Switchboard Operator

Switchboard Operator The closing date is 14 December 2025 A part time opportunity has arisen to become a member of the Switchboard Team. Communication skills are essential as the team are usually the first point of most callers to the Hospital. The main point of contact to disperse a varied types of Emergencies following procedures and Protocols in line with Trust policies. Switchboard is a very busy environment dealing with all types of calls to the Trust from patients, relatives and staff. Main duties of the job The candidate must have good communication & IT skills. Local knowledge of the L&D layout and the IT systems used, (Pimsi, Excel, Nervecentre, Micad) would be an advantage. The applicant will need a flexible approach and be able to work both, in a team and on their own initiative on an evening shift. The Switchboard operating hours are 24/7 and 365 days of the year and will involve working bank Holidays and Christmas. The applicant will need to be enthusiastic and adaptable within the Switchboard and its varied roles. The applicant would be dealing with all types of Estates and on call requests from across the Trust, outside contractors and dealing with the general public as well. They will be working in a busy environment and must be able to prioritise telephone calls and workloads. Hours of Work are 10 hours per week 4 days a week Every Monday 16:45 to 21:45 and every other weekend Saturday & Sunday 17:00 to 22:00 on both days Please note this shift will fall sometimes on Christmas day Boxing day etc and the candidate would have to work that shift. About us Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available. Our values We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences. Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job. Job responsibilities To provide a prompt and professional Switchboard/call-centre service to all callers in line with office procedures, contributing to the overall efficient and effective running of the Switchboard function. To transfer calls esfficently to correct departments and staff and supply general information on the Trust. To manage all calls presented to Emergency Phones and call appropriate teams to respond via a bleep system. Person Specification Experience Worked In a Switchboard / Call centre environmentCustomer serviced based dealing with PublicExperience of NHS communication systems Communication Skills Quick and accurate PC/keyboard and switchboard skillsAble and willing to deal effectively with a diverse range of customer enquiries. Knowledge GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above, or equivalentExcellent verbal and written skills with the ability to communicate effectively by phone, in writing and in person.Knowledge of procedures to NVQ 3 or equivalent in customer services Personal Characteristics Effective team playerAbility to cope with a high volume pressured environment. 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. Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust #J-18808-Ljbffr