Locum Switch Telephonist

TERMS & CONDITIONS TENURE: This is a relief permanent contract of employment. REMUNERATION: Remuneration is in accordance with salary scales approved by the Department of Health / Health Service Executive. The salary scale for this post currently ranges from €35,256 to €54,370 gross per annum (Grade IV Scale). Assimilation onto the scale is based on relevant work experience and in accordance with circular 17/0213 for existing permanent employees. Payment is made on a monthly/fortnightly basis by credit transfer. HOURS: Varying hours per week, exclusive of unpaid rest breaks. ANNUAL LEAVE: Based on hours worked per annum SUPERANNUATION/SPOUSES & CHILDREN’S CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SCHEMES: All employees must join the Superannuation Scheme. An explanatory booklet on the Superannuation Scheme you are aligned to is attached. If you require further details on the scheme please contact the Superannuation Officer, Human Resources on ext. 3360. RETIREMENT AGE: Persons who entered the Public Service before the 1st April 2004 must retire at the age of 65 years and are eligible for their pension entitlements from the age of 60 onwards. Persons who entered the Public Service on or after the 1st April 2004 will be eligible for their pension entitlements from the age of 65 onwards. Persons entering the Public Service from 1st January 2013, i.e. New Entrants, must retire at the age of 70 and are eligible for their pension entitlements from the age of 66 onwards. HEALTH: A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. GARDA VETTING: Satisfactory Garda (Police) vetting is a condition of employment for this position. It is expected, that you fully disclosed all information pertaining to any convictions recorded against you in the Republic of Ireland or elsewhere, or a statement of all convictions and/or prosecutions, successful or not, pending or complete, in the State or elsewhere as the case may be. Failure to do so will result in instant dismissal.

RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER OF PRIORITY)

• To operate the switchboard system in an efficient and friendly manner.
• To maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
• To ensure all calls are transferred to the appropriate department/staff member in an efficient and timely manner.
• To provide general customer information to callers as required – e.g. visiting times.
• To keep up-to-date with hospital operations and developments so as to be an efficient information provider for callers.
• To operate the Hospital Paging System as required.
• To provide a directory enquiry service to internal callers.
• To take messages as required and ensure these messages are accurately recorded and passed on to the intended recipient in an efficient and timely manner.
• To identify and react to emergency calls in line with agreed procedures.
• To monitor any equipment as required and to promptly follow SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) in responding in a timely and efficient manner.
• To arrange taxi and courier services if required.
• To update and maintain the hospitals telephone & paging directory online.
• To produce and distribute updated telephone directories as required from time to time.
• Ensuring up-to-date phone directories are available/issued to all departments and staff as required.
• To be familiar with the Hospital plan for Fire, Cardiac Arrest and Major Disasters.
• To co-operate with the Hospital on Health and Safety issues.
• To work in such a way so as not to compromise the Health & Safety of Hospital patients, relatives and staff.
• To be familiar with the Hospital Safety Statement.
• Any other duties deemed appropriate to the post. Please note that the duties of this post may change over time.

SKILLS

• Minimum of 3 years relevant work experience, i.e. switchboard and reception experience
• Ability to operate switch system efficiently.
• Ability to use computers, email, etc.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluent English.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Good team player.
• Ability to multi-task and process work professionally and efficiently in a busy environment.

AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Confidentiality of all information exposed to in the course of carrying out these duties is key to this post.
• Excellent administration of all patient information and medical records. Misplaced medical records could unduly stress the relationship between patient and hospital and could result in legal action against the hospital.
• Ensure that all information released to patients complies with hospital policy.

PREVENTION AND CORRECTION OF PROBLEMS: Keep all levels of staff and management informed, as appropriate, of all problems that may arise

• Health Act/Eligibility
• Patients Charter
• Freedom of Information Act 1997
• Keeping up to date with changes in hospital policy and changing technology
• Data Protection Act
• Complaints Management

POLICIES AND PROCEEDURES: For a full list of all the Hospitals Policies and Procedures please refer to qpulse. In particular, those as outlined within the Contract of Employment which you are required to familiarise and comply with, during the course of your employment.

QUALITY: To ensure the provision of the highest possible quality of service to our patients, all employees at the National Maternity Hospital have a responsibility to ensure adherence to and participation in internal and external quality control and assurance programmes on an ongoing basis.

HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS (HCAIS): In order to reduce the risk of HCAIs, compliance with Infection Prevention and Control policies and the attendance at infection control training, are essential for all staff members. It is paramount that each staff member practice good hand hygiene techniques. Staff members have a responsibility to report any obstacles to maintaining high standards of Infection Control and hand hygiene to their line manager or Infection Control Team

REMINDER ON CONFIDENTIALITY: In the course of his / her employment, the person appointed may have access to or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients or staff or other health service business. Such records or information are strictly confidential and unless acting on instructions of an authorised officer on no account must information be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. In addition records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody/destroyed in accordance with policy when no longer required.