Bank Switchboard Operator / Telephonist

Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Oswestry; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading orthopaedic hospital in the UK is seeking a Bank Switchboard Operator to provide high-quality telephonist/receptionist duties. Candidates must possess GCSE or equivalent qualifications and experience in switchboard operations. This role involves operating the switchboard system, assisting staff and patients, and managing emergency procedures within a 24/7 rota system. A professional telephone manner and effective communication skills are essential. The hospital offers a supportive working environment focused on team care.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Fantastic staff benefits

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE or equivalent standard.
• Customer Care Level 2.
• Experience in a similar role.
• Experience of switchboard operations.
• Experience within the NHS or public sector.

Responsibilities

• Operate the Switchboard System and multi-tone pager.
• Activate Pager System during emergencies.
• Assist staff and the public with information.
• Handle alarms and contact on-call personnel.
• Work on a 24/7 rota system.

Skills

Customer Care

Organisational Skills

Effective Communication

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Education

GCSE or equivalent

Customer Care Level 2

Job description

Bank Switchboard Operator / Telephonist

The closing date is 22 December 2025

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) is one of the leading specialist orthopaedic hospitals in the country, with some of the highest levels of staff and patient satisfaction, as well as a strong reputation for innovation. We work together as a team of over 1,600 expert members of staff to make a difference for our patients and their families.

Our latest CQC Report was published in February 2019 and saw us rated as ‘Good’ overall and ‘Outstanding’ for care.

Who we’re looking for…

Under current Home Office Immigration Rules, this role does not meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria and the position is not therefore eligible for sponsorship. Applications from candidates that require skilled worker sponsorship will NOT be shortlisted.

Main duties of the job

To provide a high quality standard of telephonist/receptionist duties within the hospital’s switchboard department. Ensuring the highest standard of customer care to staff, patients and visitors.

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt maintains a register of Temporary Workers “The Bank”. Joining the Trust’s Bank does not constitute a contract of employment between the bank member and the Trust. The Trust will notify bank members when a suitable assignment arises, and members will be able to choose whether or not to accept it. The bank worker is under no obligation to accept an offer of an assignment.

About us

Our aim is to aspire to deliver world class patient care, and we want talented, dedicated and passionate people to help us achieve this.

Our continued success is accomplished through the skills and expertise of our staff, which is underpinned by our values: Friendly, Caring, Excellence, Professional and Respect. If your values align to ours, and you would like to join us in aspiring to deliver world class patient care, we would love to hear from you.

Joining RJAH is more than just a job - we want our people to have the best opportunities to thrive in their role.

Whether you’re starting out in your career, or have a wealth of experience - we’re always looking to recruit outstanding individuals in a range of clinical areas, as well as support and administrative roles.

We have a range of fantastic staff benefits on offer to everyone who joins RJAH and you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding professional development opportunities.

RJAH has strong links with a range of universities including Staffordshire, Keele, Glyndwr, Chester and Birmingham.

Shropshire is also one of the most attractive parts of the country, with a rich historic culture and excellent transport links. The hospital is located on a site outside Oswestry, just off the A5. The nearest train station is in Gobowen, approximately two miles from the hospital. The station is part of the Chester to Birmingham line.

Job responsibilities

• To operate the Switchboard System and Blick Multiotone Pager System without supervision. Answering calls within the set performance criteria.
• To be fully competent in activating the Pager System in event of cardiac arrest, medical emergency and Fire.
• To implement the Hospital Accident and Emergency Procedures when required.
• To assist hospital staff and the general public with information as and when required.
• To take necessary action in the event of alarms being activated, ie ARC blood alarms, panic alarms etc.
• To contact on‑call personnel, medical and non‑medical as necessitates.
• To put forward any ideas for improving the service.
• To call Blood Bikes, Taxis when required.
• To take part in a rota system, covering 24 hours, seven days a week.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

• Educated to GCSE or equivalent standard.
• Customer Care Level 2.

Experience

• Experience in a similar role.
• Experience of switchboard.
• Experience of admin and clerical duties.
• Experience within the NHS or public sector organisations.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to organise and prioritise work effectively.
• Ability to work on own initiative with minimum supervision and to problem solve.
• Ability to work as an effective team member.
• Ability to be proactive and support change.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Have a flexible and adaptable approach with the ability to work accurately.
• Professional telephone manner.Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to equal opportunities and antidiscriminatory practice.
• Commitment to continuous self-development.
• Willing to see a job through until a satisfactory outcome has been achieved.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust