Hospital Communications Specialist

T J Samson Community Hospital; Glasgow (KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

TJ Samson Community Hospital seeks a qualified Hospital Communications Specialist to manage critical internal and external communications, activate emergency codes, and support clinical and security teams. The role requires calm, fast decision‑making and strong customer service in a high‑volume environment.

You will handle VOIP and paging systems, monitor alarms and CCTV, and coordinate with EMS and police while ensuring accurate incident logs and timely updates to departments during emergencies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree preferred.
• ETC certification must be obtained within 6–12 months of hire.
• CCEP certification must be obtained within 12 months of hire.
• 1–2 years of experience in a hospital, public safety, dispatch center, or high-volume communications environment preferred.
• Willingness to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Excellent verbal communication, multitasking, and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficiency with VOIP systems, paging systems, alarm systems, and basic Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Receive, prioritize, and relay emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Activate internal emergency codes and coordinate hospital-wide responses.
• Coordinate with external emergency services (911 dispatch, police, fire, EMS).
• Monitor security radio traffic, panic alarms, helipad activity, and CCTV feeds.
• Support monthly testing and maintenance of panic alarm systems.
• Serve as the communications hub for the hospital security team.
• Maintain incident and security logs; document rounds and event reports.

Skills

Emergency communications

VOIP systems

Paging systems

Alarm systems

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

VOIP

Paging systems

Alarm systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Hospital Communications Specialist plays a critical role in the hospital’s operational and emergency communications. This position is responsible for managing complex internal and external communication systems, activating emergency codes, supporting hospital security and clinical teams, coordinating critical alerts, and maintaining situational awareness across departments to ensure patient, staff, and facility safety.

This role requires quick decision-making in time-sensitive situations, strong multitasking skills, technical proficiency with emergency communication systems, and a commitment to professional, high-quality customer service.

JOBREQUIREMENTS

§ High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree preferred.

§ Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC): Must be obtained within 6–12 months of hire.

§ Certified Customer Service Professional (CCEP) Certification: Must be obtained within 12 months of hire.

Ongoing continuing education and annual competencies may also be required.

§ 1–2 years of experience in a hospital, public safety, dispatch center, or high-volume communications environment preferred.

§ Willingness to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Required Skills

§ Excellent verbal communication, multitasking, and critical-thinking skills.

§ Strong computer and technical skills; proficiency with VOIP systems, paging systems, alarm systems, and basic Microsoft Office applications.

§ Ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure during emergencies.

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS

Physical Requirements

Sitting - Greater than 32%

Walking - 1-15%

Standing -1-15%

Climbing/Kneeling - 1-15%

Twisting - 1-15%

OSHA Category

Minimal Potential for Direct Body Fluid Exposure

Visual and Hearing Requirements

Must be able to hear clearly with assistance.

Must be able to see with corrective eyewear.

Color vision ability required.

Other Physical/Environmental Demands

Lifting - 0-50lbs, 50lbs or more with assistance

Carrying - 0-50lbs, 50lbs or more with assistance

Pulling - up to 100lbs

Pushing - up to 100lbs

LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Supports the hospital Mission, Service and Values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Emergency Communications:

§ Receive, prioritize, and relay emergency and non-emergency calls.

§ Activate internal emergency codes (e.g., Code Blue, Code Silver) and coordinate hospital-wide responses.

§ Contact and coordinate with external emergency services (911 dispatch, police, fire, EMS).

§ Monitor and respond to security radio traffic, panic alarms, helipad activity, and CCTV surveillance feeds.

§ Support monthly testing and maintenance of hospital panic alarm systems.

Security Coordination:

§ Serve as the communications hub for the hospital security team.

§ Maintain detailed incident and security activity logs.

§ Monitor multiple alarm systems and surveillance monitors.

§ Document security rounds and event reports in a dispatch-tracking system.

Operational Communications:

§ Manage and prioritize multiple dedicated phone lines and internal call trees.

§ Operate VOIP phone systems and overhead paging systems.

§ Route internal and external calls with accuracy and efficiency.

§ Provide real-time updates to hospital departments during critical situations.

Customer Service:

§ Deliver exceptional service to patients, families, visitors, and staff during routine and emergency interactions.

§ Resolve communication issues or elevate appropriately.

§ Fast-paced hospital setting.

§ High volume of phone, radio, and alarm traffic.

§ Moderate to high-stress levels, particularly during emergency events.

§ Frequent multitasking and decision‑making under time constraints.

§ Ability to sit for extended periods.

§ Manual dexterity for phone and computer use.

§ Visual acuity to monitor multiple screens and alarm systems.

Qualifications

Education

Required

High School or equivalent or better.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Cert Customer Service Pro

Equal Opportunity Employer
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