Switchboard Operator

MedStar Health; Clinton (MD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health in Clinton, MD, seeks a Communications Associate to operate the hospital switchboard, route calls, and provide information to patients and staff. The role supports emergency responses, paging maintenance, and coordination of inter-hospital transfers.

The position involves rotating weekend calls and potential night shifts, with strict adherence to hospital policies and patient privacy standards. A high school diploma or GED and 1–2 years of operator experience are required.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience: 1-2 years prior operator experience in telephone/office setting required.
• Knowledge & Abilities: clear English communication, professionalism, confidentiality, ethical conduct, customer service, and ability to work with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Operates telephone switchboard and routes calls to the proper area in the hospital.
• Contact necessary persons involved in code Rapid Response C-Port or Stroke.
• Provides general information to the public.
• Maintains paging services for hospital staff.
• Records schedules and transfers; monitors emergency alarm systems.

Skills

English communication

Customer service

Professionalism

Diversity responsiveness

Confidentiality

Ethical behavior

Policy compliance

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

About the Job

General Summary of Position: To route incoming, outgoing and inter-hospital calls during a 24-hour period.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates telephone switchboard and routes calls to the proper area in the hospital.
• Contact necessary persons involved in a code Rapid Response C-Port or Stroke.
• Provides general information to the public.
• Places long distance calls for the hospital and assists patients with long distance requests.
• Monitors all emergency alarm systems for the hospital.
• Reports all telephone malfunctions.
• Maintains paging services for organizations associated with the hospital.
• Records daily on call rosters for all shifts.
• Maintain cleanliness of the work area. Also does a weekly cleaning of the office in general. This task is done by the night shift. Night shift also checks all forms tallies calls checks supplies cleans and stocks office checks all equipment for paper and replacement items.
• Operate AMCOM PBX phone system. Must be able to access and utilize all components involved with system.
• Provides and maintains all the pagers used by hospital staff.
• Maintains expired list of patients and reports this information to the Medical Records Department.
• Records transfers to other hospitals and notifies appropriate personnel of the transfer.
• Maintains monthly schedules for departments that are needed in the event of an emergency. Notified these departments as a reminder when schedules need to be updated.
• Responds to requests as needed to contact the Operating Room Recovery Team when needed.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.
• May be needed to change shifts or days to meet needs of office.
• All eligible Communication associates (depending on schedule) will be required to participate in rotating weekend call which consists from Friday evening to Monday morning.
• All off shift associates (evening and night shift) will participate in a four day shift training period which two days will be implemented between the months of January and June and the next two days between the months of July and December.
• Must maintain open communication with Director and Supervisor as their status and availability changes with the department.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required

Experience

• 1-2 years Prior operator experience either as a telephone company operator or a doctor's office receptionist required

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to comprehend and follow the policies and procedures for Southern Maryland Hospital Center.
• Ability to read write and speak or communicate in English to successfully accomplish the essential duties of the position.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical behavior that supports the hospital's mission values and commitment to compliance with all federal state and regulatory laws. Inspires trust and exhibits honesty and integrity within the scope of daily activities.
• Exhibits professionalism courtesy and excellent customer service while interacting with patients guests and co-workers.
• Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.

This position has a hiring range of USD $18.40 - USD $29.74 /Hr.