Front Desk Receptionist (Bilingual)

Front Desk Receptionist (Bilingual)

About Lifeline

Founded in 1973, Lifeline Community Services knows that thriving communities begin with people who feel seen, supported, and empowered. Reaching more than 25,000 people across San Diego County each year, our work sits at the intersection of behavioral health and economic empowerment, helping individuals and families face life's challenges and move toward a future filled with possibility. Our strength lies in our integrated approach and deep community connection, today providing services in six key areas: Behavioral Health, Family Strengthening, Housing & Stabilization, Youth Development, Anti-Human Trafficking, and Economic Empowerment.

The Front Desk Receptionist (Bilingual) serves as the first point of contact for clients, visitors, and staff, ensuring a welcoming, professional, and efficient front office experience. This role provides administrative and operational support to the organization by managing front desk activities, coordinating communications, and assisting with client intake and referrals. The position requires strong customer service skills, cultural competency, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Work Hours: Monday - Thursday 10AM - 7PM; Friday 8:30AM - 5PM.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent in this position will perform the following duties and responsibilities along with other duties that may be assigned:

Front Desk and Customer Service

• Greet, assist, and direct clients, visitors, and staff in a professional and culturally responsive manner
• Answer and manage multi-line phone systems; route calls appropriately and take accurate messages
• Provide timely, accurate information and referrals to clients and community members
• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming reception and waiting area
• Monitor visitor flow and client conduct in public areas

Client Support and Coordination

• Assist with scheduling appointments, conducting reminder calls, and notifying staff of client arrivals
• Support intake processes by maintaining and distributing program materials and forms
• Assess walk-in clients' and non-clients' needs and direct them to appropriate internal programs or external resources
• Provide interpretation and translation support for Spanish-speaking clients (verbal and written)
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with privacy and HIPAA standards

Administrative and Office Operations

• Open and close the facility in accordance with established procedures
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail, postage, and interoffice distribution
• Operate and troubleshoot office equipment (phones, copiers, fax machines, printers)
• Maintain inventory of office and program supplies; order and restock as needed
• Coordinate deliveries, verify packing slips, and resolve discrepancies
• Maintain organized records of supply orders and administrative documentation

Facilities and Safety Coordination

• Serve as a point of contact for facilities-related requests and communicate with Facilities staff as needed
• Support building safety protocols, including visitor access and emergency procedures
• Perform responsibilities associated with designated safety roles (e.g., Safety Captain), as assigned

Communication & Collaboration

• Act as a central communication hub between clients, staff, and departments
• Coordinate reception coverage and support team operations for planned absences
• Maintain regular communication with internal teams regarding front office operations
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and supervision sessions as needed

Reporting and Recordkeeping

• Complete required reports (e.g., postage, copier usage) accurately and on time
• Track and maintain records related to front desk operations and supply usage
• Ensure all public-facing materials (brochures, forms, signage) are current and compliant

General Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of reception, meeting spaces, and common areas
• Follow all organizational policies and procedures, including crisis intervention protocols
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and strong time management skills
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of 2 years of administrative or customer service experience (or equivalent)
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (Required)
• HIPAA training (Preferred)

Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Language Requirement

• Bilingual in English and Spanish (required)

Core Competencies

• Cultural competency and trauma-informed approach to service delivery
• Problem-solving and sound decision-making
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Professionalism and ethical conduct

Performance Expectations

• Deliver timely, accurate, and courteous customer service
• Maintain organized and efficient front desk operations
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality and organizational policies
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance
• Effectively manage workload and meet deadlines

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to ___25_ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may be exposed in an extremely stressful environment where there are considerable mental and emotional demands. Travel is required to client homes. Employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The employee will be required to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Lifeline Community Services is committed to non-discriminatory hiring practices that are focused on equity and inclusion and that balance experience and education as qualifications. Lifeline Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, genetics, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.