Switchboard Operator | Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust; Walsall; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking a part-time Switchboard Operator to manage its 24/7 telephone and paging services from the hospital switchboard. The role requires experience with digital switchboards, strong communication skills, and the ability to cover shifts to ensure uninterrupted service.

You will handle calls, emails, and messages, maintain accurate records, and support colleagues. The Trust emphasises flexible working arrangements and professional service delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience with telephone switchboards and providing a professional customer service
• Proficient written English and clear communication
• Ability to work flexible shifts including nights and weekends

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain a complete telecommunications service using switchboard consoles
• Handle queries politely and maintain high customer service standards
• Manage telephone and email enquiries and update client records
• Take accurate messages and forward to the appropriate staff
• Respond to emergency calls and log actions accurately
• Monitor alarm systems connected to the switchboard and act per procedures
• Assist and support team members as needed
• Contribute to emergency procedures (Cardiac Arrest, Fire, Major Incident, Bomb Threat)

Skills

Switchboard experience

Written English

Interpersonal skills

Digital switchboard operation

Communication

Computer skills

Tools

Computer systems

Job description

Switchboard Operator | Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

We seek a professional with switchboard experience, proficiency in written English and interpersonal skills. Candidates should be adept at digital switchboard operation and possess strong communication and computer abilities.

It is essential that candidates are flexible and able to cover additional shifts when staffing levels are low. It is expected that the successful candidate will work additional shifts on a regular basis.

What we are currently looking for are 1 part-time position:

1 x 22.5 hour shift working on a 2 week rota

Our switchboard operates 24/7, requiring flexibility to cover shifts, including nights and weekends, with a 24-hour notice period. You'll collaborate with a team and occasionally work solo.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, a major local employer with 3,000+ staff, supports Flexible Working Arrangements and Race Equality, prioritising education, training, and development including a multi-professional education centre.

PLEASE NOTE, WE MAY CLOSE THIS VACANCY EARLY IF WE RECEIVE HIGH NUMBERS OF APPLICATIONS.

The Switchboard Operator role will include:

• Operate and provide a complete telecommunications service using the computerised switchboard consoles
• Dealing with clients queries in a polite and professional manner, maintaining exceptional standards for customer service and upholding theTrust's professional image at all times.
• Managing telephone and email enquiries and maintaining accurate client records against the computer database.
• Efficiently manage queries from customers in accordance with processes and guidelines.
• Assist and support other team members.
• Announce callers when transferring.
• Take accurate messages and forward accordingly.
• Dealing with emergency calls and recording the results accurately.
• Monitor all the alarm systems connected to the Switchboard and take appropriate action as determined by the Policies and Procedures
• Carry out activities set out in procedures for emergencies (Cardiac Arrest, Fire, Major Incident, Bomb Threat etc,)
• Update and maintain information.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is an integrated Trust and the only provider of NHS acute care in Walsall, serving a population of 284,300. It provides inpatient and outpatient services at the Manor Hospital as well as a wide range of services in the community. Walsall Manor houses the full range of district general hospital services under one roof. The £170 million development was completed in 2010, and ongoing upgrades ensure the Trust now has state-of-the-art facilities, including a Critical Care Unit, Neonatal Unit, Obstetric Theatre, and Integrated Assessment Unit. A new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre, opened in March 2023, has significantly improved emergency care facilities and capacity, providing almost 5,000 square metres of additional clinical space.

The post holder acts as the first point of contact and will be responsible for the operation of the Hospital Switchboard, the internal calls systems,

the call and fault logging systems and for the keeping of associated clerical records. The post holder will also be required to deal with all calls,

including emergency calls, in a polite, sensitive and efficient manner, having regard to the good image of the Trust. The switchboard operates 24hours a day every day of the year.

This advert closes on Thursday 29 Oct 2026