Houston Switchboard Operator (Part Time 11pm-7am and Fill in Shifts)

Innovation At Work Inc • Houston, TX

90d

About The Position

The position is located at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX. The primary responsibility of the operator is to manage a variety of special calls, including conference calls, long distance calls, and local calls, over different circuits or routings. This role requires a strong understanding of the organizational units and major functions of a large multi-division organization. Operators must effectively interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and work under pressure, especially during high-stress situations. They are expected to answer incoming calls using the MEDVAMC Standard Greeting in a polite, efficient, and friendly manner, even during heavy workloads or crises. Additionally, operators will provide general information, operate emergency call systems, and maintain communication with various departments during emergencies.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least three years of telephone switchboard operating experience, with one year involving substantial responsibility for placing a variety of special calls.
• Familiarity with large, multi-division organizational units.
• Ability to effectively deal with individuals from diverse backgrounds and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for placing a variety of special calls over varied circuits or routings.
• Answer all incoming calls using the MEDVAMC Standard Greeting in a polite, efficient, and friendly manner.
• Provide general information such as visiting hours and directions to the Medical Center.
• Operate emergency call and alarm systems, including Code Blue, fire, disaster, Code Green, and Code Brown notifications.
• Use audio, radio, and digital paging systems, and maintain relevant records.
• Respond to patient and employee locator inquiries using computer terminals and published rosters.
• Operate the public address and radio paging systems as required, particularly during emergencies.
• Handle threatening or suicidal calls calmly and professionally, following suicide prevention protocols and notifying proper authorities.
• Maintain up-to-date on-call personnel and essential staff schedules.
• Utilize two-way radios to communicate with Police and provide assistance during emergencies.
• Maintain workspace security and prevent unauthorized access.
• Adhere to ADP and Privacy Act guidelines for securing printed and electronic data.
• Assist with placing commercial and FTS (Federal Telecommunication System) calls.
• Report telephone equipment malfunctions and log service complaints.
• Document and record long-distance/toll calls and emergency responses.
• Use paging and overhead systems to support Medical Center operations.

What This Job Offers

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