Switchboard Telephonist

Switchboard Operator – Overview

The switchboard operator position performs a key and vital role in the smooth running of the organisation providing a helpful and professional service for both the public and staff.

The post holder will be a member of the Switchboard team, providing an efficient 24/7 service to the Northern General Hospital, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Weston Park Hospital, Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Jessop Wing and the many and varied community sites where the trust staff work from.

Calls are handled through a digital solution which is Windows based within the Northern General Hospital. The post holder will work within an extremely busy Switchboard environment, prioritising the answering of calls and coordinating emergencies such as cardiac arrests and critical alarms, all while maintaining professionalism. The service handles in excess of 40,000 calls per week, with a general split of 70% external and 30% internal.

• Act as first point of contact for internal and external calls.
• Take internal emergency calls on behalf of the organisation.
• Act as a single repository of information for callers both internal and external.
• Act as an intermediary with STH telephone engineers for fault reporting purposes.
• Provide flexible shift coverage, including nights, evenings, weekends and bank holidays, often at short notice to accommodate colleagues’ absence.

You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff, including commitments to professional development and policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

Because of UK Government rules on Skilled Worker sponsorship, any applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements or concessions on salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker visa will not be eligible to receive sponsorship from the Trust. Please keep this in mind when submitting your application. Further details on these concessions, and who qualifies for them, can be found here.

We are committed to helping our staff balance their work and home lives and ensure they feel supported, valued, and appreciated. While you care for our patients and clients, we will take care of you, offering many paths for career development, flexible working, good annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing packages, and financial support systems. Joining the Trust also allows access to salary sacrifice schemes and a wide range of discount opportunities with retailers and service providers.