Switchboard Operator, Fiscal Services, PRN

Northwest-Florida-Community-Hospital; Chipley (FL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwest Florida Community Hospital is seeking a Patient Information / Switchboard Operator. This PRN role manages incoming calls, directs hospital communication, and serves as the first point of contact for patients, visitors and staff.

Responsibilities include operating the switchboard, providing information, handling payments, and maintaining confidentiality under HIPAA. On-site environment with potential for high call volume and interruptions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous switchboard, receptionist, healthcare, or cash handling experience preferred.
• Experience with multi-line phone systems highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate the switchboard to answer, screen, and route calls promptly.
• Provide information about services, departments, and inquiries.
• Announce emergency codes and monitor alarms per protocols.
• Greet and assist patients and visitors with directions.
• Process payments (cash, checks, cards) and balance daily receipts.
• Maintain staff directories and relay messages accurately.
• Ensure HIPAA confidentiality and document incidents as needed.

Skills

Verbal communication

Customer service

Multitasking

Cash handling

Telephone systems

Confidential information handling

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Patient Information / Switchboard Operator

Schedule: PRN or As Needed

Position Summary:

The Patient Information / Switchboard Operator is responsible for managing incoming calls, directing communication throughout the hospital, and serving as the first point of contact for patients, visitors, and staff. This role ensures efficient, courteous, and accurate communication while maintaining confidentiality and providing excellent customer service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate the hospital switchboard system to answer, screen, and route incoming calls promptly and professionally
• Provide accurate information to patients, visitors, and staff regarding hospital services, departments, and general inquiries
• Announce emergency codes and overhead pages in accordance with hospital protocols
• Monitor and respond to alarms, emergency lines, and priority communications
• Greet and assist patients and visitors, providing directions and general assistance
• Collect patient payments, including co-pays, balances, and deposits; issue receipts and ensure accurate documentation of transactions
• Process payments via cash, check, or credit card in accordance with hospital policies and financial procedures
• Balance daily payment collections and maintain accurate records for reconciliation
• Maintain updated directories of staff and departments
• Relay messages accurately and in a timely manner
• Support front desk or patient access functions as assigned
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations
• Document incidents or communication issues as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong verbal communication and customer service skills
• Ability to multitask and remain calm in high-pressure situations
• Basic knowledge of payment processing and cash handling procedures
• Knowledge of telephone systems, paging systems, and basic computer applications
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Previous switchboard, receptionist, healthcare, or cash handling experience preferred
• Experience with multi-line phone systems highly preferred

Schedule Requirements:

• PRN or As Needed

Work Environment:

• Hospital setting with frequent interruptions and high call volume
• Requires interaction with patients, visitors, and staff in person and via phone
• May involve exposure to stressful or emergency situations

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer and phone system
• Ability to hear and speak clearly for extended periods
• Occasional standing, walking, and light lifting (up to 20 lbs)

Northwest Florida Community Hospital is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Northwest Florida Community Hospital are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Northwest Florida Community Hospital will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. We encourage applicants of all ages.

In addition, as part of our commitment to quality and excellence, Northwest Florida Community Hospital will continue to maintain a safe, healthy environment for you by requiring all applicants, who are tentatively selected for a position, to submit to a criminal history check and screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment for a job.

Final confirmation of any job offer will be contingent upon the successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, including a pre-employment drug screening and background screening. Failure to submit to either screening, falsification of any screening information, or a positive finding on a drug test will result in removal from consideration for employment for a period of one year.

https://info.flclearinghouse.com