Communication Operator

PeaceHealth • Bellingham, WA

18h

About The Position

The Communication Operator facilitates communications by operating one or more communication systems, including the telephone console (switchboard), physician answering service, overhead paging, two-way radios, and pager system. The role directs incoming and outgoing calls, responds to emergency codes, dispatches security and requests for multiple services, and provides information to people in the lobby. The operator may also operate a physician answering service and work directly with physicians to handle trouble reports.

Additional work includes making announcements, assisting with directories, entering telephone statistics and other data, receiving house census information, and performing routine clerical tasks. The operator communicates console status and relevant staff or event information to relief staff, reports system trouble to the telephone technician as directed, provides backup assistance to other departments, and operates other communication and emergency systems as required. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including a high degree of courtesy.
• Ability to communicate professionally in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and maintain strong organizational skills.
• Proficient computer and keyboarding skills.
• Ability to make decisions without direct supervision.
• Good spelling and penmanship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a medical office or hospital setting.
• Previous operator or switchboard and clerical experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate the telephone console, directing operator-assisted and outgoing calls to individuals, departments, and outside contacts.
• Respond to emergency codes and alarm panels, dispatch security, and follow disaster plans as needed.
• Provide information to people in the lobby.
• Use overhead paging, two-way radios, and pager or beeper systems as requested.
• Operate the physician answering service and handle trouble reports by working directly with physicians, if required.
• Make announcements, assist with directories, enter daily telephone statistics, receive house census information, and perform other routine clerical or data-entry tasks as requested.
• Report console status and pertinent information about hospital staff and events to relief staff when leaving the switchboard.
• Report system trouble to the telephone technician as directed.
• Provide backup assistance to other departments as directed.
• Operate other communication and emergency systems and dispatch requests for multiple services as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer base and matching contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance, with additional buy-up coverage options.
• Tuition and continuing education reimbursement.
• Wellness benefits.
• Expanded EAP and mental health program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED