Front Desk Receptionist

Cota Coaching and Consulting; Harrisburg (SD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Upleash Veterinary Hospital in Harrisburg, SD is seeking a Front Desk Receptionist to welcome clients, manage the schedule, and guide the client journey from arrival to checkout. You will work closely with the Hospital Manager to provide administrative support and ensure every client leaves with a positive impression.

The ideal candidate has strong communication, empathy, and organizational skills, with at least two years of customer service and comfort with medical settings.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• At least two years of customer service experience required; veterinary front office preferred.
• Ability to learn Veterinary Practice Management Software (Instinct) quickly.

Responsibilities

• Greet clients and patients warmly, serving as the primary face of the hospital.
• Manage appointment calendar and optimize scheduling for efficiency.
• Triage phone calls with doctors/technicians to route urgent cases.
• Assist Hospital Manager with daily administrative duties and data entry.
• Process client payments and oversee check-in/check-out.
• Communicate medical instructions and follow-ups per veterinary team.
• Maintain clean, professional lobby and front desk areas.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Customer Service

Organization

Time Management

Multitasking

Professionalism

Stress Management

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Instinct PMS

Job description

At Upleash Veterinary Hospital, we provide advanced, relationship-centered care that honors pets and their owners alike. Our locally owned practice is built to restore trust, connection, and clarity to the veterinary experience. By combining rigorous medical expertise with personal service, we are re-centering our profession around what matters most: compassion, transparent communication, and care at both ends of the leash.

As the face of Upleash, the Front Desk Receptionist does much more than just answer phones - you are the conductor of our entire client experience. In this role, you will welcome clients, optimize the clinic schedule, and guide the customer journey from arrival to checkout. Working closely with the Hospital Manager, you will provide crucial administrative support and take the proactive initiative needed to keep the hospital running efficiently, ensuring every client leaves with an exceptional impression.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Acts as the primary face and voice of Upleash Veterinary Hospital, greeting clients and patients warmly upon arrival.
• Manage the appointment calendar, optimizing the schedule to maximize patient care and clinic efficiency.
• If triage over the phone is necessary, they will consult with a doctor or technician to determine the urgency of medical cases and routing them appropriately to the medical team.
• Assist the Hospital Manager with daily administrative duties, including filing, managing medical records, and data entry.
• Process client payments and manage the check in/check out process.
• Communicate medical instructions and follow-up reminders to clients as directed by the Veterinary Team.
• Maintain the cleanliness and professional appearance of the lobby, front desk area, coffee room and front restrooms.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with focus on empathy and professional phone etiquette.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to remain calm in emotional and high-stress situations (e.g., grieving owners or emergencies).
• Excellent organizational skills and extreme attention to detail, especially regarding financial transactions and medical records.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to multi-task (answering phones while checking in clients).
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to quickly learn Veterinary Practice Management Software (Instinct).
• Basic understanding of veterinary terminology and common procedures (preferred but can be trained).

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• At least two years of customer service experience required; previous experience in a medical or veterinary front office is highly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• Ability to handle the sights, sounds, and smells of a veterinary hospital.