Medical Receptionist
About the role
Northwest Human Services is a non-profit leader in providing advocacy, quality healthcare and social services in Marion and Polk counties since 1970.
When a patient walks through our doors, you may be the first person they see and the first person who makes them feel welcome. As a Medical Receptionist at Northwest Human Services, you are more than the person behind the front desk. You help create a positive, safe, and respectful experience for patients while keeping the clinic running smoothly behind the scenes. You'll be part of a team that believes healthcare should be accessible, compassionate, and centered around the whole person.
Location: West Salem Clinic | 1233 Edgewater St NW Salem, OR
Position Status: Non-Exempt | Monday – Friday with rotating Saturdays
What You'll Bring to Our Patients
Community: You help create a welcoming environment where every patient feels respected, seen, and valued.
- Welcome patients and visitors with warmth and professionalism.
- Serve as a lobby concierge, keeping patients informed about waiting times and delays.
- Help patients navigate check-in, the patient portal, and check-in kiosk.
- Monitor the lobby and respond appropriately to safety or disruptive situations.
Compassion: You recognize that every person who walks through our doors has a different story, circumstance, and need.
- Interact with patients and families with patience, courtesy, and empathy.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully, even during stressful or busy situations.
- Help patients understand clinic processes and connect them with the appropriate staff or resources.
Commitment: You take ownership of your work and understand that the front desk is an important part of the care team.
- Schedule appointments and help coordinate changing provider schedules.
- Verify insurance and responsible-party information.
- Prepare patient records, encounter forms, and other necessary paperwork.
- Collect copays, deductibles, and applicable fees.
Integrity: Patients trust us with their personal information and their healthcare. You help protect that trust every day.
- Maintain strict patient confidentiality and follow HIPAA requirements.
- Accurately enter and update demographic and insurance information.
- Follow established policies, procedures, and protocols.
- Handle payments, records, and other sensitive information with accuracy and discretion.
What Makes You Successful
Successful Medical Receptionists at NWHS are people who:
- Make people feel welcome – greet patients with professionalism and kindness
- Stay calm under pressure – manage a busy lobby, ringing phones, changing schedules, and competing priorities without losing sight of the patient in front of you.
- Pay attention to the details – understand that accurate patient information, scheduling, payments, and documentation matter.
- Communicate proactively – don't wait for a problem to become bigger. You keep patients and coworkers informed when schedules change, delays occur, or additional assistance is needed.
- Protect confidentiality – understand that trust is earned through consistent, ethical handling of patient information.
- Work as part of a team – step in when a coworker needs help and understands that excellent patient care takes a team.
Qualifications
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to interact effectively, professionally, and courteously with patients, visitors, and coworkers.
- Strong computer and typing skills.
Preferred:
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
- Previous medical office, healthcare, customer service, or reception experience.
Benefits
- Healthcare insurance plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Group Life: Short-Term & Long-Term Disability 100% paid by employer
- 403(b) retirement plan with 2% of employer contribution and up to 3% employer match
- Flex Spending Account
- PTO – 10 hours a month for FT positions 40 hrs./wk. up to 20 hours monthly as your tenure grows
- 7½ Paid Holidays a year + 2 paid floating holidays for full-time positions
- Continuing Education & Training Benefits
- Employee Healthy Living Program – Gym Membership & Smoking Cessation