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Department of Public Safety•Abilene, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you! The Receptionist I performs routine (journey-level). Work involves limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment in carrying out administrative phases of the work, such as answering phones, preparing visitor logs and reports, reviewing mail, providing information and instructions to personnel, and visitors. This position exercises vigilance in maintaining confidential patient census information, requires tact in receiving visitors, exercises initiative and good judgment in resolving visitor questions and providing maps. Accurately takes messages and transfers callers to appropriate personnel.

Requirements

Knowledge of modern phone equipment to include voice over Internet protocol and pbx equipment.
Skill in the use of standard agency computer hardware and software such as Microsoft Office Suite.
Skill in organizing documents, electronically and hard copy.
Skill in managing multiple priorities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, staff, peers, management and external contacts
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Education equivalent to a high school degree OR At least one year of paid work experience in a receptionist or clerical position
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Responsibilities

Provides prompt and professional telephone support by greeting callers, addressing general inquiries, and accurately routing calls to the appropriate staff to ensure effective communication and service delivery.
Takes and relays messages, while coordinating and scheduling appointments to ensure organized and timely operations.
Ensures accurate documentation by maintaining detailed phone and visitor logs, supporting efficient tracking, reporting, and security procedures.
Provides guidance to callers and visitors by identifying and referring them to relevant services or resources available through other agencies or organizations, ensuring they receive accurate and timely assistance.
Welcomes visitors with a friendly and professional demeanor, ensures proper check-in procedures, and promptly notifies appropriate staff of visitors’ arrival.
Assists visitors by distributing required forms and information. Forwards completed forms to the relevant staff to support efficient workflow and communication.
Maintains a clean, organized, and welcoming front desk and lobby area, ensuring it is stocked with necessary materials, creating a professional and welcoming environment for visitors and staff.
Notifies security of any suspicious activity or unruly visitors.
Assists in safeguarding documents in receptionist care and control and abiding by all federal and state privacy laws, state hospital policies in the course of duties.
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.