Communications Operative

The Methodist Church in Britain; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unsocial hours enhancements for night?

Flexible working options

Buddy to help new starters settle in

Staff networks

Job summary

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Switchboard Operator for a 12-month time-limited secondment. The role involves answering calls, monitoring alarms, providing helpdesk support and activating emergency procedures within a 24/7 operation.

Applicants should have an NVQ Level 3 in customer care and GCSE English at grade C or above. Flexibility to work 24/7 shifts is essential, with site preferences noted on application.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in customer care or equivalent.
• GCSE English at grade C or above.

Responsibilities

• Answer calls from the public, patients and hospital staff as the first point of contact.
• Operate the computerised communications system and departmental communication systems.
• Monitor medical and service alarms.
• Provide helpdesk support.
• Activate emergency procedures when required.
• Promote a professional image of the Trust in every contact with callers.
• Communicate with patients, members of the public, GPs, Trust staff, departments, visitors and suppliers.
• Carry out Switchboard and Telecoms administrative duties.
• Respond to incidents, resolve issues and make timely decisions using initiative and judgement.
• Manage competing priorities while keeping accuracy and professionalism.
• Help maintain response times and continuity across the 24-hour operation.
• Work both independently and as part of a team.

Skills

Excellent communication

Attention to detail

Calm under pressure

Computerised communications systems

Education

NVQ Level 3 in customer care

GCSE English (C or above)

Tools

Outlook

IT skills

Job description

The post sits in the switchboard and telephony service of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, offered as a 12-month time-limited secondment. The work centres on answering calls, monitoring medical and service alarms, giving helpdesk support and activating emergency procedures on a 24-hour operation. Shifts run 24/7/365, including nights, and applicants state a preferred site (PRH or RSCH) on application. No visa sponsorship is offered, so applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK.

What the job involves

• Answer calls from the public, patients and hospital staff as the first point of contact
• Operate the computerised communications system and departmental communication systems
• Monitor medical and service alarms
• Provide helpdesk support
• Activate emergency procedures when required
• Promote a professional image of the Trust in every contact with callers
• Communicate with patients, members of the public, GPs, Trust staff, departments, visitors and suppliers
• Carry out Switchboard and Telecoms administrative duties
• Respond to incidents, resolve issues and make timely decisions using initiative and judgement
• Manage competing priorities while keeping accuracy and professionalism
• Help maintain response times and continuity across the 24-hour operation
• Work both independently and as part of a team

Qualifications

• NVQ level 3 in customer care or equivalent
• GCSE English at grade C or above

Experience

• Switchboard or telephone experience
• Customer service experience
• Previous experience alongside the NVQ qualification

Skills & knowledge

• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritise
• Confidence using computerised communication systems
• Ability to stay calm, focused and professional in changing situations

Checks & eligibility

• Right to work in the UK without sponsorship
• Graduate visa holders need at least 18 months remaining at application

Other

• Flexibility to work 24/7/365 shifts
• Agree to the requirements of the job description
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
• Evidence of own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Nice to have

• GCSE English or equivalent work experience showing that level
• Knowledge of Outlook, email and IT skills
• Knowledge of medical terminology

What’s offered

• Unsocial hours enhancements for night shifts
• Flexible working options to explore with the line manager
• Buddy to help new starters settle in
• Staff networks