Front Desk Assistant- Medical Receptionist
Job Description
This Front Desk Assistant role supports a psychiatrist in a busy health center by managing patient-facing administrative tasks and ensuring a smooth, professional experience from check-in to check-out. The position combines front desk coordination with medical office responsibilities, including working with electronic medical records and supporting behavioral health services. This role offers benefits and a clear pathway for growth, including the potential to move into a leadership position for those with a medical assistant background.
Responsibilities
Work directly with a psychiatrist to support daily clinic operations and ensure an organized, efficient front desk experience.
Perform patient check-ins, verify information, and prepare charts accurately and promptly.
Schedule and reschedule patient appointments while optimizing the provider's calendar.
Make confirmation calls to patients to verify upcoming appointments and reduce no-shows.
Prepare charts and documentation in advance of appointments to support smooth clinical visits.
Use electronic medical records (EMR), including NextGen, to document and update patient information.
Coordinate with medical assistants and other clinical staff to support patient flow and care delivery.
Apply medical terminology and understanding of behavioral health to accurately process and relay information.
Provide professional, clear communication with patients, providers, and team members both in person and over the phone.
Maintain a high level of attendance and reliability in a back-office and front desk setting.
Follow clinic procedures and guidelines to protect patient confidentiality and ensure a safe, respectful environment.
Participate in training on NextGen software and other systems and apply new skills in daily work.
Essential Skills
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Medical Assistant training or certification preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job.
Current CPR or CPR/AED certification, or the ability to obtain it within 90 days of hire.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
Strong listening skills and the ability to respond professionally to patients and colleagues.
Experience working with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
Familiarity with medical terminology, particularly in a behavioral health setting.
Ability to perform administrative tasks such as scheduling, chart preparation, and confirmation calls with accuracy and attention to detail.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience as a medical assistant in a clinical or health center environment.
Experience working with NextGen EMR or similar electronic medical record systems.
background in patient coordination or patient care support.
Knowledge of behavioral health workflows and patient needs.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-specialty health center.
Interest in career growth, with the potential to move into a leadership role from a medical assistant position.
Comfort working closely with psychiatrists and other healthcare providers.
Work Environment
This role is based in a health center environment that offers immediate care and multiple specialties. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, with core hours typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and some rotating weekend coverage. Candidates must be open to working shifts that may extend to 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. as needed. The position is primarily in a back-office and front desk setting where consistent, dependable attendance is essential. Team members wear plain medical scrubs as the standard dress code. The health center uses electronic medical records, and the Front Desk Assistant will receive training in NextGen software and other relevant systems. The environment supports professional growth, including opportunities for medical assistants to advance into supervisory roles, and offers benefits such as medical, dental, and vacation.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Sacramento, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.50 - $22.50/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Sacramento,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 20, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.