Front Desk Receptionist

Job Description

Position Summary

The Medical Assistant/Receptionist supports clinic operations by providing both front-desk administrative services and back-office clinical assistance (based on clinic needs). This position ensures high-quality, patient-centered care consistent with FQHC standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Front Desk / Administrative Duties

• Greet patients warmly and provide excellent customer service in person and by phone.

• Register patients, verify eligibility, update demographics, and maintain accurate health records in the EHR system.

• Schedule, confirm, and manage patient appointments, including same-day/urgent slots.

• Collect co-pays, balances, and sliding-fee payments; provide receipts and balance daily cash drawer.

• Manage patient check-in/checkout workflow and coordinate referrals and follow-up services.

• Maintain waiting room cleanliness, organization, and compliance with clinic policies.

• Respond to patient inquiries and route messages to clinical staff as appropriate.

• Protect patient privacy and maintain HIPAA compliance at all times.

• Assist patients with portal registration and basic technology support.

• Provide backup coverage for other front-office roles when needed.

Clinical / Back Office Duties

• Room patients to exam rooms; record accurate vital signs, height/weight, and pain assessments.

• Properly document patient information in the EHR system.

• Conduct medical histories, medication reconciliation, and confirm allergies.

• Perform point-of-care testing (glucometer, urine dipstick, rapid strep, Hgb, etc.).

• Assist Provider with procedures (pelvic exams, wound care, EKGs, injections).

• Administer/log vaccines and medications per provider orders and standing protocols.

• Perform phlebotomy, specimen labeling, and lab preparation/processing.

• Maintain exam room cleanliness, restock supplies, and follow infection control protocols.

• Support telehealth visits (patient setup, vitals).

• Monitor and report abnormal findings to the provider.

Compliance & Safety

• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, CLIA, and FQHC policies.

• Follow protocols for infection control, safety, and emergency procedures.

• Participate in mandatory training, audits, and continuing education.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Completion of MA training program

• Experience with EHR systems

• Strong communication skills; ability to work with diverse and underserved populations.

• BLS certification

• Bilingual ability (preferred)

Optional/Expanded Duties

• Outreach calls for chronic care and preventive care reminders.

• Assist with community events: vaccines, health fairs, screenings.

• Support care teams in behavioral health integration

• Scribing for providers during visits.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED

• Completion of MA training program

• Experience with EHR systems

• Strong communication skills; ability to work with diverse and underserved populations.

• BLS certification

• Strong communication, customer service, and multitasking skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an FQHC, community health center, or primary care setting.

• Bilingual proficiency (e.g., Spanish/English or other languages commonly spoken by patient population).

• Understanding of trauma-informed care, patient engagement strategies, and health equity principles.

Core Competencies

• Compassionate, patient-centered approach.

• Ability to work with diverse and underserved populations.

• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.

• Professionalism, reliability, and teamwork.

Optional/Expanded Duties

• Outreach calls for chronic care and preventive care reminders.

• Assist with community events: vaccines, health fairs, screenings.

• Support care teams in behavioral health integration

• Scribing for providers during visits.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.

• Use of standard clinical equipment and PPE.