What are the responsibilities and job description for the COMMUNICATION OPERATOR position at Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics?
COMMUNICATION OPERATOR
Information Services
Per Diem
Job ID: #17165
Location: Salem Health, 665 Winter Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97303
Department: Solution Center
Position Type: Unscheduled/Per-Diem, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Staggered shifts starting between the hours of 5:00 am – 10:00 pm, variable call coverage
Your role with us
The communication operator at Salem Health plays a vital role in ensuring seamless communication across our health system. As the first point of contact for patients, visitors, providers, and staff, you will manage the hospital's switchboard, accurately process messages, coordinate emergency communications, monitor critical alarm systems, and support on-call scheduling. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who remains calm under pressure, communicates with confidence, and thrives in a fast-paced healthcare environment where every interaction matters.
What you'll do
- Operate the hospital switchboard system by promptly answering and directing calls to the appropriate location department or individual.
- Manage multiple phone lines efficiently while maintaining composure, accuracy, and exceptional service.
- Record, prioritize, and relay messages for physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, allied health professionals, and other healthcare staff according to established procedures and communication preferences.
- Activate emergency codes promptly and accurately, notifying appropriate medical staff, security personnel, and emergency response teams while remaining calm during critical situations.
- Participate in projects to improve processes and eliminate waste in workflows.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Solution Center Leadership.
Required qualifications
- One year of contact center experience or one year of customer service experience.
Additional Information
- Success in this role is built upon the ability to remain flexible in response to unexpected changes in work volume and scheduling.
- A strong aptitude for technology is essential, as candidates will thrive by demonstrating the ability to operate various machines and equipment including computers, telephone consoles and radio paging systems.
Total rewards package
Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations, and professional growth.
Why Salem Health?
Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.
We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you’ll find more than a job, you’ll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.
Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.
Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact my.recruiter@salemhealth.org.