Telephone Operator

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Telephone Operator for its VA Puget Sound Health Care System located in Tacoma, WA. This role is essential in ensuring effective communication and services for Veterans, requiring strong clerical skills and customer service expertise.

Qualifications

• At least one year of general experience related to clerical or office work.
• Formal education must be documented with transcripts.
• Combination of education and experience must meet qualification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Handle incoming calls and direct them within the VA system.
• Provide centralized support for Veterans and clinical providers.

Skills

Clerical

Communications

Customer Service

Decision Making

Telecommunications

Education

Two years of education above high school

Job description

The Telephone Operator position is located within the VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS), Tacoma, Washington, and provides centralized continuous point of contact for Veterans and clinical providers in all areas of patient care. The occupation involves administrative work such as receiving different requests for information from staff, patients, and family members, and being able to determine where calls are directed within the VA Puget Sound and facilities outside the VA facility.

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Handling incoming calls and directing them appropriately within the VA system and external facilities.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the GS-4 level, you must meet one of the following:

EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of general experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Telephone Operator GS-4. General experience is defined as progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates your ability to perform the duties of this position. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title; duties; month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week.

EDUCATION: Two (2) years of education above the high school level from an accredited institution. Education must be documented with transcripts. One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent.

COMBINATION: Equivalent combination of successfully completed post-high school education and general experience that meet the total qualification requirements. Documentation required.

You will be rated on the following competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire:

• Clerical
• Communications
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Telecommunications

Important: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours per week. All experience listed must include start and end dates. Part-time experience will be credited proportionally. Volunteer experience is also credited if relevant.

Physical Requirements: Sedentary work, involving sitting, with some movement to adjust equipment and carry light items.

For more information on qualification standards, visit OPM website.