Public Health Office Assistant

Spectraforce Technologies; Carthage (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies is seeking a Dental Public Health Office Assistant in Carthage, TN to support daily operations in health department dental clinics, including patient registration, appointment scheduling, check-in/out, referral coordination, insurance support, and maintaining accurate patient records.

The ideal candidate is customer-focused, organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a team, with the ability to adapt to multiple software systems and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 2 years of full-time customer service or clerical experience.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to accurately enter and maintain confidential patient information.
• Proficiency with computer systems and multiple software applications.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must successfully complete a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) background check.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and manage patient appointments efficiently.
• Register patients and collect/update demographic information.
• Review documentation to determine eligibility for state and federal programs.
• Enter and maintain accurate patient information in the health department management systems.
• Utilize multiple computer software systems to enter and retrieve information.
• Manage cash drawer transactions and complete daily balancing procedures.
• Explain patient rights and responsibilities related to program participation.
• Obtain required prior authorizations before releasing medical information.
• Assist with insurance authorization processes by gathering and submitting required documentation.
• Prepare necessary forms to support efficient clinic operations.
• Scan and index patient records into electronic dental record systems.
• Coordinate referrals and follow up with patients as needed.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and cooperative work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Communication

Teamwork

Organization

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Title: Public Health Office Assistant

Location: Carthage, TN, 37030

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (CST)

Duration: 11 months

Job Summary

The Division of Community Health Services (CHS) is seeking a Dental Public Health Office Assistant to support daily operations within health department dental clinics. This position performs administrative and clerical duties including patient registration, appointment scheduling, check‑in/check‑out, referral coordination, insurance support, and maintaining accurate patient records.

The ideal candidate will be customer‑focused, organized, self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and comfortable working in a team environment. Candidates must be willing to travel throughout the region as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Schedule and manage patient appointments efficiently.


• Communicate visit requirements and instructions to patients.


• Register patients and collect/update demographic information.


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


• Enter and maintain accurate patient information in the health department management systems.


• Utilize multiple computer software systems to enter and retrieve information.


• Manage cash drawer transactions and complete daily balancing procedures.


• Explain patient rights and responsibilities related to program participation.


• Obtain required prior authorizations before releasing medical information.


• Assist with insurance authorization processes by gathering and submitting required documentation.


• Prepare necessary forms to support efficient clinic operations.


• Scan and index patient records into electronic dental record systems.


• Coordinate referrals and follow up with patients as needed.


• Maintain a positive, professional, and cooperative work environment.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.


• Minimum of 2 years of full‑time customer service, clerical, or administrative office experience.


• Strong customer service and communication skills.


• Ability to accurately enter and maintain confidential patient information.


• Proficiency with computer systems and multiple software applications.


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Valid driver's license required.


• Must successfully complete a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Tennessee Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license preferred.


• Dental front office experience preferred.


• Knowledge of dental terminology, scheduling procedures, and insurance coding.


• Experience assisting chairside during emergencies or staffing shortages.

Work Environment

• Healthcare/dental clinic setting within a public health department.


• Requires professional interaction with patients, healthcare staff, and community members.


• Occasional travel throughout the region may be required.

Education & Experience Substitution

• College coursework from an accredited institution may substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two years.

Position Details

• Position Title: Dental Public Health Office Assistant


• Department: Division of Community Health Services (CHS)


• Employment Type: Full‑Time


• Hours: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM


• Work Location: Smith County Health Department