Receptionist Jobs

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.
Personal Requirements
The receptionist must be able to:

• Perform basic computer skills, type 30 words per minute.
• Quickly learn how to pronounce, know the meaning of and spell commonly used veterinary terms.
• Be flexible in attitude and work habits.
• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying records and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs; requires sitting and standing for extended periods of time.
• Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.

Performance Expectations

• Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner with clients even when situations are stressful and/or focused on individual tasks.
• 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.
• Can outline costs and fees in a positive light while supporting hospital payment policies.
• Can accurately and empathetically communicate estimates/treatment plans to clients.
• Can easily remember clients and patients names and uses them.
• Can bond with clients during interactions.
• Can offer proper upkeep for and troubleshoot office equipment including pc's, telephones, copiers, and fax machines.
• Can turn future clients (phone-shoppers) into clients through relationship building and bonding.
• Can admit patients and handle medical records entries accurately.
• Can maintain a professional/welcoming appearance of the front office through cleaning and organization.
• Can maintain positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
• Can handle client correspondence including procedure reminders, thank you cards, welcome cards, sympathy arrangements and cards, and A/R statements.
• Can greet clients with poise and natural effort.
• Can guide client' to make appropriate decisions regarding optimum pet care.
• Can answer client's inquiries about basic animal care questions and routine procedures.
• Answers telephones and handle calls quickly, efficiently and in a professional and friendly manner using a multi-line 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 work to maintain an effective veterinarian appointment schedule, screening emergencies and prioritizing cases that need to be seen.
• Can keep the front desk a positive area even in the event there is a client wait time.
• Has good computer skills and shows accuracy in inputting details.
• Can Enter and update client and patient information into practice computer software.
• Can accurately handle payment transactions.
• Can display tact and respect with team members even when busy or hectic.
• Feel and express a genuine liking for animals and their owners and for working in an animal care field.