Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for a detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
Do you want to be part of our busy and dynamic switchboard department in the role of an operator? An exciting opportunity to work in Switchboard has become available. We are seeking a motivated and dependable individual who possesses good communication skills and can keep calm and professional under pressure.
Answering all incoming and internal calls to the Trust responsively and professionally, ensuring requests are dealt with quickly and efficiently. We are the first point of contact for the public and professional services and partnership organisations who contact the Trust as well as all internal users.
You will be responsible for professionally handling calls and responding effectively to emergency calls, alarms and incident procedures. Effectively making decisions calmly and efficiently.
You will require an excellent telephone manner and proven customer service skills, and a good level of keyboard skills is required.
About us
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.
Due to the nature of this role and service, this role is on-site and the hours are as advertised. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will have first-class communication and prioritisation skills and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where youll meet a different challenge every day.
Shifts vary from week to week, but you will receive your rota 12 weeks in advance, covering a combination of shifts: days, evenings, nights weekends and bank holidays. Some examples include:
Days: 07:00 - 15:00, 08:00 - 16:00 or 10:00 - 18:00Evenings: 12:00 - 20:00 or 14:00 - 22:00Nights: 22:00 - 07:00Weekends and bank holidays: 07:00 - 14:30 or 14:30 - 22:00
You will receive enhanced pay for working nights/weekends.
To be flexible to work both days/nights and weekends as we are a 24/7 service.
The personal drive to work independently, but with the support of an established team.
The ability to think rationally and logically when responding to emergency situations and a keen eye for detail.
The ambition to learn every day and a track record of dealing with the public in a customer-focused environment.
This role offers the right candidate a fantastic opportunity to start or develop a career in the NHS. We offer full training on all aspects of the role.
Our department provides a professional 24-hour telephony and emergency response service to all internal departments within University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, as well as externally for patients and their relatives. GP emergency admissions, major incidents and fire service calls are all in a days work.
You will need to be flexible to work both days/nights and weekends as we are a 24/7 service.
We will not be reconsidering any applications that have been previously rejected for this role
Person Specification
Qualifications / training required
Essential
1. Literacy and numeracy skills that are GCSE standard or equivalent
2. Proven work experience in the use of computerised technology
Desirable
3. Qualifications in using Microsoft windows applications/excel/email
4. Understanding and knowledge of confidentiality issues/data protection
5. Customer care or similar discipline
Previous or relevant experience necessary
Essential
6. Consistent and relevant employment history of dealing with the general public in a customer focused environment.
Desirable
7. Experience of working in a predominately telephone based environment Switchboard/Contact Centre
8. NVQ in Customer Care or equivalent experience
9. Previous work within emergency response/situations
10. Knowledge of Hospital/NHS terminology
11. Experience with working with computer desktop applications
Values and behaviours
Essential
12. Patients First
13. Always Improving
14. Working Together