Receptionist at Senior Center Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s society, the role of receptionist at a senior center is more crucial than ever.

As the world progresses, so does the demand for compassionate individuals who can manage, support, and nurture our senior community.

But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a receptionist at a senior center?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of working in a senior center,

You’ve landed in the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable receptionist at a senior center job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Receptionist at Senior Center Duties and Responsibilities

The Receptionist at a Senior Center is often the first point of contact for the seniors, their families, and visitors.

They handle both administrative and interpersonal tasks to ensure a positive, welcoming environment and smooth operations.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Greeting seniors and visitors, answering any questions or concerns they might have
• Answering incoming calls, taking messages, and redirecting calls when necessary
• Scheduling appointments for seniors with medical professionals, therapists or social workers
• Assisting with the organization and execution of events and activities for seniors
• Maintaining and updating records and files, such as medical records or personal information
• Sorting and distributing mail to seniors and staff
• Coordinating transportation for seniors for appointments or outings
• Ensuring the reception area is tidy and presentable, with necessary stationery and material
• Providing general administrative support such as photocopying, faxing, and filing
• Assisting with emergency situations and contacting the appropriate support

 

Receptionist at Senior Center Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a welcoming and organized Receptionist to join our Senior Center.

As the first point of contact for our elderly guests and their families, your role will be to provide a friendly and efficient service while handling various administrative tasks.

The Receptionist’s duties include offering administrative support across the organization, coordinating front-desk activities, distributing correspondence and redirecting phone calls.

Our ideal candidate has a friendly personality, excellent communication skills, and a genuine interest in providing a comfortable and safe environment for our seniors.

 

Responsibilities

• Greet and welcome guests as soon as they arrive at the center
• Direct visitors to the appropriate person and office
• Answer, screen and forward incoming phone calls
• Ensure reception area is tidy and presentable
• Provide basic and accurate information in-person and via phone/email
• Receive, sort and distribute daily mail/deliveries
• Update calendars and schedule meetings
• Perform other clerical receptionist duties such as filing, photocopying, and faxing

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a receptionist or similar role
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Hands-on experience with office equipment (e.g. fax machines and printers)
• Professional attitude and appearance
• Solid written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise
• Excellent organizational skills
• Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks
• High school degree; additional certification in Office Management is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Receptionist at Senior Center
• Work Environment: Office setting within a Senior Center. This role involves direct contact with elderly individuals and their families.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Center Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $26,000 minimum to $34,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our center. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Receptionist at Senior Center Do?

A Receptionist at a Senior Center is primarily responsible for managing front desk operations and providing assistance to the seniors who visit the center.

They act as the first point of contact for visitors, answering inquiries in-person, on the phone, or via email.

Receptionists also guide visitors, including seniors and their families, vendors, volunteers, and others, by providing them information about the center’s services, programs, and events.

Their job involves maintaining records, scheduling appointments, and coordinating transportation for seniors when necessary.

They might also be responsible for assisting with administrative tasks such as data entry, filing, and sorting mail.

The Receptionist at a Senior Center often interacts with seniors, so they must have excellent communication skills, empathy, and patience.

They may need to help seniors with mobility issues or handle emergency situations until medical professionals arrive.

In addition to administrative tasks, the Receptionist may also assist in planning and executing events and activities for the seniors.

They ensure the reception area is clean, organized, and has all necessary supplies, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

 

Receptionist at Senior Center Qualifications and Skills

A competent receptionist at a senior center should possess the following skills and qualifications that align with the requirements of the role:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact and communicate effectively with the elderly, their families, and other staff members
• Patience and empathy to understand and cater to the needs of the elderly, many of whom may have physical or cognitive impairments
• Excellent organizational skills for managing multiple tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing records, and coordinating activities
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to clearly convey information and instructions to seniors and their families
• Basic understanding of medical terminology and health care operations, as they may need to coordinate with health care providers and understand seniors’ health needs
• Proficiency in using computers and office equipment, as they may be required to maintain digital records, use communication software, and handle other administrative tasks
• CPR and First Aid certification could be beneficial, as they may be required to provide immediate response in case of any emergency
• Experience in customer service or a similar role, demonstrating their ability to effectively handle inquiries, complaints, and provide assistance

 

Receptionist at Senior Center Experience Requirements

For a Receptionist role at a Senior Center, candidates generally need to have at least 1-2 years of prior experience in a similar role or in the healthcare or service industries.

