جرح انسانه
Mar 3 2007, 11:45 PM
عمك111
Receptionist Overview
The receptionist fills one of the most important jobs in SPD. In larger offices, reception work is often a full time job. In smaller offices, the receptionist may also provide support to the staff. Whatever the size of the local office and the scope of the responsibilities, the receptionist is important to the efficient operation of the office and carries considerable public relations responsibility.
In addition to necessary technical skills, the receptionist should have a general knowledge of the following:
• The job responsibility and how it fits into the total operation of the office.
• The organizational plan of the agency
• The names and responsibilities of key officials in the agency.
• Schedules of caseworkers, supervisors, and other staff.
• Location of other agencies, their general function, and ways of reaching them.
• General background and scope of services of the agency.
1. Responsibilities of the Receptionist
The receptionist has a responsibility to the local office and to the consumer. Successful performance by the receptionist requires a thorough knowledge of the office, technical skills appropriate to the job, and a genuine desire to help people.
The receptionist is usually the first person in the office with whom the consumer, board members, public officials, representatives of other health and welfare agencies, and interested citizens have contact. Because they are that first contact with the office, the visitor's first impression is affected by the receptionist's manner.
2. Duties of the Receptionist
The duties of the receptionist will vary according to the size and needs of the local office. Usually, reception duties include the following tasks:
• Greet consumers in person.
• Find the proper person or other resource for the consumer.
• Use the telephone skillfully.
• Confirm and make appointments.
• Overcome language and communication differences.
• Take messages correctly and route them to the proper person.
• Insure comfort and convenience of consumers.
• Keep the reception area presentable.
• Receive and route documents, forms and papers.
• Gives necessary directions.
While all the above duties are important, the first five are especially significant and are fully described below.
Greet consumers in person
The receptionist greets consumers in a friendly, professional manner and gives them complete and undivided attention.
The receptionist effort to secures information is done in a manner to avoid drawing unnecessary personal information from the consumer and respect whatever confidential information is revealed.
The receptionist expresses concern for the consumer by:
• Extending common courtesies;
• Listening attentively; and
• Insuring that the waiting area is clean and neat
The receptionist generally assists persons in the order in which they come to the office. However, a judgment should be made about when an exception is necessary.
When the consumer has to wait to be seen, the receptionist gives the consumer an explanation and suggests that they return to the office later.
Find the proper person or other resource for the consumer
When requests are received for assistance or service, the receptionist secures pertinent information and assembles it for the worker.
To insure that persons are appropriately directed to other agencies or resources, the receptionist might find a resource file of current information regarding other assistance agencies and the availability of related community services. The resource file is helpful. It would include such information as name or title, address, telephone number, and general nature of services provided.
Use the telephone skillfully:
The telephone is a fundamental public relations tool. Sometimes, a telephone call is the individual’s only contact with the local office. The receptionist answers promptly, listens carefully, speaks clearly, uses correct grammar, and provides information.
When a receptionist answers the telephone, the consumer should receive an impression of alertness, efficiency, caring and knowledge. If the person sought is not available, the receptionist either offers to take a message, offers to have the call returned, or suggests other appropriate help. Staff should keep the receptionist informed of their availability, i.e., whether they are taking calls, unable to take incoming calls, or are absent from the office. If the consumer wants to leave a message, the receptionist obtains specific information such as correct name, telephone number and extension, time of call, and other relevant information.