Communications Operator

St. Francis Medical Center; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Saint Francis Healthcare System is seeking a Communications Operator to serve as the main point of contact via telephone for the public and hospital departments. The role handles routine and emergency calls, screens requests, coordinates paging, beeper activation, and physician communications, and supports security during drills and alarms.

The position requires 1–2 years of customer service and switchboard experience, proficient Microsoft Office skills, and a solid understanding of medical

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–2 years of customer service preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office.
• Experience handling high-volume calls on a switchboard.
• Familiarity with medical terminology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Answer multi-line telephone calls and route to appropriate hospital departments.
• Screen and process requests for patient location and physician information.
• Place off-campus calls for physicians as requested.
• Operate overhead paging and beeper activation when needed.
• Document emergency codes and incidents per hospital protocol.
• Monitor surveillance and weather alerts and coordinate action during emergencies.
• Serve as after-hours contact for home health and hospice nursing teams.

Skills

Customer Service

Microsoft Office

Switchboard/High Volume Calls

Overhead PA System

Medical Terminology

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Communications Operator serves as the main point of contact via telephone with the public and with all hospital departments in routine as well as emergency situations. The operator answers multiple lines, screens and processes requests for patient location, physician information, transfer of calls, overhead paging, beeper activation, provides dialing instructions to patients, and places off-campus phone calls for physicians upon request.
The operator makes judgment regarding the seriousness of issues and incidents, and takes further action, when necessary. The communications department acts as a command center for emergency communication, and the operator documents emergency codes and incidents according to established protocols. The operator monitors surveillance cameras and inclement weather, and initiates appropriate actions when emergency alarms are activated. The communications department serves as base communication and support for security while working in cooperation with emergency codes and drills, alarm tests, hospital lockdown and visitor location. The communications department serves as the central point of contact upon patient expirations, maintains the security of lower level pathology, and coordinates transportation. The communications department also serves as after-hours contact for various departments including home health and hospice nurses, and serves as an integral part of the cardiology cath team emergency notification and call-back process.

JOB DETAILS AND REQUIREMENTS

Type: Part-time, 48 hours per 2 week pay period

Typical hours:

Week 1: 1900-0700 Thursday and Friday
Week 2: 1900-0700 Sunday Saturday

Education:

• High School Diploma or General Studies Required

Certification & Licensures

• N/A

Experience:

• 1-2 years Customer Service Preferred
• 1-2 years Microsoft Office Required
• 1-2 years Switchboard/High Volume Calls Preferred
• 1-2 years Overhead PA System Preferred
• 1-2 years Medical Terminology Preferred

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Why Work at Saint Francis?

Saint Francis Healthcare System began in 1875 when three courageous Franciscan Sisters answered a call to care for those in need. What started as a 12‑bed hospital has grown into the region’s leading healthcare system—recognized nationally for exceptional quality, safety, and patient experience.

Today, Saint Francis serves more than 715,000 people across five states. With a 306‑bed Medical Center , nearly 3,000 team members , and over 300 providers , Saint Francis is not only the largest healthcare system between St. Louis and Memphis—it’s a powerful economic anchor for the communities it serves.

You’ll find more than 50 specialties , the region’s only Level III Emergency and Trauma Center , and southeast Missouri’s first Level III NICU. The system’s employed physician group, Saint Francis Medical Partners, supports more than 40 outreach clinics and 70% of the area’s primary care providers.

A Mission That Matters

At Saint Francis, you’re not just doing a job - you’re part of a Catholic healing ministry rooted in compassion, dignity, and service. Every action is inspired by a commitment to honor human life and care for every person who walks through the doors.

Mission

To provide a ministry of healing, wellness, quality, and love inspired by our faith in Jesus Christ.

Vision

To be a leading Catholic healthcare system that celebrates and protects the gift of life by providing exceptional patient outcomes in quality, safety, access and value.

Values You Can Feel Every Day

• Integrity: Doing what's right, even when no one is watching
• Stewardship: Managing resources wisely for the future
• Faith: Believing in a purpose greater than ourselves
• Hope: Lifting up those who feel discouraged
• Joy: Serving others with a grateful, happy heart
• Compassion: Seeing others through Christ’s eyes
• Excellence: Always striving to be the best
• Dignity: Respecting human life from beginning to end

If You’re Looking to Make a True Impact…

Saint Francis offers a workplace where your work has purpose, your team feels like family, and your contributions support a mission that has been changing lives for more than 150 years.

Total Rewards

Our most important asset is our colleagues. That’s why Saint Francis Healthcare System offers a comprehensive benefits program to meet all your needs. Colleagues working at least 24 hours per week will have access to our Total Rewards package as outlined below.

• Comprehensive and affordable health coverage including medical, prescription, dental and vision - available on the first of the month after hire date
• Saint Francis Medical Services Discount
• Earned Time Off (ETO) based on relevant years of work history. ETO combines vacation, sick, holidays, and personal days into one balance to allow for flexibility
• Retirement benefits including SFHS immediate matching
• Education Assistance benefits up to $5,000 per calendar year for one year of service after graduation
• Other benefits including: Benefit Support through Health Advocate, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Earned Wage Access

To learn more about our Total Rewards package and eligibility, visit www.sfmc.net/careers/benefits/.

Saint Francis Healthcare System provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Saint Francis Healthcare System complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) should you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a currently open position with Saint Francis Healthcare System, please call 573-331-5152 or email us at [e-mail].