This role provides administrative and operational support to the organization by managing front desk activities, coordinating communications, and assisting with client intake and referrals. The position requires strong customer service skills, cultural competency, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Work Hours: Monday - Thursday 10AM - 7PM; Friday 8:30AM - 5PM. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe incumbent in this position will perform the following duties and responsibilities along with other duties that may be assigned:Front Desk and Customer Service Greet, assist, and direct clients, visitors, and staff in a professional and culturally responsive mannerAnswer and manage multi-line phone systems; route calls appropriately and take accurate messagesProvide timely, accurate information and referrals to clients and community membersMaintain a safe, organized, and welcoming reception and waiting areaMonitor visitor flow and client conduct in public areas Client Support and CoordinationAssist with scheduling appointments, conducting reminder calls, and notifying staff of client arrivalsSupport intake processes by maintaining and distributing program materials and formsAssess walk-in clients' and non-clients' needs and direct them to appropriate internal programs or external resourcesProvide interpretation and translation support for Spanish-speaking clients (verbal and written)Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with privacy and HIPAA standards Administrative and Office OperationsOpen and close the facility in accordance with established proceduresManage incoming and outgoing mail, postage, and interoffice distributionOperate and troubleshoot office equipment (phones, copiers, fax machines, printers)Maintain inventory of office and program supplies; order and restock as neededCoordinate deliveries, verify packing slips, and resolve discrepanciesMaintain organized records of supply orders and administrative documentation Facilities and Safety CoordinationServe as a point of contact for facilities-related requests and communicate with Facilities staff as neededSupport building safety protocols, including visitor access and emergency proceduresPerform responsibilities associated with designated safety roles (e.g., Safety Captain), as assigned  Communication & CollaborationAct as a central communication hub between clients, staff, and departmentsCoordinate reception coverage and support team operations for planned absencesMaintain regular communication with internal teams regarding front office operationsParticipate in staff meetings, training sessions, and supervision sessions as needed  Reporting and Recordkeeping Complete required reports (e.g., postage, copier usage) accurately and on timeTrack and maintain records related to front desk operations and supply usageEnsure all public-facing materials (brochures, forms, signage) are current and compliant General ResponsibilitiesMaintain cleanliness and organization of reception, meeting spaces, and common areasFollow all organizational policies and procedures, including crisis intervention protocolsDemonstrate professionalism, reliability, and strong time management skillsPerform other duties as assigned Required Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent requiredMinimum of 2 years of administrative or customer service experience (or equivalent)Bilingual in English and Spanish (Required)HIPAA training (Preferred)  Skills & AbilitiesStrong verbal and written communication skillsExcellent customer service and interpersonal skillsAbility to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectivelyStrong organizational skills and attention to detailAbility to remain calm and professional in high-stress situationsBasic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) Language RequirementBilingual in English and Spanish (required) Core Competencies Cultural competency and trauma-informed approach to service deliveryProblem-solving and sound decision-makingAdaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environmentCollaboration and teamworkProfessionalism and ethical conduct Performance ExpectationsDeliver timely, accurate, and courteous customer serviceMaintain organized and efficient front desk operationsEnsure compliance with confidentiality and organizational policiesDemonstrate reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendanceEffectively manage workload and meet deadlines Physical Demands/Work EnvironmentThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to ___25_ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may be exposed in an extremely stressful environment where there are considerable mental and emotional demands. Travel is required to client homes. Employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The employee will be required to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer. Equal Opportunity EmploymentLifeline Community Services is committed to non-discriminatory hiring practices that are focused on equity and inclusion and that balance experience and education as qualifications. Lifeline Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, genetics, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.