Telephone Operator

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC, is seeking an experienced telephone operator to manage the main switchboard. The role requires handling inquiries, routing calls, and supporting administrative functions within Health Administration Service.

Qualified applicants may demonstrate one year of general clerical experience or complete two years of post-high school education. A combination of education and experience may also qualify, with full-time availability and rotating

Qualifications

• One year of general experience or equivalent qualifying education.
• Education may substitute for experience as described (two years post-high school).
• Combination of education and experience may qualify when total percentage equals 100%.

Responsibilities

• Operate the medical center switchboard in Health Administration Service.
• Handle calls and route to appropriate departments.
• Perform duties with rotating shifts.
• Maintain courteous and accurate telephone communication.

Skills

General clerical experience

Education

Two years of post-high-school education

Job description

This position is located in Health Administration Service at the Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The incumbent is an experienced telephone operator who operates the medical center switchboard working rotating shifts. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of general experience that equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. General experience is progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.
• OR,
• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have Successful completion of two (2) years of education above the high school level in any field. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial or technical school.
• OR,
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond. Combination of successfully completed post high school education and experience and the total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary but may involve some standing and walking to consult directories and manuals. Constant hand motion is involved including but not limited to pulling, grasping, and typing.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.