Switchboard Operator (Night)

NHS; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Switchboard Operator (Night) to join the central switchboard team. You will handle all incoming calls and support public access to departments, while monitoring emergency systems on a 20-hour night post.

Working 2x10 hours per week on an 8-week rolling rota, including weekends, you will contribute to a 24/7 service. This role supports the trust’s commitment to safe, efficient communication and patient access.

Qualifications

• Competent qualifications in English and Maths.
• Experience answering telephone calls.
• Experience on a digital switchboard.
• Able to use computers and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate contact between staff and patients.
• Manage communications tools (bleep system, pager, mobile phones, email).
• Maintain incident documentation.
• Work calmly in stressful situations while providing switchboard service.
• Oversee 24-hour switchboard operations and ED door access.

Skills

Answering calls

Public communication

Digital switchboard

Computer literacy

Record keeping

Time management

Effective communication

Calm under pressure

Education

English & Maths GCSEs

Job description

Employer Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust Town Sheffield Salary £25,760 - £27,476 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 12/11/2026 23:59

Switchboard Operator (Night)

NHS AfC: Band 3

Job overview

We are looking for motivated individuals to join our Switchboard team, providing a professional and responsive service to the Trust.

In this role, you will handle all incoming switchboard calls and support members of the public in reaching the appropriate departments. You will also play a key part in the daily management of central emergency systems, including fire and cardiac arrest monitoring consoles.

We currently have 20‑hour night post available.
These positions involve working 2x10 hours shifts per week on a 8‑week rolling rota, which includes weekend working.

• 10pm – 8am

Please Note:
This role is not suitable for candidates already employed on part‑time hours within the Trust.

Main duties of the job

Reporting into the IT helpdesk Manager , some of your responsibilities will include:

• To facilitate the contact between staff and patients.
• The role requires knowledge of different methods of communication used within the Trust, including the bleep system, pager, mobile phones and email.
• The operator must maintain relevant documentation of incident
• The operator must work in a calm and competent manner in very stressful and chaotic situations whilst continuing to provide a switchboard service.
• The switchboard function is maintained 24 hours a day and the night operation includes monitoring and authorising access to the Trust via the ED doors.

Working for our organisation

At Sheffield Children’s, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children’s Health.

We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.

We’re proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children’s as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England — and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire — in the latest NHS Staff Survey.

Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values — Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence — to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we’re excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.

We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts — helping you thrive at work and beyond.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.

*** This role has been assigned the occupation code 7212 using the CASCOT coding tool. To check the eligibility of this code for sponsorship and right to work please visit - UKVI web address https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes

Diversity Statement

At Sheffield Children’s, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyone’s success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.

Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at [e-mail] . Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs.

#LI-Onsite

Person specification

Qualifications

• Competent school qualifications in English, Maths

Experience

• Answering telephone calls and communicating with the public
• Experience in working on a digital switchboard or equivalent

Knowledge and Skills

• Using computers
• Able to maintain records neatly and precisely
• Able to prioritise workload and manage time effectively
• Ability to communicate effectively with all types of individual
• Able to deal with difficult and aggressive people

Personal Attributes

• Able to remain calm and perform duties under stress
• Approachable and friendly personality
• Patient and understanding
• Able to work alone for considerable periods of time
• Able to work flexibly at times convenient to the service, Sense of humour
• Able to cover shifts at short notice

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.