Behavioral Health Medical Receptionist

Hourly Wage: $22.17/Regular/Full-Time • Location: Toppenish

About the role

The Behavioral Health Receptionist serves as the first point of contact for clients, families, and visitors entering the Tiinawit Behavioral Health Clinic. Ensures every individual feels respected, cared for, and supported from the moment they arrive. Provides courteous and professional customer service while performing administrative and clerical duties that support daily operations across multiple internal programs within the clinic. Supports staff and client needs by answering and routing calls, relaying messages, and representing the agency professionally. Helps maintain a welcoming, confidential, and organized environment that reflects the department's values of compassion, respect, and cultural understanding.

Responsibilities

• Client Services & Front Desk Operations
  • Provide excellent customer service; greet and welcome clients, visitors, and staff in a warm, compassionate, professional, and culturally sensitive manner.
  • Interact with clients and community members in a trauma-informed manner.
  • Assist with tasks such as filling out paperwork and handling sensitive health information.
  • Answer and route phone calls promptly; take accurate messages and provide information as appropriate.
  • Screen incoming calls to determine individual needs and urgency for services.
  • Schedule, confirm, and update appointments for multiple behavioral health programs and providers.
  • Serve as the main contact for new and existing clients; check clients in and out of appointments, notify providers of arrivals, verify demographic/contact information, and ensure intake paperwork is complete.
  • Prepare and process patient forms, including consent, referrals, and release of information.
  • Maintain lobby, front desk, and common areas (conference rooms, intake rooms, bathrooms) in a clean, organized, and welcoming condition.
  • Provide directions and program information to clients, staff, and visitors.
  • Manage client flow, communication, documentation, and program coordination efficiently.
  • Monitor, manage, and assist with coordination and referral to services for patients.
  • Exercise independent judgment in resolving administrative issues or crises.
• Administrative & Clerical Support
  • Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and all clinic policies.
  • Assist with filing, scanning, faxing, and routing documents to appropriate staff.
  • Record and distribute incoming and outgoing mail and deliveries.
  • Support intake processes, referral forms, and other client documentation as directed.
  • Support internal communication between front desk, clinical, and Behavioral Health Clinic teams.
  • Notify staff when guests or community partners arrive for meetings or visits.
  • Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and departmental activities as assigned.
• Cultural & Community Awareness
  • Promote a non-judgmental, supportive, and compassionate environment for all clients.
  • Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in serving diverse tribal and community members.
  • Support the department's mission to promote healing, wellness, and balance within the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Pass a pre-employment criminal background check and drug test.
• Possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Tribal Driver Permit with Defensive Driving Course certificate (updated every 2 years).
• Access to adequate modes of transportation.
• Up-to-date immunizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with tribal communities or in a culturally diverse environment.
• Two (2) years of clerical, receptionist, or customer service experience, preferably in a healthcare or behavioral health setting.
• Yakama enrolled preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Skills

• Client Service & Communication
  • Impeccable customer service skills; maintains confidentiality and handles stressful situations well.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both in person and by phone.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication; interacts effectively with clients, families, staff, and community partners.
  • Skilled in active listening and empathy to understand and respond to client needs.
  • Ability to de-escalate situations calmly and professionally when clients are in crisis or distress.
  • Manages a high volume of clients, calls, and paperwork with accuracy and professionalism.
• Cultural Competence & Community Awareness
  • Understanding of Yakama Nation culture, traditions, and values; integrates cultural respect into client interactions.
  • Sensitivity to diverse populations, including tribal members, youth, elders, and individuals with behavioral health challenges.
  • Knowledge of social and community resources to assist clients effectively.
• Administrative & Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in EHR systems, scheduling software, and standard office technology (phone systems, copiers, scanners), and data entry.
  • Knowledge of or willingness to learn behavioral health and medical terminology.
  • Knowledge of behavioral health services, referral processes, and intake procedures.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Maintains accurate records, performs data entry, and handles documentation confidentially and timely.
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
  • Anticipates client and program needs and responds appropriately.
  • Strong judgment in prioritizing tasks and resolving conflicts or scheduling challenges.
  • Adapts to changing policies, procedures, or program requirements.
• Teamwork & Collaboration
  • Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, including clinicians, administrative staff, and program coordinators.
  • Supports cross-program communication and coordination.
  • Promotes a positive, collaborative work environment rooted in respect, care, and shared purpose.
• Professionalism & Ethics
  • Upholds HIPAA regulations and Yakama Nation policies regarding client confidentiality.
  • Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and integrity in all interactions.
  • Maintains composure, professionalism, and compassion in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
• Client Advocacy & Navigation
  • Assists clients in accessing resources, programs, and support services efficiently.
  • Advocates for client needs while balancing program requirements and administrative policies.
  • Maintains strict confidentiality at all times.
• Flexibility & Adaptability
  • Comfortable supporting multiple programs and adapting to evolving clinic workflows.
  • Willingness to cross-train and assist in other areas as needed (e.g., float receptionist, intake support).
  • Dependable, flexible, and able to work effectively as part of a team.