Switchboard Operator

Job overview

We are looking for a part time telephonist (25-hour post) in busy Switchboard Dept. With flexibility to cover shifts over a 24-hour period working rostered shifts.

The postholder will be expected to work with a very flexible approach to aid as required in the busy Switchboard Dept to ensure a continuous service for our patients & staff.

Working days will be discussed at interview, rotas over a 4-week pattern.

Will be Required to be part of On Call Rota.

Only applicants who can work with flexibility to apply please.

If you would like to arrange a visit to see what is involved in the wonderful Switchboard Team, please contact the recruiting manager who will arrange a mutually convenient time for your visit.

This vacancy is open to all internal and external candidates.

*Applicants who have already received feedback that they are unsuitable for the position need not apply - unless they have taken steps to strengthen their application to demonstrate and evidence how you meet the essential criteria since that decision. *

Main duties of the job

To provide a comprehensive & confidential telephone service to support the daily activity of the Hospital Trust. Experience of handling telephone queries & ensuring a high-quality response to incoming calls from external & external sources is essential. Experience of monitoring & addressing alarm signals, using bleep systems & liaison with various depts. is also valuable but not essential.

Ensuring provision of an efficient & responsive communications service to staff, patients & customers

Expected to have a flexible attitude towards working hours & covering other members of the Switchboard team at short notice. Previous switchboard experience desirable, preferably in an acute hospital, & an excellent telephone manner is required.

Knowledge of IT and Windows desirable. Monitoring of alarms & dealing with emergencies.

We operate 24 hours over 7 days a week.  Flexibility is essential ensuring the provision of service in emergency situations.

Required to be part of the on call rota 1 in 4

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Key results from the job holder

• Provide a comprehensive Telephone Operator Service to all Trust sites, including Directory Enquiries, across the full range of services for patients, staff and visitors.
• Receive and direct as appropriate all incoming and outgoing calls.
• Receive and accurately pass on messages between callers, other Operators and the Switchboard Supervisors.
• Monitor Alarm Systems requiring action to be initiated by the Operator in accordance with the instructions shown or indicated.
• Respond to any Emergency situation, including Cardiac Arrest, Fire Security, Flood and Major Incident as instructed.
• Reception type duties including dealing with enquiries from Trust staff and Contractors providing service to the Trust.
• Retention of Keys in a secure system, issuing to authorised staff and maintaining appropriate records of issue and return.
• Operation, including test protocols, of internal and external Paging Systems.