Switchboard Operator

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; Taunton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Switchboard Operator to be the first point of contact, handling over 60,000 calls per month. You’ll play a vital role in managing emergency responses and supporting clinical teams with courteous, professional service.

Join a fast-paced team, receive comprehensive training, and enjoy NHS benefits including pension, generous leave, and development opportunities while contributing to patient care and urgent response services.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including English and mathematics or equivalent.
• Vocational qualification equivalent to Microsoft Office MOST, ECDL or related qualification.

Responsibilities

• Operate MITEL consoles and paging systems.
• Respond to emergency calls and alarms with precision and urgency.
• Maintain accurate records and databases including on-call rotas and emergency logs.
• Provide Trust ID badges and manage swipe access systems.
• Support administrative tasks and contribute to service improvements.
• Work flexibly across shifts including early, late, night and weekend cover.

Skills

Switchboard experience

Customer service

IT literacy

Effective communication

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Vocational IT qualification (MS Office / ECDL)

BTEC/IM&T related subject or experience

Tools

MITEL consoles

Paging systems

Microsoft Office

IT systems

Job description

Are you a calm, organised and tech-savvy individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Do you enjoy helping people and being at the heart of critical communications? If so, we'd love to hear from you!

As a Switchboard Operator, you'll be the first point of contact for the Trust, handling over 60,000 calls per month. You'll play a vital role in managing emergency responses including cardiac arrests, major incidents, helicopter landings and more. This is a challenging and rewarding role where no two days are the same.

You'll work with a wide range of stakeholders, from clinicians and senior managers to emergency services and the public, providing a courteous, efficient and professional service at all times.

Main duties of the job

• Operate complex telecommunication systems including MITEL consoles and paging systems.
• Respond to emergency calls and alarms with precision and urgency.
• Maintain accurate records and databases including on-call rotas and emergency logs.
• Provide Trust ID badges and manage swipe access systems.
• Support administrative tasks and contribute to service improvements.
• Work flexibly across shifts including early, late, night and weekend cover.

You'll join a supportive and fast-paced team where your role directly contributes to patient care and emergency response. You'll receive comprehensive training and have opportunities to grow and develop within the Trust, all while making a real difference every day.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we’re committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
• Additionally, you’ll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it’s a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information about the role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Good general education (GCSE's) -- including English and mathematics or equivalent
• Relevant vocational qualification(equivalent to Microsoft Office MOST, ECDL or related qualification)
• Vocational level 3 /BTEC) in IM&T or information systems related subject (or relevant experience in IM&T environment)
• Please see the attached JD.

Experience

• Knowledge of windows systems, requirement to manipulate data within excel, word, PowerPoint and other bespoke system
• Switchboard/Call Centre experience.
• Knowledge and experience on customer services

Additional Criteria

• Good working knowledge and understanding of PC hardware, operating systems and Microsoft IT packages.
• Demonstrable comfort with IT systems and a willingness to learn new IT skills
• Previous experience of healthcare or large complex organisation

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.