What are the responsibilities and job description for the Front Desk Receptionist position at MEXICAN AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY FOUNDATION?
Position: Front Desk Receptionist
Location MAOF Montebello Office
Reports to: Human Resources Coordinator or Designee
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Front Desk Receptionist is responsible for receiving and directing telephone calls, greeting visitors, responding to general inquiries, and preparing and distributing various documents related to these functions. This position also manages conference room bookings, processes incoming and outgoing mail, and ensures the front office operates efficiently and professionally.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for general inquiries via phone, email, and in-person, ensuring timely, accurate, and professional communication.
- Maintain a professional, welcoming, and organized front lobby environment, ensuring a positive first impression for all visitors, clients, and staff.
- Provide clear and accurate information regarding agency services, programs, policies, and upcoming events.
- Operate multi-line telephone and switchboard systems, handling incoming and outgoing calls courteously and efficiently.
- Screen, prioritize, and route calls to appropriate staff or departments; take, document, and relay messages as needed.
- Assist callers with general inquiries, including providing contact information and call procedures.
- Greet, assist, and direct visitors, vendors, and clients in a courteous and professional manner.
- Manage visitor check-in and check-out procedures using the electronic visitor management system, ensuring compliance with organizational protocols.
- Notify appropriate staff of guest arrivals and coordinate incoming deliveries and courier services.
- Monitor building access and observe the reception area to ensure the safety and security of all clients, visitors, and staff.
- Report any suspicious activity, safety concerns, or incidents to management or security promptly.
- Follow established emergency procedures, including fire drills, lockdowns, and evacuation protocols.
- Maintain and coordinate conference room schedules, including booking requests, setup, and ensuring rooms are clean and properly equipped.
- Support on-site meetings and events by preparing rooms and verifying that equipment is in proper working condition.
- Prepare, process, and distribute incoming and outgoing mail, packages, and correspondence in an accurate and timely manner.
- Coordinate courier pickups, package deliveries, and internal mail distribution.
- Maintain and update staff directories, contact lists, telephone directories, and related records.
- Update bulletin boards and other posted materials to ensure information is current and accurate.
- Provide administrative support to HRD and other departments, including filing, scanning, copying, and document preparation.
- Assist with special projects and organizational events as needed.
- Coordinate with Facilities and IT to report and resolve issues related to front office equipment (e.g., phones, printers, copiers).
- Prepare and post the monthly Reception Coverage Rotation Schedule and assist with ensuring adequate front desk coverage.
- Represent the organization in a professional manner when interacting with the public and external partners.
- Promote a positive organizational image through courteous, respectful, and culturally competent service.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Note: The duties listed above are representative and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities that may be assigned to this position.
REQUIREMENTS:
- High School Diploma or GED required; additional coursework or training in office administration or a related field is a plus.
- Minimum of six (6) months of receptionist, administrative, or customer service experience required.
- Proficiency in computer use, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general office equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to represent MAOF in a professional, courteous, and service-oriented manner.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with an emphasis on customer service and public interaction.
- Sensitivity to and understanding of the needs of families, clients, and diverse community populations.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment and decision-making.
- Professional phone etiquette, including the ability to manage high call volumes with accuracy and efficiency.
- Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish required, with the ability to communicate effectively in both languages.
- Ability to work a regular schedule, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility as needed.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and professional working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the public.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
This position regularly requires use of hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, talk and hear, and frequent sitting and reaching with hands and arms. Occasional standing and walking are required. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position is primarily performed in an office environment and requires compliance with all organizational policies, safety standards, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
The role may require interaction with clients, vendors, internal departments and must be performed in a manner that ensures professionalism, accuracy, integrity, and regulatory compliance at all times.