At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage reception duties, assist with travel requests, and handle switchboard operations.
- Company: Join QE Facilities, a key player in NHS non-clinical services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be the friendly face of our organisation and make a difference every day.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to handle enquiries efficiently.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a chance to work in a dynamic healthcare setting.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Responsibilities include undertaking Facilities Helpdesk/Reception duties, such as arranging ID badges and access control for staff and external contractors, assisting with travel requests, maintaining the parking permit database, and dealing with staff and patient/visitor car parking queries.
Provide an efficient and responsive switchboard operator service, handling internal/external routine and emergency calls promptly and courteously, operating the hospital paging system, and monitoring and responding to alarms within the switchboard area. Timely issue and replacement of staff ID badges is required, along with maintaining the access control register and arranging required access in line with approvals.
Process staff bus pass applications and renewals, ensuring invoices and credits are correct and payments are made in a timely manner. Raise stock and non-stock requisitions via the relevant system to order office equipment and materials. Extract information from the BT portal for recharging. Maintain the parking permit database, assist with queries from staff, patients, and visitors, and help rectify issues. Assist patients and visitors with directions and help resolve any issues raised.
Deal with internal and external phone calls promptly and courteously, using Careflow and other systems to direct callers to the correct location. Handle emergency calls, contacting hospital staff on and off site as required. Operate the hospital paging system for cardiac arrests, major incidents, trauma, fire calls, etc.
References: All references from current and previous employers will be sought and must cover a minimum of 3 years of employment or education references covering 3 years. If there are gaps, character references will be required. When completing the reference section of your application form, please provide the address, telephone number, and work email address of each of your current/previous line managers that cover 3 years of employment or education references. This should be from two separate employers where possible. Failure to complete this section may result in your application not being processed.
Skills & Competencies: Ability to make straightforward decisions on job-related issues individually and as part of the wider team. Exercise judgement when dealing with enquiries and analyse information to resolve problems. Follow site assignment instructions and carry out scheduled tasks as detailed (daily/weekly and periodic). Ability to use own initiative in response to variations in work routine, seeking support as necessary. Demonstrate flexibility in terms of work area and shift pattern to meet the needs of the service. Ability to record and elevate serious incidents to appropriate managers. Office-based work involves using PC/VDU/software packages and keyboard work. Manage own workload with minimal supervision.
About the Organisation: QE Facilities (QEF) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (GHNT), based in the North East of England. We provide a range of non-clinical services to GHNT and other NHS organisations, including estates, facilities services, procurement, medical engineering and devices, endoscopy decontamination and sterile services, transport, out-patient pharmacy, and prevention & management of violence & aggression training (PMVA). Additionally, we provide consultancy services, advising clients on all aspects of establishing a subsidiary company within an NHS body and providing VAT compliance advice. QE Facilities work to their own Terms and Conditions, which are not the same as Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Terms and Conditions. This is not an Agenda for Change Pay Rate. We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement. Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust is a smoke-free organisation in line with Smoke Free Gateshead.
Receptionist/Switchboard Operator in Gateshead employer: QE Facilities
Contact Detail:
QE Facilities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist/Switchboard Operator in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research QE Facilities and understand their services. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your phone skills! Since you'll be handling calls as a receptionist, try role-playing with a friend. This will help you feel more confident when dealing with internal and external queries.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for situational questions! Think about how you'd handle various scenarios, like emergency calls or difficult visitors. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen on joining the team at QE Facilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist/Switchboard Operator in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications.
Showcase Your Customer Service Skills: Since this role involves dealing with staff, patients, and visitors, emphasise any previous experience you have in customer service. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to handle queries and resolve issues effectively.
Double-Check Your References: Ensure that your references cover the required three years and include accurate contact details. This is crucial for us to process your application smoothly, so don’t skip this step!
How to prepare for a job interview at QE Facilities
✨Know Your Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Receptionist/Switchboard Operator. Understand the importance of handling calls, managing access control, and assisting staff and visitors. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to take on the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be dealing with a variety of people, practice clear and courteous communication. Role-play common scenarios, like answering calls or assisting visitors, to build your confidence. This will help you convey professionalism during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss how you've handled difficult situations in the past. Think of examples where you made decisions or resolved issues effectively. This will highlight your ability to think on your feet, which is crucial for this role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the organisation and the team you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewer.