They're typically called Service Managers, not receptionists.
The good ones do a lot more than take info and pass it between the mechanics and customers. They know a lot about troubleshooting and can help give a ballpark estimate on cost and time. They also typically sell the general stuff like tires, brakes, batteries, etc.
Tho in some places they actually make more than the mechanics, cause they're there to upsell, not assist. You want to avoid those places as much as possible.