NORTHWEST HEALTH - LA PORTE

Job Description

Job Summary

The Switchboard Operator is responsible for managing incoming and outgoing calls, providing routine information, and dispatching calls to the appropriate departments, personnel, or providers in a professional and courteous manner. This role also handles paging requests, assists with emergency communications, and ensures accurate and timely information delivery to patients, staff, providers, and external customers.

Essential Functions

• Answers all incoming calls promptly, greeting callers professionally and courteously, and routes them to the appropriate department or individual based on evaluation of the caller's needs.
• Carries out paging procedures for employees, providers, rapid response teams, and other essential personnel, including during emergency or disaster situations.
• Acts as an information hub by providing accurate assistance to patients, employees, and external customers.
• Transfers calls accurately to the proper extension, ensuring seamless communication for customers and staff.
• Coordinates communication for emergency codes and disasters, ensuring timely notifications to on-call and rapid response staff as needed.
• Screens and verifies demographic information, corrects errors as needed, and organizes paperwork accurately, including inpatient documentation for the Business Office.
• Provides instructions to patients for accessing external operators for long-distance calls and assists with any other general inquiries.
• Maintains detailed records of all pages, notifications, and calls as required by facility protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or GED required
• Other vocational or specialized training preferred
• 0-2 years of experience in customer service, call center, or healthcare setting required
• 1-2 years of switchboard experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in operating switchboard or telecommunications equipment.
• Excellent verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage high call volumes in a calm and professional manner.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Capable of handling emergency communication processes effectively.
• Knowledge of hospital policies, codes, and procedures is a plus.