Telephone Operator

Position Overview

UHS is seeking a Telephone Operator to serve as a central communication resource, supporting hospital operations around the clock. This role is responsible for responding to paging requests for hospital personnel and physicians using overhead paging systems, digital pagers, and cell phones. The Telephone Operator manages emergency communications including codes, alarms, and phone systems, performs routine testing of emergency and alarm systems, and contacts on-call staff and clergy as requested by hospital departments. Additional duties include maintaining control of hospital keys and the hospital safe, coordinating telephone repairs and distribution of new phones, tracking and maintaining pagers, serving as a base station for hospital security, functioning as a backup information desk during off-hours, and facilitating the release of deceased individuals in accordance with hospital policy.

This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and responsive in emergency situations. The ideal candidate demonstrates reliability, sound judgment, and discretion when handling sensitive information, security protocols, and emergency communications. Successful performance requires the ability to multitask, follow established procedures, work independently during off-hours, and collaborate effectively with clinical staff, security personnel, and hospital leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous hospital operations.

Work Locations:

UHS Wilson Medical Center, Johnson City, NY UHS Binghamton General Hospital, Binghamton, NY

There is more than one location associated with this position. This is either because there are multiple openings at different sites, or the successful candidate will be required to float across multiple UHS facilities. Your recruiter and hiring manager will clarify expectations during the interview process.

Work Shift and Schedule:

This is a per diem position, which means you will work on an as needed, agreed upon basis. Working hours will be assigned by your manager.

Compensation Range:

$17.05 - $22.17 per hour, depending on experience

This position is not eligible for benefits.

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Job Responsibilities

• Respond to requests for paging hospital personnel and physicians using overhead paging systems, digital pagers, and cellular phones.
• Manage and monitor emergency communication systems, including emergency codes, alarms, and telephone systems, ensuring timely response and escalation when required.
• Conduct routine testing and verification of hospital alarm and emergency systems to ensure operational readiness.
• Contact on-call hospital personnel at the request of departments to support clinical and operational needs.
• Coordinate and contact clergy members as requested by hospital departments.
• Maintain control, security, and accurate tracking of hospital keys in accordance with facility policies.
• Maintain control and security of the hospital safe, ensuring compliance with established procedures.
• Facilitate telephone system repairs and coordinate the distribution and setup of new telephones throughout the facility.
• Maintain, issue, track, and inventory pagers used by hospital personnel.
• Serve as backup support for the hospital information desk during off-hours, providing assistance to patients, visitors, and staff.
• Function as the base communication station for hospital security, relaying information and coordinating responses as needed.
• Assist with and facilitate the release process of deceased individuals in accordance with hospital policy and regulatory requirements.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent. In lieu of diploma, will accept 2 years of experience utilizing a multi-line phone system.

Preferred:

• 2 (two)years previous switchboard experience

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About United Health Services

United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York’s Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region’s population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers.

At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we’d love for you to consider joining us!

United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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United Health Services, Inc. and the members of the UHS System neither are affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed nor approved by, nor otherwise associated with, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), UHS of Delaware, Inc. nor their affiliates, which can be found at www.uhsinc.com.