Receptionist/Switchboard Operator
Want to make a real difference and have a truly rewarding career? Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of ‘making a positive difference in people's lives’.
We’ve been rated ‘good’ overall by the CQC, with some outstanding services. The CQC commented at our most recent inspection on how our colleagues “treated patients with compassion and kindness” and “felt positive and proud about working for the trust.
We are passionate about making equality, diversity and inclusion part of our DNA. We take pride in our “People First Culture” which creates a workplace where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging, difference is celebrated, and people are comfortable to bring their whole selves to work.We value the richness that comes from having colleagues that are fully representative of the local community. We welcome people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, protected characteristics, and with all backgrounds and experiences.
Job overview
To provide an efficient and courteous front of house service to all telephone callers, forwarding calls from Switchboard answering non-clinical from relatives etc, dealing with internal calls and keeping associated records and to provide a reception service for visitors or patients on arrival to hospital.There may be an opportunity to work additional hours helping to cover annual leave and sickness.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities- Front Desk Management
- Greet visitors and patients professionally and courteously, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
- Telephone and Inquiry Handling. Responding to telephone calls promptly, ensuring inquiries are handled with efficiency and professionalism.
- Relay messages accurately in accordance with Trust Policies and Procedures.
- Assist with administrative tasks, including room bookings, data input, and word processing, to ensure smooth ward operations.
- Provide general office support, such as filing, document preparation, and managing correspondence.
- Provide support during staff absences by adapting to changing priorities and ensuring continuity of service.
Skills and Attributes Required
To excel in this role, you should:
- Possess strong organizational and communication skills.
- Demonstrate professionalism in dealing with patients, staff, and external agencies.
- Be proficient in administrative tools, such as word processing and data input.
This position offers a fulfilling experience where no two days are the same. You will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our facility and in delivering exceptional service to all visitors and staff.
Working for our organisation
Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of 'making a positive difference in people's lives'.
CQC rated us as 'GOOD' overall, commenting on how our colleagues "treated patients with compassion and kindness" and "felt positive and proud about working for the trust."
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached Job Description.
Key result areas (Main duties/responsibilities)- To respond to all telephone calls in a prompt, courteous and efficient manner. Ensuring they are put through to the correct destination in a timely manner.
- To provide a professional reception service for all callers and visitors to the Unit. This includes occasions where there may be barriers to understanding with service users or visitors and an application of highly empathic or re-assurance skills are required when communicating in antagonistic and emotive calls..
- To maintain client confidentiality at all times and only disclose Trust information to authorised persons.
- Listen to and assess complex calls for facts/situations both clinically and non clinically to determine the most suitable route from a range of options such as which bleep holder for ‘in area’ beds or ‘out of area beds’ which wards to be directed to/put through, emergency alarms, fire, police etc…
- To respond to emergency, fire and intruder alarm calls alerting key personnel as specified in standard operating procedures. This includes handling blue light calls from the ward and ensuring the Trust 666 emergency procedures are followed. Ensure front door of unit is secured following instructions from Clinical staff
- To operate internal bleep paging. Also send text out of hours to GP’s for sickness cover and follow up with a call to Doctors with guidance from bleep holder if required
- To issue pagers, and mobile phones and record such as required by Trust procedures.
- Follow the on-call arrangements for the following services and more, including logging as required:-
- DHCFT Medical on call rotas including Safe guarding children’s emergency consultants
- DHCFT Estates on call rota
- DHCFT 1^st and 2^nd on call rota’s
- DCHS Estates on call rota
- DCHS 1^st and 2^nd on call rota
- When an major incident/emergency happens or is reported receptionists/ switchboard must ensure emergency plans are carried out and recorded following standard operating procedures
- To book on line and query taxis, recording data as requested
- To maintain an accurate record of incidents that occur.
- To ensure the safe central storage and issue of keys to authorised personnel following agreed guidelines and deal with temporary swipe card access including swipe card activations
- To receive mail/parcels and ensure that it is franked or distributed safely
- Following appropriate authorisation, playback agreed CCTV for clinical staff
- Use Trust IT. Programs such as System One/Net 2 door access systems and others for appropriate switchboard work.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria- Previous front of house experience
- Previous Administration experience
- Good understanding of Microsoft packages (word/power point/ excel)
- Previous experience working within the NHS
- previous experience working in a busy environment
Skills
Essential criteria- Good people skills
Additional Information
Flexible Working
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for our service and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that's job share, part time or another flexible pattern.
Disability Confident Employer
The Trust is a Disability Confident Employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in the recruitment process please let us know.
If you require any support in completing the application form please do not hesitate to contact the Recruitment Team, 01332 564856, option 1, option 1 or email [email protected] and we will be happy to provide assistance.
DBS Checks
The cost of undertaking a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) disclosure will be met by the individual. The Trust will meet the initial costs of the disclosure which will be deducted from your first month’s salary.
This job may close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.