Operator Service Agent

Johns Hopkins Medicine; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 23,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Medicine is seeking a Telecom Service Operator to handle a high volume of patient and provider calls, triaging urgent requests and delivering accurate information. You will act as a liaison to support emergency needs while upholding patient confidentiality and the hospital’s service standards.

In this role, you will assist with directory services, translator support, and collaboration with care teams. A positive, empathetic approach is essential in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Customer service experience in fast-paced settings.
• Familiarity with call center operations and multi-line phones.
• Basic medical terminology knowledge and managed care awareness.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Responds to patient and provider inquiries via high-volume calls.
• Triage calls to address emergencies and urgent needs.
• Provides directory assistance and physician answering services.
• Backups Language Services support when translator is requested.
• Participates in team meetings and training; adheres to procedures.

Skills

Customer service

Call center

Communication

Problem solving

Empathy

Confidentiality

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Avaya Agent for Desktop

Job description

Position Summary

The Telecom Service Operation position is responsible for provided high-quality customer service while processing an extremely high volume of incoming calls in a fast-paced call environment for the Johns Hopkins Institutions. This role acts as a liaison between patient and provider to address emergency and urgent needs, and is responsible for satisfying the customer and maintain the image of JHM.

The Telecom Service Operator responds to general patient and provider inquiries and receives inbound calls from patients, family members and JHM institutions. This position interviews callers to obtain full understanding of what information or services that are being requested, and triages calls to meet customer’s requests.

Other responsibilities include

• provides directory assistance, patient information and physician’s answering services.
• assists customers when a code call is required
• serves as a back up to Language Services by assisting the customer when a translator is requested using documented processes.
• promotes teamwork and call center success by assisting customers and resolving issues.
• participates in team meetings and training initiatives, and review of department procedures and protocols.

Competencies

A. Education

• High School Diploma/GED

B. Knowledge

• Demonstrated understanding of Customer Service principles
• Familiarity with a call center environment, and operations of a multi-line phone and Automated Call systems (Avaya)
• Work requires knowledge of managed care and medical terminology

C. Skills

• Strong Customer Service experience, including the ability to problem solve
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Good interpersonal skills, including effective listening skills, needed to interact with patients, families, health care team members, public inquiries, potential patients, etc.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure, demonstrate empathy and remain professional while handling sensitive matters
• Requires ability to work with diverse people and deal effectively with angry and/or upset customers
• Demonstrated strong work ethic.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Requires working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and other applications

D. Work Experience

• 1-year related experience in a medical office, hospital, call center or customer service environment.

E. Machines, Tools, Equipment

• Requires proficiency on multi-line phone and ACD system (Avaya Agent for Desktop), copier,

Budget Responsibility

Effectively uses resources within control. Informs immediate supervisor of supply needs.

Authority/Decision Making Level

• Offers suggestions and solutions for improvement.
• Makes decisions based on established policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Work is measured by call productivity and customer service standards.

Supervisory Responsibility

n/a

PROBLEM SOLVING

• Uses accurate judgment and is able to problem-solve situations utilizing a service excellence focus.
• Uses departmental policies, procedures, protocols and resources to evaluate and determine the best alternative for the patient as it pertains to all aspects of scheduling.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically and analytically.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

• Reads and understands all screens and department software (i.e. Spok Intellidesk)
• Reads and understands departmental protocols.
• Proven ability to organize and clearly communicate thoughts and ideas.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works in a normal, busy office environment where there are limited physical discomforts due to temperature, noise, dust and the like.
• Work requires visual acuity (including close vision and some color vision for close computer work) Attention to detail and physical ability to stand, walk or sit for extended periods of time while on the telephone.
• Certain work situations may be stressful due to sensitive customer needs.

Salary Range: Minimum $16.53/visit - Maximum $28.94/visit. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility. In cases where the range is displayed as a $0 amount, salary discussions will occur during candidate screening calls, before any subsequent compensation discussion is held between the candidate and any hiring authority.

We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.

Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.