Public Health Office Assistant

Dental Public Health Office Assistant Location: Athens, TN 37303 Pay Rate: $16.24/hr, paid weekly Schedule: MondayFriday, 8:00 AM4:30 PM Contract Duration: July 1, 2026June 30, 2027, long term extension Residency Requirement: Candidate must currently reside in Tennessee or establish Tennessee residency before the start date. Travel: Occasional travel to surrounding counties may be required. Overview Support a local public health dental clinic by providing front-office, clerical, administrative, and patient support. This position handles scheduling, registration, check-in/check-out, patient reminders, referrals, insurance authorizations, electronic records, and cash transactions. Responsibilities Schedule and manage patient appointments and communicate pre-appointment requirements. Register patients and collect or update demographic information. Review documentation to determine program eligibility. Enter and maintain accurate information in health department systems and electronic dental records. Complete patient check-in and check-out activities. Make appointment reminder calls and assist with referral coordination. Obtain and process insurance prior authorizations before services are provided. Prepare service forms and scan and index documents into electronic dental records. Handle cash transactions and reconcile and balance the cash drawer daily. Explain program rights, responsibilities, and requirements to patients. Provide professional, customer-focused service in a busy clinic environment. Qualifications High school diploma or GED. Two years of full-time customer service, clerical, or office experience preferred. College coursework may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis, up to two years. Strong customer service, organization, time management, and attention to detail. Accurate data entry and ability to work across multiple software systems. Experience handling administrative documentation and financial transactions. Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally as needed. Preferred Active Tennessee Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license Dental front-office experience Knowledge of dental terminology, scheduling, and insurance processes Ability to provide chairside assistance during emergencies or staffing shortages Background Requirements Tennessee Bureau of Investigation background check Driver's license verification County, statewide, federal, and national criminal history searches Sex offender registry search Address history and AKA/name search Global watchlist search Benefits Health insurance Health savings account Dental insurance Vision insurance Flexible spending accounts Life insurance Retirement plan All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.