Receptionist/Front Desk

Cambridge, MA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Temporary

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Day Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

flexible schedules

competitive pay

Continuous learning opportunities

Professional work environment

Job Description

Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) is a well-established healthcare organization that operates multiple hospitals and health centers in the Cambridge, Massachusetts area. CHA is dedicated to providing high-quality, culturally competent care to a diverse patient community with a strong emphasis on community health and wellness. The organization fosters an inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace culture that values teamwork, innovation, and continuous learning. As a respected regional healthcare provider, CHA offers a range of medical, behavioral health, and wellness services through its network of hospitals, community health centers, and specialty clinics, focusing on accessible and comprehensive care for all patients.

This position is for a temporary clerical and administrative support role in the Human Resources department at CHA’s Cambridge Hospital. The role is full-time with a Monday through Friday schedule from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, providing a consistent daytime workshift. This position offers competitive pay, health insurance, and the opportunity to gain experience working in a dynamic healthcare environment. It is especially suited for individuals starting out in healthcare or those looking for a career change who seek flexible assignments and the chance to contribute positively to patient and visitor experiences.

The role primarily functions as a receptionist and administrative assistant, greeting and providing essential information to patients, visitors, and staff. The ideal candidate proactively engages with every individual who enters the reception area, ensuring they feel welcomed and directed appropriately. Responsibilities include answering phones professionally, directing inquiries about hospital services, accessing patient information systems, coordinating with the IT department for technical support, scheduling meetings and training rooms for IT staff, and assisting with various clerical tasks. The position demands strong communication skills, discretion in handling sensitive healthcare information, and the ability to stay calm and effective in busy or challenging situations.

This role requires a candidate knowledgeable in medical terminology with preferred medical secretarial training and 2-3 years of experience in a medical office or healthcare setting. The temporary nature of the position may present opportunities for career growth within CHA or to build valuable experience for future healthcare administrative roles. Cambridge Health Alliance values a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an equitable, non-discriminatory work environment, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. This detailed job offers an excellent avenue for supporting a vital healthcare team while contributing to high-quality patient care and organizational efficiency.

Job Requirements

Must have medical terminology
Medical secretarial degree strongly preferred
2 to 3 years medical office experience preferred
Ability to greet and provide information to patients and visitors
Proficient in telephone and computer use
Ability to direct visitors and answer inquiries professionally
Capacity to handle difficult situations calmly
Adherence to hospital security and confidentiality policies
Willingness to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Ability to work in a fast-paced and diverse healthcare environment

Job Qualifications

Medical secretarial degree strongly preferred
2 to 3 years of medical office experience preferred
Knowledge of medical terminology
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to use telephone and computer systems effectively
Proficiency in handling multiple administrative tasks
Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to security policies
Friendly and professional demeanor
Capacity to handle stressful situations calmly
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Job Duties

Greets and provides information to patients and visitors
Does not wait for someone to approach the desk, initiates contact with each person entering the lobby or reception area including CHA employees and offers assistance
Directs patients and visitors to proper locations with clear directions and calls interpreters as needed
Responds to telephone inquiries professionally regarding IT, hospital services, and directions
Utilizes telephone features like transferring and hold functions
Ensures someone is available to answer the telephone at all times
Accesses patient information via computer systems
Interfaces effectively with the IT department to resolve hardware and software issues
Acts in a friendly and reassuring manner in all interactions
Signs in and out of terminal screens per hospital security policy without unauthorized access
Manages difficult situations calmly and calls for assistance when needed
Keeps updated on hospital events, programs, office and meeting locations to provide accurate information
Maintains alertness in the reception area with sensitivity to safety and security
Performs a wide range of administrative and receptionist duties including greeting and escorting visitors, sorting mail, maintaining files and supplies, producing reports, and managing telephone communications to support IT department operations
Schedules meetings and training rooms for senior IT staff
Keeps front desk and lobby area tidy and stocked with information
Participates in training new employees and volunteers
Promotes a professional image by adhering to dress code and wearing hospital identification
Demonstrates commitment to growth through departmental meetings and in-service opportunities
Complies with network regulations for fire, safety, infection control, disaster preparedness, and emergency codes
Participates in performance appraisals and other duties as assigned