They may have obtained this through part-time roles or internships in a healthcare setting, hospitality, customer service, or other related fields.

Receptionists at Senior Centers often need to have experience with administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing databases, and handling correspondence, as well as strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with seniors, their families, and healthcare providers.

Those with more than 3 years of experience may have worked in more specialized roles such as a Medical Receptionist or Administrative Assistant in a healthcare setting, and may have gained specific skills relevant to senior care, like understanding of medical terminology or experience with Medicare and Medicaid procedures.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may be ready for a supervisory or managerial role, as they have likely developed strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and have a deep understanding of the operational needs and challenges of a senior care facility.

Such candidates often have a track record of demonstrating compassion, patience, and respect when working with seniors.

 

Receptionist at Senior Center Education and Training Requirements

A receptionist at a senior center generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Some centers may require an associate’s degree in fields such as human services, gerontology, or a related field, but this is not a universal requirement.

A key qualification for this role is excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as receptionists are often the first point of contact for seniors and their families.

They should have the ability to handle difficult situations with empathy and patience.

Training in administrative skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, email, and phone etiquette, is also necessary.

While not always required, some receptionists may benefit from coursework or certification in elderly care or a related field to better understand the needs and challenges of the seniors they serve.

Previous experience in a customer service role, especially in an environment serving the elderly, can be advantageous.

First aid and CPR certification may also be required or recommended, as receptionists may need to respond to health emergencies until medical professionals arrive.

Continuing education in communication, elderly care, and administrative skills can demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to their role and their ability to provide the best service to seniors and their families.

 

Receptionist at Senior Center Salary Expectations

A Receptionist at a Senior Center can expect to earn an average wage of $14.47 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings may vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific senior center organization.

 

Receptionist at Senior Center Job Description FAQs

What are the daily duties of a Receptionist at a Senior Center?

The Receptionist at a Senior Center typically starts the day by checking messages and returning any necessary calls.

They are responsible for greeting seniors and their families as they arrive and answering any questions they may have.

Throughout the day, they may schedule appointments, direct visitors to the appropriate area, and handle administrative tasks such as filing and record keeping.

They also likely interact with other employees at the center to coordinate care and activities.

 

What skills does a Receptionist at a Senior Center need?

Receptionists at Senior Centers should possess excellent communication skills to effectively interact with seniors, their families, and staff members.

They should also have strong organizational skills to manage scheduling and administrative tasks.

It’s also beneficial for them to have basic computer skills to handle tasks such as email correspondence, data entry, and record keeping.

Empathy and patience are also important as they will often interact with elderly individuals who may have health issues or special needs.

 

Do Receptionists at Senior Centers need a degree?

While a degree is not typically required for this role, Receptionists at Senior Centers should have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Some employers may prefer candidates who have an associate’s degree or certificate in a relevant field such as healthcare administration or gerontology.

Experience working in a healthcare setting or with elderly individuals can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Receptionist at a Senior Center resume?

Look for a receptionist who has experience in customer service or administrative roles.

They should display strong organizational and communication skills in their previous roles.

Experience with computer software such as Microsoft Office or healthcare databases is also a plus.

It’s beneficial if the candidate has experience working with seniors or in a healthcare setting.

 

What qualities make a good Receptionist at a Senior Center?

A good Receptionist at a Senior Center is compassionate, patient, and empathetic, as they will interact with elderly individuals who may have health issues or special needs.

They should be organized and detail-oriented to effectively manage scheduling and administrative tasks.

Excellent communication skills are also important as they will be responsible for answering questions and providing information to seniors, their families, and staff members.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed some light on what being a receptionist at a senior center truly entails.

And guess what?

It’s not just about answering phones.

It’s about creating a welcoming and supportive environment, one interaction at a time.

With our go-to receptionist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to embark on this fulfilling journey.

But why stop there?

Take the next step with our job description generator. It’s your next tool for creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction makes a difference in the lives of our seniors.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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