Medical Receptionist

Medical Receptionist

Salary

$47,236.80 - $63,918.40 Annually

Location

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, WA

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

2026-0089

Division

Strengthening Families

Program

SF - Substance Use Services

Opening Date

08/14/2026

Closing Date

8/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

Are you an administrative professional passionate about creating a welcoming, respectful, and trauma-informed environment for individuals accessing vital care? If you are ready to manage front-desk patient interactions, answer busy phone lines, schedule appointments, and accurately collect insurance information, we want you on our team. Join our Public Health Clinic as a Medical Receptionist. In this central role, you will serve as the primary point of contact for patients, visitors, and external partners, supporting daily operations through high-quality administrative and customer service functions. This position is a Regular Full-time (1.0 FTE). The expected starting salary range for this position is between $22.71 - $24.32 per hour. Salary is open to negotiation based on experience and qualifications.

This administrative classification is responsible for ensuring all necessary documents are completed correctly and filed in each of the patient's charts. This role requires interactions with clients at the front desk, answering phones, scheduling appointments, and collecting insurance information. Work involves sensitive and confidential information requiring strong discretion.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a stand-alone classification. An employee assigned to this classification will work under supervision, performing client check-in and record keeping tasks. An employee assigned to this classification will work semi-independently following established policies and procedures.

Career Path Options

Options to continue your career at the Health Department depend on your interest, education, and training. Possibilities include:

• Medical Assistant
• Lead Medical Assistant
• Administrative Assistant
• Senior Administrative Assistant

Essential Functions

• Welcomes clients and provides excellent and timely customer service for the check-in process, during their visits as needed, and on phone interactions.
• Enters client data into applicable computer systems, updates client information, and pulls/files client charts as needed.
• Collects client payments and prepares receipts. Balances receipts and prepares bank deposits daily.
• Helps connect people with insurance resources if they are uninsured and provided payment options, if needed.
• Make appointments for patients on the phone or in-person according to standard procedures. Confirms future appointments and assists in rescheduling patients as necessary.

Examples of Key Duties

The items in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic, and duties may change based on business needs. Any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.

• Greets patients and screens for program eligibility.
• Checks patients in by verifying their appointment time, asking patients to sign in, and giving them the appropriate forms to complete.
• Collects medical insurance information. Verifies services are covered and determines co-payment amounts.
• Helps connect people with insurance resources if they are uninsured. Gives patients information on various payment options, if needed.
• Files and pulls charts as necessary.
• Enters patient data into the computer system to update patients' information.
• Collects co-payments and prepares receipts. Balances receipts and prepares bank deposits daily.
• Makes appointments for patients on the phone or in-person according to standardized procedures. Confirms future appointments and assists in rescheduling patients as necessary.
• Assists the clinician in following up on missed appointments.
• Follows up with patients on additional outside care by contacting patients via telephone or mail. Documents the contact in medical records and appropriate logs.
• Answers calls within prescribed time and always maintains professional, effective and polite communication. Appropriately routes calls and takes complete messages.
• Responds to client questions related to general clinic policies and procedures and provides information on basic Health Department and community services.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information and medical records according to HIPPA guidelines.
• Attends meetings and trainings, as required.
• The work you do might require you to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid Claiming Program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices.
• Understands and properly follows established procedures in preventing and responding to unsafe or emergency situations. Identifies and reports potentially unsafe practices or conditions.
• Operates equipment, tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and understands processes for reporting an accident or injury.
• Understands and applies knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform assigned emergency response role during an emergency.

When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned duties and responsibilities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time and reporting to a location other than the department with different working conditions and physical requirements. You are expected to participate in emergency preparedness activities including our emergency notification system, WA SECURES. Drills and real-world events may take place at any time.

For a full description of the classification specification click here.

What you bring to the table

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of general medical office policies and practices, including procedures offered within a treatment setting.
• Intermediate knowledge of Adobe, Web-Based databases, and standard Microsoft business programs.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology.
• Application of basic math skills.
• Proficient at payment processing and cashiering.
• Proficient at data entry with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills- able to remain organized while managing multiple details.
• Knowledge of HIPAA privacy and confidentiality practices.
• Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential data and using discretion when sharing information.
• Skilled in communication:
• Listens to others and communicates in an effective manner.
• Asks questions in ways that enhance the clarity, quality, and reliability of information.
• Understands and learns from what others say, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
• Grasps the meaning of written information and applies it to work situations.
• Conveys ideas and facts using language the audience will best understand, taking into consideration the audience and nature of the information.
• Writes in a clear, concise, and organized manner for the intended audience.

