Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for a part time Switchboard Operator based at Conquest Hospital. You will be joining a small, friendly team working on a busy switchboard, delivering a vital 24-hour, 365-day service for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

This role operates on a set shift pattern - please see attached document of the rota.

The Switchboard is the first point of contact for the Trust. You will be required to confidently operate a computer-based switchboard system, answering calls in a professional manner and managing enquiries from patients, relatives, visitors, and GPs, as well as handling all calls, bleeps, and pagers.

You will also be responsible for responding calmly and efficiently to a wide range of emergency calls, including cardiac arrests, trauma alerts, fire calls, and alarm systems, within a fast-paced communications environment.

Full training will be provided for the successful candidate.

Where applicable, this post may attract unsocial hours payments, if rostered, in line with the Agenda for Change terms. Enhanced rates apply for weekday night shifts (8pm-6am), weekends, and bank holidays.

Main duties of the job

• Work as a telephonist, dealing with all incoming calls to the Switchboard.
• Switchboard operates on a 24hr pattern.
• Operate the Multitone Bleep System (messaging and changing of devices)
• Operate the PageOne pager system.
• Deal with all digital alarms (medical gases, lifts etc) in a calm and efficient manner, following the necessary standard operating procedures.
• Deal with emergency calls (cardiac arrests, fire, traumas) in a calm and efficient manner, following the necessary standard operating procedures.
• Compile and update where necessary, the daily on call rota.
• Communicate to a high level and pass on information accurately to the Team Leaders and Manager, and handover any essential info to colleagues.
• Communicate with all services users.
• Ability to work on own, making your own decisions and deal with any situations that may occur.
• Ensure all departmental procedures are followed and ensure an accurate record of any task completed is kept.
• Work as part of a team.
• Good communicational skills are key.
• Experience in Excel, Word, email and possess good organisational and keyboard skills would be advantageous.

About us
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Job responsibilities
IMPORTANT: Due to the nature of this role, there is no permanent option for remote or home working. All duties must be carried out on site during core working hours.

Please refer to the detailed job description attached.

Please contact us if you would like any further details.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• IT courses: Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer

Desirable

• NVQ 1 & 2

Experience
Essential

• Knowledge of a general healthcare environment

Desirable

• Knowledge of a switchboard system

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Essential

• Good verbal communication
• Good keyboard skills
• Confident
• Motivated
• Organised
• Ability to work under pressure and react positively to distressed or rude customers
• Clear, concise speech

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details
Employer name: East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Address: Conquest Hospital, The Ridge, St. Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 7RD, United Kingdom
Employer's website: http://jobs.esht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Switchboard Team Manager, Mathew Fuller, mathew.fuller@nhs.net, 03001314359

Supporting documents
Privacy notice
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