Communications Operator - Per Diem
Shift: Variable, 8 hour shifts
Job Description:
PATIENT POPULATION:
The patient population served can be all patients, including geriatric, adult, adolescent, pediatric, and newborn. This also includes services which affect facility staff, physicians, visitors, vendors and the general public.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the department Leader(s), the Communications Operator is responsible for answering and routing incoming calls to appropriate departments and personnel in a courteous and efficient manner. In an acute care hospital, this position plays a key role in internal and external communication, emergency call handling, and providing accurate hospital information to callers
Must be able to work normal/scheduled working hours to include Holidays, call-backs, weeknights, weekends, and on-call. Agrees to participate, as directed, in emergencies and community disasters during scheduled and unscheduled hours. As a designated disaster service worker you are required to assist in times of need pursuant to the California Emergency Services Act.
(Gov’t. Code §§ 3100, 3102)
Needs to recognize that they have an affirmative duty and responsibility for reporting perceived misconduct, including actual or potential violations of laws, regulations, policies, procedures, or this organization’s standards/code of conduct.
The employee shall work well under pressure, meet multiple and sometimes competing deadlines; and the incumbent shall at all times demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors.
EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have the knowledge and skills typically acquired through a high school education or equivalent experience. Prefered knowledge of medical terminology and experience in medical office reception. Previous switchboard or customer service experience preferred. Hospital or healthcare experience is strongly preferred. Familiarity with emergency codes and hospital paging procedures a plus. Excellent verbal communication and telephone etiquette. Bilingual skills are highly preferred.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence if required.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages if required.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of office machines and computer data entry."
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Responsibilities and Essential Functions:
*Indicates Essential Function
1 * Operate the hospital's telephone switchboard and communication systems.
2 * Answer incoming calls promptly and professionally; route calls to appropriate departments or staff.
3 * Monitor and respond to emergency codes (e.g. Code Blue, Rapid Response, Fire Alarm).
4 * Page physicians, nurses, and other staff using paging systems or overhead announcements.
5 * Maintain and update on-call rosters, department extensions, and staff contact lists.
6 * Provide callers with hospital information, directions, and department locations as needed.
7 * Document all emergency pages and incidents according to policy
8 * Coordinate communication during internal or external emergencies
9 * Perform overhead paging for announcements or urgent notifications.
10 * Assist with administrative tasks such as data entry, logging calls, or other assigned duties
11 * Comply with HIPAA and hospital confidentiality standards at all times.