Receptionist

Switchboard Operator

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate switchboard, paging and beeper systems. Receive incoming calls. Ascertain nature of the call and relay to the person responsible or proper location within the facility using extension, voice mail, beeper or pager.
• Operators do not respond to questions concerning patient care or institutional operation.
• Incoming calls regarding residents will be referred to their Unit Manager or Charge Nurse. Rehab patient calls are transferred to their room, nurses station, or number provided to the caller.
• Must possess a positive attitude and the ability to deal with co-workers, residents, family members, visitors and general public in a professional manner.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Other related duties that may become necessary or as directed by the Supervisor, Department Head and/or Administrator.
• Reception duties include screening and directing all incoming persons, answering inquiries according to established release of information policies, enforcing visitation policies and orders and refusing admission of objectionable persons to resident and business areas. Report suspicious persons to the Maintenance Department, Administrator or Supervisor in charge.
• Supply long distance call log forms to employees and residents monthly to record long distance calls. The charges are then billed to the employees and residents.
• Perform telephone billing functions for St. Luke and Bishop's Commons through the KAMA telephone system following department procedures.
• Maintain and post for easy reference: a current list of emergency numbers, a current list of personnel and extensions, a current list of residents by name and room number
• Maintain bulletin board in lobby as residents are admitted and discharged.
• Refer to procedures for operation of switchboard, paging and beeper systems.
• The operator may cut in on a conversation only when an emergency dictates.
• Provide directions to residents, visitors, guests, sales representatives, etc.
• Ensure that persons coming into the facility abide by the visiting rules and regulations. Receptionist may refuse admission to persons due to their age, condition, or other factors involved.
• Assist all departments with clerical duties such as typing, stuffing envelopes, preparing lists, personnel work copying, etc., as directed by Supervisor.
• Handle emergencies in accordance with facility's policy.
• The Receptionist notifies the Supervisor of the department's supply, equipment and maintenance needs, who in turn requisitions supplies and equipment from the Purchasing Department and notifies Maintenance of repairs via the repair requisition form.
• Treat resident information as confidential material as identified in the HIPPA guidelines.
• Good care and use of supplies and equipment
• Work area is kept neat and orderly by switchboard personnel. Housekeeping performs normal housekeeping duties as scheduled.
• Fire and Disaster: During a disaster or fire, the Switchboard Operator is a key person and has specific duties which are outlined in the Fire and Disaster Plan and are posted at the switchboard. The operators must familiar with these duties and regulations and participate in periodic drills conducted by the Building Engineer.
• Other related duties that may become necessary or as directed by the Supervisor, Department Head and/or Administrator

Qualifications:

• High school graduate with course in typing.
• Ability to operate a switchboard. May acquire skill through on-the-job training.
• Must be pleasant and have pleasant speaking voice.
• Must be well groomed.
• Must be courteous, patient and tactful when dealing with the public and residents.
• Must be able to cooperate with other personnel.