PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE ASSISTANT - 09222026-81034

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, MARSHALL COUNTY

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school and experience equivalent to two years of full-time customer service delivery and/or clerical/office work.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time customer service delivery and/or clerical/office support work may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis (e.g., experience equivalent to one year of full-time work in one or a combination of the above listed fields may substitute for one year of the required education).

Substitution of Education for Experience: Course work credit received from an accredited college or university may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years (e.g., 45 quarter hours may substitute for one year of the required experience).

Overview

The Public Health Office Assistant (PHOA) provides essential frontline support in Tennessee's local health departments, helping ensure smooth clinic operations and high'quality customer service. PHOAs handle patient check'in and registration, maintain accurate records, schedule appointments, and support services such as WIC, Vital Records, and TennCare Presumptive Eligibility. They process payments, verify insurance, and manage document scanning while following all policies and confidentiality standards.

PHOAs maintain working knowledge of public health programs, communicate effectively with patients and staff, and contribute to efficient clinic flow. Strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with electronic health record systems are key. By supporting both daily operations and broader public health initiatives, PHOAs serve as a vital link between the community and the health department.

Responsibilities

• Reviews departmental policies and procedures to keep abreast of any changes, revisions, or additions. Discusses with clients all possibilities for assistance within and outside the health department; informs client of rights and responsibilities for participation in various programs.
• Interviews health department clients for medical and administrative services while maintaining confidentiality. Collects and updates client demographic information for registration, schedules appointments, and informs client of any visit requirements.
• Reviews and verifies insurance information, financial information, immunization status, program eligibility, and client co-pay/deductible responsibilities.
• Discusses charges for services and explains sliding fee scale where applicable. Prepares medical record for services to be provided, which may include attaching necessary forms, encounter labels, or any special instructions for the medical provider or laboratory.
• Performs administrative activities including processing and evaluating information to determine compliance with standards. Processes and maintains medical and administrative records and reports; reviews client encounter forms for accuracy and enters service/encounter data into the health department computer system.
• Creates certificate of deposit to allocate funds to proper program area budget codes and calculates charges to initiate the billing process. Reconciles fees collected with cash drawer report; collects payments for services rendered.
• Serves as the health department representative and effectively communicates all health department services available to the public.
• Maintains positive, constructive and cooperative communication by telephone, in written form, email or in person with supervisors, peers or clients. Handles complaints, settles disputes, and resolves grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiates with others.

Competencies (KSA's)

• Clerical
• Customer and Personal Service
• Information Technology
• Telecommunications
• Sociology and Anthropology

Skills:

• Active Learning and Listening
• Time Management
• Equipment Operation
• Reading Comprehension
• Judgment and Decision Making

Abilities:

• Mathematical Reasoning
• Written Comprehension
• Perceptual Speed
• Problem Sensitivity
• Speech Clarity

Tools & Equipment

• Personal Computer
• Multi-Line Phone
• Print/Fax/Copy/Scan Machine
• iPad
• Plum Case

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.