Bilingual Administrative Specialist (Front Desk)

About the role

North Central Public Health District is the only two‑county local health department in Oregon, serving Wasco and Sherman Counties from its office at 419 East 7th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058. The district provides WIC, immunizations, reproductive health, communicable disease, environmental health, and home visiting services. The front desk is the first point of contact for walk‑ins and phone calls, supporting a diverse community.

Responsibilities

• Answer and route phone calls (primary duty).
• Greet walk‑ins and check clients in for clinic appointments.
• Serve Spanish‑speaking clients in their language at the desk and on the phone.
• Answer questions about services and connect people with the right resource or staff member.
• Handle first‑line environmental health questions (e.g., permits for food carts or restaurants) and route the rest.
• Maintain day‑to‑day office logistics, including fleet vehicle keys and staff requests.
• After approximately 9‑12 months, train as a WIC clerk and then support WIC appointments and certifications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Fluent in Spanish and English (ability to check in Spanish‑speaking clients and take calls in both languages).
• Prior reception or secretarial experience managing a front desk, phone system, and steady public flow; medical office experience is a plus.
• Strong customer‑service skills: follow questions through to an answer, even when the answer lies elsewhere.
• Adaptable working style: quick to adjust, comfortable reprioritizing mid‑task, able to handle lobby and phone demands simultaneously.
• Preferred: qualified or certified medical interpreter credential (earns higher differential, not required).
• Offers are conditional on a background check and references.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays

Pay

$50,000 – $54,000 per year

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with a one‑hour lunch.