Communications Operative

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

This job is now closed

Job summary

Advert - Communications Operative / Switchboard Operator Royal Sussex Country Hospital Brighton

Minimum hours 15 hours per week ( 37.5 Hours preferred) hours per week. The shifts to cover the 24hr service over 7 days a week.

Band 3 - £ 24,071 - 25,674 (pro rata) per annum, plus extra unsocial hour's enhancements pay for working night shifts.

The Switchboards are based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, and the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath. This position is based at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

The telephony staff are normally the initial contact between members of the public, patients, and hospital personnel. The post holder will be required to actively promote a positive and professional image and attitude to both internal and external callers at all times. They will be required to promote a professional manner and communicate effectively with patients, members of the public, GP's, trust staff, departments, visitors, and suppliers.

Telephony staff are required to operate various computerized systems where IT skills are required, to operate all departmental communication systems and undertake all Switchboard and Telecoms clerical duties.

For further details: Abbi Steers - abi.steers@nhs.net

Main duties of the job

Telephonists are required to work as part of a team in an often-stressful environment with constant interruptions operating a computerized console, responding to calls, monitoring alarms both medical and service, and activating emergency procedures. To ensure the services (which include the implementation of emergency and medical procedures, alarm monitoring and helpdesks) are maintained throughout the 24-hour operation.

Staff are required to frequently work under their own initiative and to make immediate decisions in the event of problems, especially when working unsupervised or alone. All staff endeavor to meet agreed response times however abnormal fluctuations (emergencies, working alone) can significantly increase pressures on the service.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate information pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/

Date posted

02 December 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year Per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

279-6784458-NOV24

Job locations

Royal Sussex County Hospital

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Job description

Job responsibilities

The telephony staff are normally the initial contact between members of the public, patients and hospital personnel. The post holder will be required to actively promote a positive and professional image and attitude to both internal and external callers at all times. They will be required to promote a professional manner and communicate effectively with patients, members of the public, GPs, trust staff, departments, visitors and suppliers.

Telephonists are required to work as part of a team in an often stressful environment with constant interruptions operating a computerized console, responding to calls, monitoring alarms both medical and service, and activating emergency procedures. To ensure the services (which include the implementation of emergency and medical procedures, alarm monitoring and helpdesks) are maintained throughout the 24 hour operation.

Staff are required to frequently work under their own initiative and make immediate decisions in the event of problems, especially when working unsupervised or alone. All staff endeavor to meet agreed response times however abnormal fluctuations (emergencies, working alone) can significantly increase pressures on the service.

Telephony staff are required to operate various computerised systems where IT skills are required, to operate all departmental communication systems and undertake all Switchboard and Telecoms clerical duties.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Person Specification

Switchboard / Telephone experience

Essential

oSwitchboard / Telephone experience
oCustomer service experience
oFlexible and commitment to work 24/7/365 shifts
oAgree/Confirm requirements of the JD
oNVQ level 3 Customer care or equivalent plus previous experience

Desirable

oSuccessfully completed a course of secondary education (GCSE) English and Maths
oKnowledge of Outlook/email/ IT skills
Knowledge of medical terminology

oFlexible and commitment to work 24/7/365 shifts

Essential

oSwitchboard / Telephone experience

oFlexible and commitment to work 24/7/365 shifts

Essential

Agree work flexible shifts

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Person Specification

Switchboard / Telephone experience

Essential

oSwitchboard / Telephone experience
oCustomer service experience
oFlexible and commitment to work 24/7/365 shifts
oAgree/Confirm requirements of the JD
oNVQ level 3 Customer care or equivalent plus previous experience

Desirable

oSuccessfully completed a course of secondary education (GCSE) English and Maths
oKnowledge of Outlook/email/ IT skills
Knowledge of medical terminology

oFlexible and commitment to work 24/7/365 shifts

Essential

oSwitchboard / Telephone experience

oFlexible and commitment to work 24/7/365 shifts

Essential

Agree work flexible shifts

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

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.