POSITION PURPOSE

Under general supervision of the Director, the Communications Operator controls the telephone communications console, answers and routes calls to the appropriate personnel.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties the incumbent will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

• Receives and screens telephone calls, connects callers to appropriate hospital parties in a prompt and courteous manner.
• Pages individuals using either the overhead speakers or portable pagers.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the hospital's various emergency plans (i.e., fire, disaster, bomb threat, etc.) and implements those procedures when appropriate.
• Maintains current list of in-house patients and transfers calls accordingly.
• Assists visitors and directs them to patient rooms when the information desk is not staffed.
• Accepts all incoming walk-in payments by any method and all cash payments for patients that present to the lobby for same day services.
• Performs after hours answering service for the Rural Health Clinic; communicating urgent messages in a timely manner to the on-call provider.
• Performs various clerical functions such as stuffing envelopes or filing records as time permits.
• Abides by the HMH Legal Compliance Code of Conduct. 
• Maintains a safe work environment and reports safety concerns appropriately.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and appropriate handling of PHI.
• Performs all other related duties as required and assigned.

LATITUDE, CONTACTS/INTERACTIONS

All positions of Huntsville Memorial Hospital are part of an interdisciplinary team, and as such, participate in the care and service delivery process through effective interaction with other team members.  Primarily interacts with hospital staff, medical staff, patients, and visitors.

Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent: sitting.
• Occasional: standing, walking, & reaching.
• Visual and hearing acuity required.  Work is inside, with good ventilation and comfortable temperature.
• Possible exposure to: toxic/caustic chemicals or detergents, communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience: None required.  Prior switchboard experience preferred. 
• Required Skills: Excellent communication skills.

Benefits

• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources