PBX Operator/Dispatcher

St. Tammany Health System; Covington (LA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Tammany Health System is seeking a telephone operator in Covington, LA. The candidate will operate the telephone switchboard, manage overhead pages, and provide after-hours helpdesk support. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma and strong communication skills, with additional preferences for telecommunications experience. The position requires flexible hours, including nights and weekends, and a focus on customer service. Enjoy a scenic work environment with attractive compensation.

Qualifications

• Must be a High School graduate or equivalent.
• Experience demonstrating professional communications skills required.
• Excellent customer services skills and problem-solving ability required.

Responsibilities

• Operate telephone switchboard, answering and routing calls.
• Perform overhead pages and monitor alarms.
• Provide helpdesk support for after-hours troubleshooting.

Skills

Professional verbal and written communications skills

Computer typing skills

Excellent customer service skills

Ability to communicate in emergency situations

Public broadcast system confidence

Education

High School graduate or equivalent

Associate degree in Communications or related fields

Tools

PC hardware and software knowledge

Telecommunications systems

Job description

At St. Tammany Health System, delivering world-class healthcare close to home is our goal. That means we are committed to attracting and retaining the very best professionals for every position in our health system.

We believe the pristine beauty of St. Tammany Parish adds to our attractive compensation package. The health system is nestled in the heart of Covington on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. It is a peaceful, scenic, community‑oriented area with an abundance of amenities to suit every taste.

Job Description and Position Requirements

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Work Shift: Monday - Friday: 7:00p - 7:00a and/or 7:00a - 7:00p | 12 Hour Shifts | Rotating Weekends & Holidays

Job Summary

Operates STHS’s telephone switchboard, answers calls, and routes telephone requests. Performs overhead pages for notifications, announces codes, directs responders, and monitors hospital security, fire, and maintenance systems’ alarms. Serves as information desk to provide general information for patients and employees. Monitors Maintenance and Security VHF/UHF radio communications and dispatches hospital staff to locations. Notifies "911" and emergency services to assist with routing first‑responders to specific locations. Routinely performs as a member of the Information Systems helpdesk support team for after‑hours troubleshooting and computer network support. This task includes providing Helpdesk customer service support for password resets, outages, and minor computer issues. Create & distribute hospital rosters and other clerical duties. Provide after‑hours On‑Call services for Home Health and Hospice departments and coordinates communications between patient, families, and medical staff. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned by Lead Operator, Supervisor, or Director. Work in a fast‑paced office while handling stressful situations. Must be able to work independently in a dynamic work environment. Work 40+ hours a week, but flexible to work more hours as needed to support a 24hr/7 day a week department to include day shifts, night shifts, weekends, holidays, and during disasters (natural or man‑made).

Minimum Qualifications

Must be a High School graduate or equivalent. Associate degree in Communications, Information Technology, Telecommunications, or a Health‑related field is preferred. Experience demonstrating professional verbal and written communications skills with proper spelling and grammar is required. Must have computer typing skills, firm knowledge of computer concepts, computer logic, and understanding of PC hardware and software. Excellent customer services skills, good judgement, and problem‑solving ability required. Previous switchboard experience is preferred. Ability to effectively communicate during emergency or crisis situations in a calm professional manner. An understanding of medical terminology and previous customer services experience in a healthcare environment is preferred. Experience demonstrating confidence with public broadcast systems to include overhead paging notifications is preferred.

Experience in telecommunications, emergency management, or "911" dispatch is preferred. Good verbal and public relations skills demonstrating excellent listening and reasoning skills. This would include ability to assess situations and route calls to appropriate departments during catastrophic events.

Physical Demands

Must possess good physical health. Some requirements include but are not limited to standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time. Lifting up to 10 pounds is required.

Physical Effort required:

• Constant (67% - 100%) - handling/feeling, talking, hearing, seeing
• Frequently (34% - 66%) - reaching
• Occasionally (1% - 33%) - lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, stooping and crouching

Equal Opportunity Employer

St. Tammany Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. Tammany Health System is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.