Telephone Operator

Telephone Operator

The Telephone Operator at United Health Services (UHS) is a key part of keeping communication moving across the organization. This role connects patients, families, providers, and care teams by answering and routing calls, supporting emergency communications, and sharing accurate information quickly. With a focus on responsiveness, confidentiality, patient safety, and patient experience, the Telephone Operator supports smooth daily operations and helps create a reliable, welcoming experience for everyone who contacts UHS.

Primary Department, Division, or Unit: Switchboard and Reception, UHS Binghamton General Hospital

Primary Work Shift: Evening Rotational

Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Compensation Range: $17.05 - $22.17 per hour, depending on experience

Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Operate multi-line telephone and communication systems to direct incoming calls accurately and efficiently across hospital departments, ensuring timely connection for patients, staff, and external callers
• Coordinate overhead paging, digital pager, and mobile communication requests to support rapid response and hospital-wide communication needs
• Initiate and manage emergency codes, alarms, and alert systems to support patient safety and critical response workflows
• Contact on-call personnel, physicians, and clergy to facilitate timely care coordination and support services
• Maintain control and accurate tracking of hospital keys, pagers, and communication devices to support operational continuity
• Facilitate telephone system support, including reporting issues and distributing equipment to ensure uninterrupted communication capabilities
• Support security and front desk operations by serving as a communication hub and backup information resource during off-hours

Scope and Impact:

• Contribute to patient experience and operational efficiency by ensuring reliable communication across departments
• Exercise sound judgment when prioritizing calls, alerts, and emergency communications within established escalation protocols
• Perform duties under general supervision while maintaining accountability for accuracy, responsiveness, and confidentiality
• Support hospital safety and security functions by acting as a central communication point for emergency and routine operations

Compliance and Professional:

• Maintain knowledge of communication systems, hospital protocols, and emergency procedures to support safe and compliant operations
• Complete required training, system updates, and competency validations within established timeframes
• Adhere to confidentiality, privacy, and HIPAA requirements when handling patient and organizational information
• Safeguard sensitive data by following established security policies and procedures, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations
• As applicable to your role, support cybersecurity and data protection requirements throughout the supplier lifecycle by coordinating vendor risk assessments, monitoring third-party compliance, and promptly reporting identified supply chain or cybersecurity risks

Additional Expectations:

• Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in all daily work and interactions
• Execute responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations
• Perform additional responsibilities as required to meet department and organizational needs

Position Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Up to 1 year of customer/patient-facing experience directly interacting and communicating with the public
• Up to 1 year of technical/systems experience using specialized tools, software, or equipment required for the role

Preferred:

• At least 1 year of direct experience performing the exact or very similar duties required by the job within the same role or function
• Up to 1 year of healthcare experience working in the healthcare industry in any job function
• Up to 1 year of experience in the same work environment or setting (hospital, practice, department/division)

Why You'll Love Working at UHS

At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference. That's why we're intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we're here to help you thrive in work and life.

A Culture of Connection – We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration. Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk-or-treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations.

Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family – We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week. With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best. Additional perks include discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.

Well-Being & Financial Security – From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge. We support your long-term wellness with a 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards. When life gets tough, we're here with 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health support, a food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet.

Growth That Moves with You – With access to 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility, we help you grow wherever your passion leads. We also continuously review compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity, so you can feel confident your work is valued and rewarded fairly.

A Place to Call Home – Located in New York's Southern Tier, UHS offers more than a career—we offer a lifestyle. Enjoy four-season recreation, affordable living, top-rated schools, minor league sports, craft brews, a close-knit community, and more, all within reach of the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and major Northeast cities.

About United Health Services

United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York's Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region's population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers.

At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we'd love for you to consider joining us!

United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

United Health Services, Inc. and the members of the UHS System neither are affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed nor approved by, nor otherwise associated with, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), UHS of Delaware, Inc. nor their affiliates, which can be found at