Receptionist

Midwest Youth Services; Jacksonville (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Midwest Youth Services in Jacksonville, Illinois is seeking a dependable, compassionate part-time Front Desk and Reception Support to greet visitors, answer calls, and provide friendly information about agency programs. This role requires professionalism, empathy, confidentiality, and trauma-informed communication, with duties centered on creating a welcoming front office environment.

Work primarily on Mondays and Fridays, 8:15 AM–4:15 PM, with 10–20 hours per week. Training will be provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and customer service skills.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently.
• Compassionate, patient, and able to interact with diverse backgrounds.
• Confidentiality and discretion required.
• Willingness to learn agency procedures and trauma-informed practices.
• Valid driver's license preferred for occasional errands.

Responsibilities

• Answer calls and direct to appropriate staff.
• Greet visitors in a welcoming, trauma-informed manner.
• Provide general information about programs and services.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Notify staff in urgent situations per procedures.
• Keep reception area professional and organized.
• Ensure opening/closing procedures are completed.
• Collaborate with staff to support a safe environment.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Midwest Youth Services

Part-Time Front Desk & Reception Support

10-20 hours per week

Location: Jacksonville, Illinois
Employment Status: Part-Time, Hourly
Reports To: Executive Director
Schedule: Primarily Mondays and Fridays
Scheduled Hours: 8:15 AM – 4:15 PM
Public Office Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Position Summary

Midwest Youth Services is seeking a dependable, compassionate, and professional individual to provide part-time front desk and reception coverage, primarily on Mondays and Fridays.

This position serves as an important first point of contact for individuals reaching out to our agency. Responsibilities include answering and directing incoming phone calls, greeting visitors, providing general agency information, and maintaining a welcoming and professional front office environment.

Given the nature of our services, individuals contacting or visiting the agency may be experiencing sensitive, stressful, or difficult situations. The ideal candidate must demonstrate empathy, discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate in a calm, respectful, and trauma-informed manner.

This position is also responsible for ensuring the building is prepared for daily operations and appropriately secured at the close of business.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Front Desk & Reception

• Answer incoming telephone calls and appropriately direct callers to designated agency personnel.
• Greet and assist visitors in a welcoming, respectful, and trauma-informed manner.
• Provide general information regarding agency programs and services and direct inquiries to appropriate staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive conversations or interactions.
• Recognize situations requiring immediate staff assistance and follow established agency procedures for notifying appropriate personnel.
• Maintain a professional, organized, and welcoming reception area.
• Communicate effectively with agency staff to ensure appropriate handling of visitors, calls, and scheduled appointments.

Building Opening & Closing

• Arrive promptly at the scheduled start time of 8:15 AM to complete designated building opening procedures.
• Ensure the reception area and building are fully prepared to receive clients and visitors by 8:30 AM.
• Ensure clients arriving for scheduled appointments can enter the building and be appropriately greeted and directed without unnecessary delays.
• Maintain front desk coverage throughout established public office hours.
• Complete designated end-of-day procedures following the conclusion of public office hours at 4:00 PM.
• Ensure the building is appropriately secured and locked at the end of the scheduled shift.

Additional Responsibilities

• Complete occasional agency-related errands or deliveries as requested.
• Follow established agency procedures regarding visitor access, building security, confidentiality, and emergency situations.
• Work collaboratively with agency personnel to support a welcoming, safe, and professional environment.
• Communicate concerns, unusual situations, or operational needs to the Executive Director or appropriate designated personnel.
• Participate in required agency training and orientation activities.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and customer service skills.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently.
• Compassionate, patient, and comfortable interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, and demonstrate sound judgement.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when interacting with individuals experiencing stressful situations.
• Willingness to learn agency procedures, trauma-informed communication practices, and appropriate call-handling protocols.
• Valid driver's license preferred for occasional agency errands.

Prior reception, customer service, or human services experience is preferred but not required. Training and guidance will be provided.

Schedule & Work Expectations

This is a part-time, hourly position with regularly scheduled hours primarily on Mondays and Fridays from 8:15 AM to 4:15 PM.

The agency's public operating hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The employee is expected to complete opening procedures before public hours begin and closing procedures following the conclusion of the business day.

Consistent attendance, punctuality, and dependability are essential, as this position provides designated front desk coverage and supports uninterrupted access to agency services.

Additional coverage opportunities may be available based on agency staffing needs.

Position Scope & Confidentiality

This position is specifically intended to provide front desk reception, telephone coverage, and visitors.

The employee is expected to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and follow established agency procedures when responding to inquiries or situations outside the scope of this position.