JOB DESCRIPTION
RECEPTIONIST
REPORTS TO:    Practice Owner or Manager
POSITION OVERVIEW
The receptionist is the client’s first contact when calling or visiting the practice and as such represents the professional image of the practice to callers and visitors. The receptionist answers telephones, greets clients, prepares patient files and escorts clients and patients to exam rooms, receives and relays client correspondence, updates client financial records. The exceptional receptionist has the ability to diffuse negative client situations and foster client bonding.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
·        High school diploma or equivalent.
·        Customer Service background desirable but not required.
·        Typing skills required.
·        Some computer knowledge required; comfortable with Word, keyboarding, and use of communication tools such as Instant Messenger and email.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Significant experience with basic office functions in a busy office environment
• Previous receptionist and veterinary practice experience are desirable but not required.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
The receptionist must be able to:
• Be flexible in attitude and work habits.
• Quickly learn how to pronounce, know the meaning of and spell commonly used veterinary terms.
• Perform basic computer skills, type 30 words per minute.
• Have had experience with basic office functions in a busy work environment
• Physical Effort:Work requires lifting and carrying records and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs; requires sifting and standing for extended periods or time.
• Working conditions:May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.
The range for the position is $9.00 per hour to $15.50 per hour.
Benefits are outlined in the employee manual and are separate from the hourly wage.
DUTIES/TASKS
• Feel and express a genuine liking for animals and for working in an animal care environment.
• Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.
• Can answer client’s inquiries about hospital policies, basic animal care questions, cost of routine procedures and products.
• Can maintain the appearance of the front office through cleaning and organization.
• Can maintain positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
• Can display tact and diplomacy with staff members and clients even when busy or hectic.
• Can work almost constantly in the presence of other staff members and clients.
• Can answer telephones and handles calls quickly, efficiently and in a professional and friendly manner, using a multi-line telephone system.
• Can deal intelligibly, pleasantly and efficiently with clients, often doing several things at one time.
• Receives and relays telephone, fax, and email messages accurately and promptly.
• Can accurately maintain an alphabetical filing system.
• Can greet clients, enters or updates client and pet (animal) information into practice computer system, escorts to exam rooms for medical procedures.
• Can prepare health certificates, immunization certificates, laboratory requests, and euthanasia certificates.
• Can outline costs and fees in a positive light while supporting hospital payment policies.
• Can prepare client invoices and obtains payments for services performed.
• Can educate clients on over-the-counter products such as shampoos and nutraceuticals; has full knowledge of heartworm and external parasite preventives to promote client education and sales.
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions.
• Can turn phone-shoppers into clients through relationship building and bonding.
• Can easily remember clients and patients names and uses them.
• Has good computer skills and shows accuracy in inputting details.
• Can accurately handle payment transactions.
• Can handle client correspondence including procedure reminders, thank you cards, welcome cards, sympathy arrangements and cards, and AIR statements.
• Can keep the front desk running efficiently and smoothly even when there is a client waiting.
• Performs other duties as assigned.