Telephone Operator

As a Telephone Operator at Saint Luke's, your primary responsibilities include answering inbound calls and directing them to the appropriate department, handling emergency situations calmly, documenting communication logs, dispatching security requests via two-way radios, monitoring alerts and alarms, and mentoring new team members.

To qualify for the Telephone Operator role at Saint Luke's, you typically need less than one year of applicable experience and must be flexible to work at both Plaza and Smithville campuses as business needs arise.

Telephone Operators at Saint Luke's work Thursdays through Sundays from 9:30 AM to 8 PM, primarily located at the Plaza campus. Flexibility to assist at the Smithville campus is also required depending on the organization's needs.

Important qualities for a Telephone Operator at Saint Luke's include strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, a keen sense of organization, and a collaborative spirit to assist in training new employees.

Saint Luke's supports the development of Telephone Operators by fostering a collaborative environment that encourages mentoring and the training of new employees, aiming to enhance skills and promote professional growth within the organization.

In handling emergency calls, it’s vital to stay calm and follow established protocols. Clearly communicate with the caller, assess the situation quickly, and ensure that you promptly notify the appropriate departments for immediate assistance.

I believe multi-tasking is essential in a role like a Telephone Operator. I would maintain focus on the call while taking necessary notes, listening for any alerts, and preparing to dispatch security or connect calls to the right departments without losing track of the caller's needs.

I admire Saint Luke's commitment to patient care and its community-driven approach. Working in a collaborative healthcare environment aligns with my values, and I believe I can contribute positively by providing excellent service as a Telephone Operator.

I prioritize keeping detailed logs, using a structured approach to document calls, and employing checklists for emergency protocols. This helps me ensure that I don’t miss important details during busy shifts.

I would ensure clear communication by actively listening, maintaining a calm and professional tone, repeating information when necessary, and confirming understanding by asking follow-up questions to clarify their needs.

In a previous role, I mentored a new team member by first observing their calls and then offering constructive feedback. I encouraged them to ask questions and share their concerns openly, ensuring they felt supported throughout the learning process.

To manage stress, I take short breaks when possible, practice deep breathing exercises, and maintain focus on the task at hand. I find that staying organized and prioritizing my duties helps keep stress at bay.

A successful Telephone Operator needs to be an excellent communicator, adaptable to changing circumstances, and skilled in crisis management. Equally important is empathy, as you'll often be the first point of contact for individuals seeking assistance.

Teamwork is crucial for a Telephone Operator. It involves collaborating with other departments, sharing critical information efficiently, and supporting each other, especially during busy times or emergencies to ensure that calls are handled smoothly.

Saint Luke's mission focuses on providing compassionate, high-quality care to the community. As a Telephone Operator, my role directly supports this mission by ensuring that all callers are treated with respect and directed to the help they need promptly.