Telecom Operator-PRN

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Telecommunication Operator to operate the switchboard and paging system, relay calls to the correct hospital area, and assist patients, physicians and staff with general information. This role monitors alarm systems and serves as a vital link during emergencies, handling emergency calls with reliability, accuracy, flexibility, and a customer‑service focus.

Strong English communication, teamwork, and empathetic problem-solving are essential to support safe patient

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 1 year of customer service experience; dispatching and healthcare experience preferred.
• Strong English communication skills; ability to interact with patients, families and staff.
• Ability to understand telecommunications equipment and Windows-based software.

Responsibilities

• Operate the switchboard and paging system to route calls to the correct hospital area.
• Relay information accurately to patients, physicians and staff while maintaining a courteous service mindset.
• Monitor hospital alarm systems and assist during emergencies as a key communication link.
• Provide professional customer service and effectively manage calls in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Telephone etiquette

Customer service

Communication skills

English proficiency

Telecom systems

PC skills

Empathy

Telephone support

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Windows-based software

Telecommunications equipment

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Telecommunication Operator position is responsible for the efficient operation and use of the switchboard and paging system to receive and relay calls or messages to the requested party or hospital area. This position assists patient, physicians and staff with general information and monitors all hospital alarm systems and serves as a vital link in the communication process during emergencies. The Telecommunication Operator position handles emergency calls requiring a high degree of reliability, accuracy, flexibility, critical thinking skills in stressful situations. This position strives to make the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those served top priority and effectively communicates in a manner consistent with a customer service focus.

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE

• One year customer service experience
• Dispatching experience preferred
• Healthcare experience preferred

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Ability to understand telecommunications equipment and services including call processing, paging and audio monitoring systems
• Knowledge of personal computer functions and Windows-based software
• Ability to understand and resolve problems and defuse situations with empathy and compassion
• Excellent telephone customer service and professional interpersonal skills

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicates pertinent information to co-workers to ensure proper handling and processing of calls when away from operator position.
• Responds positively and professionally to all calls and requests for information and assistance from patients, family members, physicians and others.
• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results and organizational results.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responds to incoming calls in a timely manner and directs caller to appropriate destination providing a smooth, clear and professionally courteous communication practice.
• Responds quickly and accurately to disaster and emergency situations according to department protocol.
• Announces emergencies through the overhead paging systems and facilitates communication during emergencies and disaster plans as appropriate.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Effectively utilizes telecommunications hardware and software including problem or failure diagnosis techniques.
• Stays up to date on organizational changes including policies and important initiatives.
• Met department metrics (abandonment rates, productivity/activities per hour, etc).

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes department resources wisely and efficiently. Informs management when normal wear requires replacement.
• Organizes time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime and sets priorities. Utilizes time effectively between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual improvement. Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: No
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**

**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE

• One year customer service experience
• Dispatching experience preferred
• Healthcare experience preferred