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 provide assistance 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.

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.

Candidates will be required to produce original certificates for qualifications at interview stage.

This vacancy is open to all internal and external candidates. NHS Employees should ideally secure their manager’s agreement for a secondment arrangement ideally prior to applying, as this will be a condition of any offer made. This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term basis and will end on 31-Mar-2025 or when the substantive postholder returns. Whilst this post is advertised on a fixed term / secondment basis there is the potential that this post may become permanent in the future

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.  Flexiblity is essential ensuring the provision of service in emergency situations.

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.
• Maintain records of On Call provision by Departments, and make