Switchboard Operator (Full-time, 2-10PM)

Merit Health Central; Bradie (MS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Merit Health Central is seeking a Switchboard Operator to manage incoming and outgoing calls, dispatch to departments, and provide courteous information to patients and staff. You will also handle paging requests and support emergency communications in a busy healthcare setting.

Ideal candidates have 0–2 years in customer service or healthcare environments, with 1–2 years of switchboard experience preferred, and strong communication and organizational skills to maintain accurate records.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of experience in customer service, call center, or healthcare setting.
• 1–2 years of switchboard experience preferred.
• Knowledge of hospital policies, codes, and procedures is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Answers all incoming calls promptly, greeting callers professionally and routing to the appropriate department or individual.
• Carries out paging procedures for employees, providers, rapid response teams, and other essential personnel.
• Provides accurate assistance to patients, employees, and external customers.
• Transfers calls to the proper extension for seamless communication.
• Coordinates emergency codes and disaster communications to notify on‑call staff as needed.
• Screens and verifies demographic information and organizes paperwork accurately, including inpatient documentation for the Business Office.
• Maintains detailed records of all pages, notifications, and calls per facility protocols.

Skills

Customer service

Call center

Healthcare setting

Tools

Switchboard

Telecommunications equipment

Job description

Job Summary

The Switchboard Operator is responsible for managing incoming and outgoing calls, providing routine information, and dispatching calls to the appropriate departments, personnel, or providers in a professional and courteous manner. This role also handles paging requests, assists with emergency communications, and ensures accurate and timely information delivery to patients, staff, providers, and external customers.

Essential Functions

• Answers all incoming calls promptly, greeting callers professionally and courteously, and routes them to the appropriate department or individual based on evaluation of the caller's needs.
• Carries out paging procedures for employees, providers, rapid response teams, and other essential personnel, including during emergency or disaster situations.
• Acts as an information hub by providing accurate assistance to patients, employees, and external customers.
• Transfers calls accurately to the proper extension, ensuring seamless communication for customers and staff.
• Coordinates communication for emergency codes and disasters, ensuring timely notifications to on-call and rapid response staff as needed.
• Screens and verifies demographic information, corrects errors as needed, and organizes paperwork accurately, including inpatient documentation for the Business Office.
• Provides instructions to patients for accessing external operators for long-distance calls and assists with any other general inquiries.
• Maintains detailed records of all pages, notifications, and calls as required by facility protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in customer service, call center, or healthcare setting required
• 1-2 years of switchboard experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in operating switchboard or telecommunications equipment.
• Excellent verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage high call volumes in a calm and professional manner.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Capable of handling emergency communication processes effectively.
• Knowledge of hospital policies, codes, and procedures is a plus.