Job overview
Switchboard operates a 24 hour a day service across 365 days of the year.
Answering all incoming and internal calls to the Trust in a responsive and professional manner, ensuring requests are dealt with quickly and efficiently. The weekly call volumes are anywhere between 10,000 – 13,000 calls as well as connecting internal teams together.
We are the first point of contact for worried patients, concerned family > members, the public and professional services and partnership organisations who contact the Trust as well as all internal users.
At times busy and pressured, we put out all Emergency team alerts across the hospitals ensuring the correct staff are contacted as a priority. We also prepare the on-call rota for the Trust to use. We monitor and report all hospital alarms from Fire alarms to people stuck in lifts, to gas cylinders that need changing. The operators have to be very resilient and patient, dealing with very emotional, frustrated and angry callers at times.
Should you require Additional Support with completing your Application, please contact the Facilities and Estates Recruitment Team via email below:
Before applying for the position, please review the job description and person specifications to ensure your qualifications and experience meet the required criteria.
Main duties of the job
You will be responsible for handling calls in a professional manner, responding effectively to emergency calls, alarms and incident procedures. Effectively making decisions in a calm and efficient manner.
You will require an excellent telephone manner and proven customer service skills as well as a GCSE grade C or above in English. A good level of keyboard skills is required and previous switchboard/ IT knowledge is preferred as the switchboard is pc based although specific training will be provided.
The position is contracted at 24 hours a week and you must be available to work a set rota pattern, on a 9 week rolling pattern which will be a combination of all shift timings stated below - days, lates, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Day shifts will be between the hours of 08:00 – 17:30 (shifts will vary from 4 hours – 8.5 hours) Late shift is 15:00 – 22:00 Night shift is 22:00 – 08:00. Night shifts, late shifts from 17:30 and weekends are lone working once trained. You will receive enhanced pay from 20:00 – 08:00 Monday – Friday and also at weekends)
N.B Training can take a few months working day shifts only
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
To answer all incoming and internal calls to the Trust in a responsive and professional manner, ensuring requests are dealt with quickly and efficiently
To carry out all processes and procedures which involve the Switchboard Services, including (where applicable), but not limited to operating Emergency Procedures, including Cardiac Arrest, Fire and Major Incident Plan.
The proper and effective response is made to alarms monitored within Switchboard Services, including medical alarms, boiler alarms and security alarms
Manage, where applicable the maintenance and or replacement of all equipment and keys quickly and effectively, according to the procedure
Report all telephone, bleep, pager and call logging system faults appropriately, testing lines and equipment and notifying the appropriate Team/Provider
Report any and all defects to any system or infrastructure within Switchboard Services to the relevant department/stakeholder using the appropriate instructions/procedures
The completion of all log books and other formal recording documentation held within Switchboard Services is maintained accurately and effectively at all times.
Issue bleeps and pagers according to the current procedure and update the directory of holders. Testing and identifying maintenance requirements of equipment and issuing replacement batteries, as required.
Carry out implementation of any change in administrative requirements to improve the operational efficiency of the Switchboard Services professionally, without impacting the service, the staff or the general public.
To carry out any other duties that may be required of the post in order for the Switchboard Services to be carried out properly and effectively
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential criteria
1. IT knowledge to operate PC based software systems
2. Clerical experience
Interview
Essential criteria
3. GCSE grade C or above – English
4. Knowledge/Training/Experience
5. Communications
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
6. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
7. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications