Switchboard Operator

Location

James J. Peters VA Medical Center – Bronx, NY

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• 📞 Call Management
• Answer all incoming calls within five (5) rings.
• Professionally greet callers and determine call purpose.
• Route calls accurately to appropriate departments or personnel.
• Maintain courteous and professional communication at all times.
• Provide general hospital information (e.g., visiting hours).
• 🚨 Emergency Communications
• Respond immediately to emergency calls (Code Purple, Stroke, Rapid Response, Bravo).
• Dial emergency group pages as required.
• Announce emergency codes via overhead paging system.
• Confirm caller information (location, type of emergency, required assistance).
• Notify Police and Fire departments as required.
• Repeat emergency announcements according to established procedures.
• 📋 Administrative & Log Responsibilities
• Maintain Long Distance Call Log (employee name, time, number, service).
• Process official toll calls only.
• Assist patients with approved credit card calls when necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality of all patient and hospital information.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of telephone operator or customer service experience.
• Strong communication skills (clear speech, grammar, comprehension).
• Ability to work under pressure and in emergency situations.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in stressful conditions.
• Must complete one full 5-day On-the-Job Training (OJT) per shift before working independently.