Switchboard Operator
Posted 10 days 23 hours ago by NHS
The closing date is 17 March 2026
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for the detailed job description of the role.
Please do not apply if you have already done so in the last 6 months
Main duties of the jobThis role offers the right candidate a fantastic opportunity to start or develop a career in the NHS. We offer full training on all aspects of the role.
Our department provides a professional 24 hour telephony and emergency response service to all internal departments within University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, as well as externally for patients and their relatives. GP emergency admissions, major incidents and fire service calls are all in a day's work.
You will need to be flexible to work both days/nights and weekends as we are a 24/7 service.
About usUniversity Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation.
At UHS we are committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible.
We proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti racist, anti discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered.
Job responsibilitiesYou will have first class communication and prioritisation skills and enjoy working in a fast paced environment where you'll meet a different challenge every day.
Due to the nature of this role and service, this role is on site, and the hours are as advertised. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what's possible for the role and service.
Shifts vary from week to week, but you will receive your rota 12 weeks in advance, covering a combination of shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays. Some examples include: Days: 07 00, 08 00 or 10 00; Evenings: 12 00 or 14 00; Nights: 22 00; Weekends and bank holidays: 07 30 or 14 00.
You will receive enhanced pay for working nights/weekends.
The personal drive to work independently, but with the support of an established team.
The ability to think rationally and logically when responding to emergencies, and a keen eye for detail.
The ambition to learn every day and a track record of dealing with the public in a customer focused environment.
Person Specification Qualifications / training required- Literacy and numeracy skills that are GCSE standard or equivalent
- Proven work experience in the use of computerised technology
- Qualifications in using Microsoft Windows applications/excel/email
- Understanding and knowledge of confidentiality issues/data protection
- Customer care or similar discipline
- Consistent and relevant employment history of dealing with the general public in a customer focused environment
- Experience of working in a predominately telephone based environment e.g. Switchboard/Contact Centre
- NVQ in Customer Care or equivalent experience
- Previous work within emergency response/situations
- Knowledge of Hospital/NHS terminology
- Experience with working with computer desktop applications
- Always Improving
- Working Together
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
£24,937 to £26,598 a year, pa or pa pro rata