Foundational Competencies

• Knowing and managing oneself: Understands that all equity, trauma-informed, and restorative practices start with oneself. Exercises a high degree of self-reflection, personal accountability, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability. Is willing to learn, apply, and model agency values and ethical standards.
• Restorative practices and conflict resolution: Articulates through words and actions authentic commitment to create an environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and afforded equal opportunities and impartial treatment. Centers work inequity and trauma informed and restorative practices to achieve and maintain collaboration and teamwork and to effectively work with historically underrepresented and/or underserved populations to advance community health. Utilizes restorative practices to address harm and promote healing to strengthen relationships between individuals and social connections within communities.
• Collaboration and engagement: Provides balanced and objective information to help teammates, partners, and the public understand problems, alternatives, opportunities, and solutions. Works directly with partners within the Department, in the community, and members of the public affected by the work to obtain feedback and understand diverse points of view, concerns, and aspirations. Identifies preferred solutions together, incorporating advice and recommendations to the maximum extent possible.
• Evidence informed practices and decision-making: Applies evidence informed practices and methodologies to achieve the greatest impact in delivery of services to internal and external customers and partners. Incorporates the social determinants of health into public health work. Integrates research and evidence into the decision-making process. Seeks to systematically identify and eliminate inequities resulting in differences in health and in overall living conditions. Utilizes evidence informed practices to increase equity in systems and policy. Creates a robust culture of assessment and evaluation and continuous process improvement.
• Cross cultural communication and Engagement: Understands that cultural awareness, appreciation, and humility can only occur when you practice curiosity and open-mindedness. Operates with a high level of humility and cultural agility to achieve effective intercultural communication, engagement, and collaboration in the workplace and in the community. Is open to feedback and continuously self-reflects on one's own actions and responses. Centers personal accountability on the Department's mission, values, and ethical standards.

Who should apply

The items below are the requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values work experience, lived experience, and education and realizes that people take different paths toacquireknowledge.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six months of experience in a Medical or Office Setting.
• Experience with Electronic Medical Record keeping preferred.

We will consider any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Professional Certifications, Licensure, and Other Requirements

We prefer the below for this classification.

• Experience working in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment or behavioral health.
• Familiarity with Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) treatments (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine).
• Bilingual or multilingual skills.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology and office procedures.
• Proficiency with computers, EHR systems, and Microsoft Office.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work Environment

• Work is performed almost exclusively indoorss in an office and clinical environment. Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in clinical and office environments.
• Environmental conditions may entail a stressful work climate due to the nature of the job, i.e., sexual abuse, sexual health counseling, substance use disorder counseling, etc.
• The potential for dealing with dissatisfied or angry customers exists, requiring skills in conflict resolution.
• Clinic hours may start earlier than regular business hours.
• Work is 100% in person with a strict schedule.

Physical and Cognitive Demands

• Regularly required to sit or stand continuously.
• Regularly communicate clearly in-person, over the phone, and via written communication, throughout the duration of a shift.
• Capable of reading physical and electronic documents and working for prolonged periods on a computer monitor.
• Fine motor skills sufficient to grip and manipulate paper, operate a telephone, and operate a computer mouse and keyboard.
• Reaching and gross manipulation capabilities sufficient to pick up and use standard office supplies.
• Occasionally move throughout the clinic.
• This position may require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving objects up to 10 pounds consistently, 20 pounds frequently, and exerting up to 40 pounds of force occasionally.
• Learn, recall, and apply specialized information.
• Work effectively when exposed to workplace stressors, such as emotional and/or confrontational individuals.
• Effectively perform frequent task-swapping and work with frequent interruptions.
• Regularly follow sequential processes, including long and/or complex processes.
• Regularly work effectively in the presence of visual, auditory, or other distractions.
• Regularly maintain awareness of surroundings to identify and address potential safety issues.

Tools and Equipment

• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, etc.)

Travel

• Occasional travel may be required, and is typically local or regional, to meet with clients, conduct business, attend, or provide training.

Click Here for more details on reasonable accommodations, safety, risk management and more.

Benefits

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department offers an excellent pay and benefits package, combined with the opportunity to provide innovative Public Health services to our community, making this a rewarding place to work!

Salary: Salary ranges are listed on the job announcement and are based on the unique skills, education, and experience for the position. Salary offers are typically made at the starting pay step and are reviewed annually. You will get an annual cost-of-living adjustment that increases the salary range as well as an annual step increase on your anniveristy date. All salary offers are subject to administrative approval.

Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance: The Department pays a significant portion of these premiums for employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children, with an FTE of .80 or greater. Employees with an FTE between .50 and .80 pay a pro-rated portion of their premiums. Medical, vision and dental coverage begins the first day of the month following date of hire.*

Life Insurance: The Department provides a term Life Insurance policy equal to the employees annual salary, up to a maximum of $50,000.* Affordable voluntary, spouse, and dependent life insurance is also available.

Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD): The Department provides a base LTD policy which provides 40% income replacement for participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 180 days. Buy-Up LTD is available at group rates and provides 60% income replacement to participants who are unable to work due to illness or injury for greater than 90 days.

Retirement: Eligible employees participate in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System (TERS). TERS is a defined retirement benefit plan funded by both the employee and the Department. We also have a 457 Deferred Compensation retirement program available which allows individuals to set aside a portion of their income on a tax deferred basis.

Additional Benefits include: Generous paid vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave, Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, On-site Fitness Center, Commute Trip Reduction program, Worksite Wellness Program, Direct Deposit; Service Awards, Safety Program / Rewards, Executive Benefits Plan and more.

• Temporary Employees (hired for greater than 2 months): The Department provides medical, dental, and vision benefits, $12,000 base life insurance effective the first of the month following 2 months of employment. Paid vacation, sick leave and holiday leave accrual begin following 6 months of temporary employment.

Please Note:

• There may be restrictions to the above benefit programs or policies not listed. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
• Employee pay is distributed through Direct Deposit. For this reason, employees are required to have an open checking or savings account, at their choice of banking institutions, upon employment.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For assistance, contact our Office of Human Resources/Risk Management at hr@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1660.

01

Which of the following best describes how you meet the minimum requirements for the Medical Receptionist position?

• I have a high school diploma (or equivalent) AND 6 or more months of experience in a medical or office setting.
• I have a high school diploma (or equivalent) AND a combination of other education, lived experience, or work experience that is equivalent to 6 months in a medical/office setting.
• I do not meet these minimum requirements.

02

To support your selection above, please describe your experience working in a medical office, general office, or an equivalent setting. In your response, please highlight: 1. The setting(s) (e.g., public health clinic, private practice, corporate office). 2. The duration of your experience. 3. Any relevant lived experience or alternative paths where you acquired equivalent administrative or customer service knowledge. (If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A".)

03

Do you have experience utilizing Electronic Medical Record (EMR) or Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems? (Preferred but not required)

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered "Yes" to having EMR or database experience, please list the specific software platforms you have used (e.g., Epic, NextGen, Cerner, Athena, etc.) and briefly describe your daily tasks using them such as scheduling, chart entry, or updating patient profiles. (If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A".)

05

Please describe your experience working or volunteering in a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facility, behavioral health clinic, or similar environment. If you do not have direct clinical experience, please highlight any relevant lived experience or work with vulnerable populations that has prepared you for this role. (If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A".)

06

Are you bilingual or multilingual? If yes, please list the language(s) you speak, read, or write fluently, and describe your experience utilizing these language skills in a professional or community setting. (If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A".)

07

Which of the following best describes your knowledge of medical terminology and standard medical office procedures?

• Proficient: I have completed formal training/coursework OR have 6+ months of hands-on experience using medical terminology and office workflows daily.
• Basic: I have a foundational understanding of medical terms and general office workflows (filing, phone etiquette, scheduling).
• None: I do not have experience with medical terminology or office procedures.

08

Our clinic serves as a critical resource in the community, and the Medical Receptionist is the very first person our patients see. Please describe a time in your professional, volunteer, or personal life where you had to maintain positive, welcoming energy during a fast-paced or stressful shift. How did your attitude impact those around you? (If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A".)

09

We serve individuals from all walks of life, many of whom face complex life challenges like substance use disorders or mental health crises. We require our staff to be accepting and completely non-judgmental of all patients at all times. Please share your perspective on what "non-judgmental care" looks like in practice at a clinic front desk, or share an experience where you successfully supported someone with a background different from your own. (If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A".)

10

This position requires highly reliable, punctual attendance 5 days per week, Monday through Friday, with a daily shift running from 4:45 AM to 1:15 PM. Are you able and willing to consistently work this specific schedule?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

Address 3629 South D St.

Tacoma, Washington, 98418

Phone 253-649-1660

Website https://www.tpchd.org/i-want-to-/jobs/employment/employment-opportunities