Switchboard Operator/Admitting Clerk

Huron Regional Medical Center • Huron, SD

5d

About The Position

Serves as the first point of contact for patients, visitors, and callers, providing professional customer service while supporting efficient hospital operations. The position is responsible for accurately registering and admitting patients, verifying demographic and insurance information, directing patients and visitors, and operating the hospital telephone system to ensure calls are routed promptly and appropriately.

The role demonstrates the hospital’s Core Values: Respectful, Engaged, Available, Competent, and Helpful. The schedule varies weekly, with switchboard shifts of 7:00 am–7:00 pm or 7:00 pm–7:00 am and admitting hours of 8:00 am–5:00 pm. Weekly hours are 36.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Successful completion of a background check and pre-employment screening.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with patients, families, physicians, staff, and the public.
• Strong telephone etiquette and switchboard operation skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and data entry.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail while handling multiple tasks.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to handle stressful situations with professionalism and composure.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and courteous in stressful, urgent, or emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to accurately enter, verify, and maintain patient and hospital information.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain emotional stability and professionalism in situations involving illness, injury, grief, or crisis.

Nice To Haves

• Previous customer service, receptionist, switchboard, patient access, or clerical experience.
• Healthcare or hospital registration experience.
• Basic understanding of insurance benefits, registration processes, and patient financial responsibilities.
• Spanish or Karen bilingual skills are encouraged for qualified applicants.

Responsibilities

• Operate the hospital switchboard and direct incoming calls efficiently.
• Announce emergency codes and overhead pages according to hospital procedures.
• Communicate effectively with clinical and non-clinical departments.
• Support patient flow and hospital operations through accurate data entry and customer service.
• Greet and assist patients, visitors, and callers in a courteous and professional manner.
• Complete patient registration and admission documentation accurately.
• Verify and update patient demographic and insurance information.
• Direct patients and family members to the correct area of the facility.
• Serve as a communication source for patients, visitors, physicians, and staff.
• Maintain updated directories and call schedules.
• Explain registration and financial forms to patients and families.
• Assist during emergency situations, disasters, or periods of high patient volume.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support patient access and hospital operations.

What This Job Offers

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