Receptionist - Switchboard Per-Diem

Westmoreland-County; Apollo (Armstrong County); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Westmoreland County seeks a receptionist to greet visitors, answer phones, and manage general secretarial duties in a busy county office. The role supports administrative functions across departments and requires professional communication and coordination with staff and residents.

Located in Pennsylvania, the position offers opportunities for growth within the administration team and exposure to public service operations.

Qualifications

• Greet visitors and answer telephones with professionalism.
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures.
• Record and convey information accurately.

Responsibilities

• Answer telephones and transfer calls.
• Greet and direct visitors as appropriate.
• Operate office equipment including computer and calculator.
• Make announcements on the public address system.
• Attend meetings and trainings as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Phone etiquette

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Clerical experience preferred

Tools

Telephone switchboard

Job description

To answer telephones, greet visitors, monitor emergency communication system, and provide general secretarial support.

A career with Westmoreland County offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents while serving one of Pennsylvania's most vibrant and growing communities.

County employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, a competitive retirement plan, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. We are committed to supporting our workforce through programs and resources that promote both personal and professional success.

Westmoreland County fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment where dedication, integrity, innovation, and public service are valued and recognized. With diverse career opportunities across numerous departments and unions, employees can build rewarding careers while contributing to the health, safety, and well-being of our community.

Join a team that is committed to excellence in public service and dedicated to making a positive difference every day. Westmoreland County is proud to attract and retain talented professionals who are passionate about serving others and helping shape the future of our region.

Follow the link below to learn more about all that Westmoreland County has to offer:

https://www.westmorelandcountypa.gov/2377/You-Belong-Here

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:

1. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
2. Initiates emergency procedures for fire alarms, drills, tests, and other threats.
3. Communicates effectively, follows instructions and procedures.
4. Serves as the Manor receptionist, greets and directs visitors as appropriate.
5. Answers telephones, takes messages and transfers calls.
6. Makes announcements on the public address system.
7. Accepts employee call offs and notifies the appropriate department.
8. Operates a variety of office equipment including personal computer, calculator, etc.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:

1. Attends meetings and trainings as required.
2. Performs other job-related duties as assigned and required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives occasional instruction and limited supervision from the Executive Secretary, Administration.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

None.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Works indoors in open space, with adequate lighting, temperature and ventilation.
2. Works within average exposures to noises and stress; subject to frequent disruption.
3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
4. Periodically works beyond normal work hours or on an as-needed basis.
5. Potential exposure to blood borne pathogens or communicable diseases.
6. Ability to work effectively in a health care and office setting. Ability to work effectively in emergency situations.
7. Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases and/or conditions which may include Influenza, Coronavirus, Hepatitis B, Scabies (not an exhaustive list)
8. May be subject to hostile or emotional residents, family members, visitors or personnel.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS:

1. Ability to operate a variety of office and communication equipment including telephone switchboard and paging system, fire alarm panel, boiler alarm, intercom system, etc.
2. Must be able to pay close attention to detail and concentrate in a moderately stressful environment.
3. Must possess the ability to record, convey and present information to the general public, explain ordinances and procedures and follow instruction.
4. Dexterity requirements range from fine manipulation of hands/fingers to coordinated movement of feet/legs/torso to carry out job duties.
5. Ability to perform basic arithmetic.
6. Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
7. Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work.
8. Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
9. Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
10. Must have patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult residents, family and staff.
11. Must be able to relay information concerning a resident’s condition.
12. Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.
13. Must be able to move intermittently on the unit and facility throughout the workday. Ability to walk, stand, sit, bend, and stoop for extended periods.
14. Meets general health requirements according to facility policy, including medical and physical exams and checking immunity status to various infectious diseases.
15. Ability to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
16. Ability to assist in evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
17. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, perform overhead lifting and perform other common physical movements as needed for the position.
18. Must be willing to undergo COVID testing as directed by CMS/CDC and/or PA DOH.
19. Ability to properly wear surgical mask, N95 and/or eye protection or PPE required for the duration of shift or to care for a resident as directed by CMS/CDC and/or PA DOH.
20. Strong listening skills and ability to deal with conflict with professionalism and courtesy.
21. Basic computer skills, including ability to navigate electronic medical record systems, electronic learning platforms, call bell systems and phone systems.
22. Positive interpersonal relationship skills, including with persons of all ages and cultures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To do this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

1. EDUCATION/TRAINING:
   High school diploma or equivalent required, clerical experience preferred.
2. WORK EXPERIENCE:
   Preferred: At least one year of experience in a clerical and long-term care setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Ability to comprehend and interpret a variety of documents including daily activity announcements, statistical reports, job applications, time exception sheets, maintenance requests, fire and disaster manual, and switchboard user’s manual.
2. Ability to prepare a variety of documents including death certificates, fire alarm reports, telephone log, daily report sheets, operator call off log, etc. using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
3. Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow instructions.
4. Ability to communicate effectively with visitors, doctors, residents, department heads and other employees, sales representatives, job applicants, volunteers, Park Police, firemen, 911 emergency management, Manor operators, and others verbally and in writing.

If you need assistance, please contact us at [e-mail]