Position Overview:
The Switchboard Operator is responsible for answering incoming and in-house calls, monitoring codes, and assisting as a hospital receptionist. This role provides essential information to visitors, patients, and staff to support smooth communication across the facility.
Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range starts from $15.00 /hour.
The Perks and Benefits:
- Collaborative environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals who share a passion for delivering high-quality care.
- Professional development: We offer ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement, including tuition reimbursement and participation in our progressive Career Pathways Program.
- Impactful work: Help ensure patient safety and contribute directly to positive patient outcomes in our community.
- Location perks: Boone, North Carolina, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offers exceptional outdoor activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more. Enjoy great shopping, fine dining, breweries, wineries, and cultural attractions in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Linville.
- Top-tier community: Boone boasts a top-rated North Carolina public school system and is home to Appalachian State University. Recognized as a top destination by Forbes, Southern Living, and Niche, Boone is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
- Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience - range is $15.00 /hour or more (depending on education & experience). Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position.
- Comprehensive benefits package to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as HSA.
- Supplemental insurance to include short and long-term disability insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, identity theft protection, legal insurance, etc.
- Student loan refinancing benefit and college savings fund as well as tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
- Paid time off - front-loaded for the first year for qualifying part-time and full-time employees (amount based on status and FTE at the time of hire) - paid time off accrual begins following the first year of employment. Cash out option also available for qualifying employees by meeting specified criteria.
- Paid parental leave - qualifying employees are eligible to use two (2) weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six (6) months following the birth or adoption of a child - to be taken consecutively.
- Employee wellness program - Love Your Life - award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachian employees.
- Employee to Employee (E2E) program - Caring for our own.
- Additional employee perks include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change).
Key Responsibilities:
- Answer and direct incoming and internal calls efficiently and courteously.
- Monitor emergency codes and respond appropriately following protocol.
- Serve as the hospital’s front-line receptionist, providing assistance to visitors, patients, and staff.
- Deliver accurate and timely information to callers and in-person guests.
- Maintain professionalism in all communications while supporting a positive image of the hospital.
- Work closely with clinical and administrative teams to facilitate effective communication during emergency situations.
- Uphold ARHS Mission, Vision, and Values in all job functions and interactions.
Position Requirements:
Minimum Education:
Experience:
Required Registration/License/Certification:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, families, and staff.
- Acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Competent in maintaining safety and effective performance within the scope of training and hospital procedures.
- Knowledge of patient care department communication processes.
- Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to all stakeholders.
Physical Demands:
- Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds
- Manual dexterity and mobility
- Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking
- Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning
- Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less
Working Conditions:
- Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals and specimens, and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
- Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies
- Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift
- Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
- Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day
- Frequently per shift lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
- Frequently per hour bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns and reaches
- Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity
- Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away
- Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work
- Infrequently per shift: may be exposed to ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave
About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.
UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.
Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.
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