Public Health Office Assistant

Job Title: Public Health Office Assistant

Location: Fayetteville, Tennessee, 37334

Duration: 10 months

Work Setting: Onsite

Shift : 8am - 5 pm

Position Overview

The Lincoln County Health Department is seeking a Public Health Office Assistant to provide administrative and clerical support for public health clinic operations. This role is responsible for patient registration, appointment scheduling, check-in/check-out, referral coordination, insurance-related documentation, and maintaining accurate patient records.

The ideal candidate is customer-focused, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and enjoys working in a collaborative healthcare environment. Candidates must be willing to travel throughout the region as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Registration & Scheduling
• Schedule and manage patient appointments.
• Register patients and update demographic information.
• Perform patient check-in and check-out.
• Inform patients of appointment requirements.
• Make appointment reminder and follow-up calls.
• Coordinate patient referrals.

Administrative & Office Support

• Review documentation to determine eligibility for federal and state assistance programs.
• Enter and maintain accurate information in health department management systems.
• Scan and index records into the Electronic Dental Record (EDR) system.
• Compile required forms to support efficient clinic operations.
• Perform general clerical and administrative duties as assigned.

Insurance & Financial Responsibilities

• Assist with obtaining insurance prior authorizations before services are provided.
• Gather and submit required documentation for insurance approvals.
• Process and balance the daily cash drawer.
• Ensure compliance with authorization requirements before releasing medical information.

Customer Service

• Educate patients regarding their rights and responsibilities for program participation.
• Provide professional and courteous customer service to patients and visitors.
• Maintain a positive, cooperative, and team-oriented work environment.
• Support clinic operations and other assigned duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years of customer service, clerical, or office administration experience.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to pass a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) background check.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Computer proficiency and accurate data entry skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel throughout the region as needed.

Education Substitution

• College coursework from an accredited college or university may substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis (up to two years).

Required Skills

• Patient Registration
• Appointment Scheduling
• Medical Reception
• Customer Service
• Front Office Operations
• Data Entry
• Medical Records Management
• Electronic Health Records (EHR/EDR)
• Insurance Verification
• Prior Authorization
• Referral Coordination
• Cash Handling
• Administrative Support
• Microsoft Office Suite
• HIPAA Compliance

Preferred Skills

• Healthcare or Public Health experience
• Medical Office Administration
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems
• Dental or Medical Clinic Experience
• Insurance Processing
• Medical Terminology
• Patient Services

Work Environment

• Onsite position
• Public Health Clinic setting
• Regional travel may be required