Public Health Office Assistant

Job Title: Public Health Office Assistant Location: Fayetteville, Tennessee, 37334 Duration: 10 months Work Setting: Onsite Shift : 8am – 5 pm Position Overview The Lincoln County Health Department is seeking a Public Health Office Assistant to provide administrative and clerical support for public health clinic operations. This role is responsible for patient registration, appointment scheduling, check-in/check-out, referral coordination, insurance-related documentation, and maintaining accurate patient records. The ideal candidate is customer-focused, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and enjoys working in a collaborative healthcare environment. Candidates must be willing to travel throughout the region as needed. Key Responsibilities Patient Registration & Scheduling Schedule and manage patient appointments. Register patients and update demographic information. Perform patient check-in and check-out. Inform patients of appointment requirements. Make appointment reminder and follow-up calls. Coordinate patient referrals. Administrative & Office Support Review documentation to determine eligibility for federal and state assistance programs. Enter and maintain accurate information in health department management systems. Scan and index records into the Electronic Dental Record (EDR) system. Compile required forms to support efficient clinic operations. Perform general clerical and administrative duties as assigned. Insurance & Financial Responsibilities Assist with obtaining insurance prior authorizations before services are provided. Gather and submit required documentation for insurance approvals. Process and balance the daily cash drawer. Ensure compliance with authorization requirements before releasing medical information. Customer Service Educate patients regarding their rights and responsibilities for program participation. Provide professional and courteous customer service to patients and visitors. Maintain a positive, cooperative, and team-oriented work environment. Support clinic operations and other assigned duties. Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma or GED required. Minimum 2 years of customer service, clerical, or office administration experience. Valid driver's license required. Ability to pass a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) background check. Strong customer service and communication skills. Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities. Computer proficiency and accurate data entry skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Willingness to travel throughout the region as needed. Education Substitution College coursework from an accredited college or university may substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis (up to two years). Required Skills Patient Registration Appointment Scheduling Medical Reception Customer Service Front Office Operations Data Entry Medical Records Management Electronic Health Records (EHR/EDR) Insurance Verification Prior Authorization Referral Coordination Cash Handling Administrative Support Microsoft Office Suite HIPAA Compliance Preferred Skills Healthcare or Public Health experience Medical Office Administration Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems Dental or Medical Clinic Experience Insurance Processing Medical Terminology Patient Services Work Environment Onsite position Public Health Clinic setting Regional travel may be required