SWITCHBOARD OPERATOR

Joint Medical Holdings; Durban; On-site; ZAR 100,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Joint Medical Holdings is seeking a Switchboard Operator to manage a busy hospital switchboard and direct calls with professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

You will provide courteous service to patients, visitors, doctors, and staff, handle messages, and maintain confidentiality of information while supporting reception and administrative tasks. This is an on-site role within a hospital setting in Durban.

Qualifications

• Matric/Grade 12 minimum.
• 1–2 years' switchboard experience.
• Experience in admin, reception or secretarial duties.

Responsibilities

• Operate a busy hospital switchboard and direct calls.
• Provide courteous customer service to patients, visitors, doctors, and staff.
• Handle messages, enquiries, complaints, and follow up promptly.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient and hospital information.
• Update telephone directories and contact lists.
• Provide admin support: filing, mail handling, and office supplies.
• Coordinate with ambulance services and hospital communications.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety and emergency procedures.

Skills

Clear communication

Telephone etiquette

Switchboard operation

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Discretion

Problem solving

Team player

MS Office

Education

Grade 12

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

PURPOSE OF POSITION

To operate the Hospital switchboard efficiently and professionally, ensuring effective communication and providing courteous assistance to patients, visitors, doctors, and staff.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Operate a busy hospital switchboard, answering and directing calls professionally and efficiently.


• Provide excellent customer service to patients, visitors, doctors, and staff.


• Handle messages, complaints, compliments, and enquiries, ensuring prompt follow-up and resolution.


• Maintain confidentiality of all patient and hospital information.


• Update and maintain telephone directories and contact lists.


• Provide administrative support, including filing, document auditing, mail handling, and office supply management.


• Liaise with ambulance services and support hospital communication channels.


• Ensure compliance with health and safety procedures, emergency protocols, and hospital policies.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric)


• 1-2 years' experience as a Switchboard Operator.


• Previous experience in administrative, switchboard, reception, or secretarial duties.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Strong telephone etiquette and customer service skills.


• Ability to operate a busy switchboard efficiently.


• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.


• Strong organisational and administrative abilities.


• Ability to multitask and prioritise workload effectively.


• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.


• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.


• Problem-solving and complaint-handling skills.


• Professional and courteous manner.


• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).


• Strong time management skills.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Knowledge of hospital operations and emergency procedures would be advantageous.

NB: Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

POPIA CLAUSE – HR ADVERTS

Your information is collected and processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act No 4 of 2013 (POPIA). By applying to this advert, you consent to JMH (Pty) Ltd collecting and processing your personal information for the purpose of determining your eligibility for the advertised position. If unsuccessful, your personal information is securely destroyed and is not retained by the company.

Preference will be given to employees from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Act.