Public Health Office Assistant

Location: Lebanon, Tennessee 37087
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Duration: November 30, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM CST
Hours: 7.5 hours per day
Residency Requirement: Must be a Tennessee resident

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Public Health Office Assistant to support administrative and clerical operations in a dental healthcare setting. The position involves patient registration, appointment scheduling, patient check-in and check-out, follow-up calls, referral coordination, data entry, and electronic record maintenance.

The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and communication skills, a professional attitude, and the ability to work effectively with patients and healthcare staff. Willingness to travel throughout the assigned region as needed is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Schedule and manage patient appointments and communicate appointment requirements.

• Register patients and collect, verify, and update demographic information.

• Review documentation to determine eligibility for applicable state and federal programs.

• Enter, retrieve, and maintain accurate information across multiple computer systems.

• Process cash transactions and balance the cash drawer.

• Explain patient rights and responsibilities related to participation in healthcare programs.

• Obtain appropriate prior authorization before releasing medical information.

• Assist with insurance authorization by gathering and submitting required documentation before services are rendered.

• Prepare forms and supporting documents to facilitate efficient clinic operations.

• Scan, index, and maintain patient records in electronic dental record systems.

• Coordinate referrals and conduct patient reminder and follow-up calls.

• Maintain accurate records and protect confidential patient information.

• Work collaboratively with team members to maintain a positive and efficient work environment.

• Perform additional administrative and clerical duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• At least two years of full-time customer service, clerical, or office administration experience, or equivalent education and experience.

• Current valid driver's license.

• Ability to successfully complete the required background check.

• Must be a Tennessee resident before the start date.

Education Substitution: Coursework completed at an accredited college or university may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two years. For example, 45 quarter hours may substitute for one year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Tennessee Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license.

• Previous dental front office or dental clinic experience.

• Understanding of dental terminology for accurate appointment scheduling and insurance coding.

• Experience with patient registration, scheduling, electronic health records, and insurance documentation.

• Strong customer service, communication, organizational, and data-entry skills.

• Ability to multitask, maintain accurate records, and handle confidential information appropriately.

Additional Requirements

• Full-time, onsite contract assignment in Lebanon, Tennessee.

• Monday through Friday schedule.

• Regional travel may be required.

• Selected candidates must complete the required employment background verification before starting the assignment.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have experience in customer service, office administration, healthcare reception, or dental front office operations. Candidates who can manage patient scheduling, documentation, data entry, insurance-related paperwork, and daily administrative tasks accurately and professionally are encouraged to apply. Dental office experience and an active Tennessee RDA license are preferred.