Front Office Clerk
Job Description:
Job Title: Front Office Clerk
Location: Kern County, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time/Temp Assignment with the potential to be hired on
Compensation: $21 as a temp, pay increase if hired on
Position Overview
Legacy Staffing is seeking a friendly, organized, and patient-focused Front Office Clerk on behalf of a confidential healthcare client. This role serves as the first point of contact for patients, both in person and by phone, and plays a critical role in ensuring smooth patient flow, accurate registration, and proper billing processes. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced healthcare environment and is committed to delivering compassionate, respectful service.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Access & Front Desk Operations
- Welcome patients in person and over the phone and explain available services, payment categories, and billing procedures
- Schedule appointments and appropriately manage walk-in patients and emergencies according to established policies
- Answer incoming calls and route them to the appropriate staff
- Call patients to remind them of upcoming appointments
- Follow up daily with patients who did not keep their scheduled appointments
Registration & Billing Support
- Register patients according to established protocols and collect all required documentation and billing information
- Verify insurance or third-party coverage and calculate patient responsibility
- Collect co-pays, deductibles, deposits, and outstanding balances prior to visits
- Issue receipts and balance the cash register in accordance with cash-handling policies
- Ensure all patient encounters are properly checked out
Coordination & Patient Flow
- Work closely with medical, dental, and nursing staff to ensure smooth patient flow and minimize wait times
- Refer patients to other internal services as needed for follow-up support
- Communicate patient concerns or complaints to supervisory staff as appropriate
- Under supervision, coordinate scheduling assistance with external agencies when applicable
Compliance & Organizational Participation
- Maintain strict HIPAA compliance and confidentiality of all patient information
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations
- Participate in Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement (QA/QI) initiatives
- Learn and use Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Practice Management Systems as required
- Participate in patient-centered care models as part of the healthcare delivery team
Qualifications, Education & Experience
- High school diploma or GED required
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a medical or dental front office setting (or formal vocational training in lieu of experience)
- Familiarity with medical terminology and basic triage procedures preferred
- Knowledge of basic bookkeeping and office functions
- Bilingual English / Spanish preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Friendly, professional demeanor with strong customer service skills
- Ability to multitask and work effectively under pressure
- Compassionate approach to patient interactions in challenging situations
- Strong communication, organizational, and follow-through skills
- Ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds
- Willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends and multiple clinic locations as needed
- Alignment with the mission and values of community-based healthcare
Reporting Relationship
- Reports to Health Center or Front Office Leadership