Telephone Operator

About the role

This position is located at James A. Haley VA Hospital switchboard within the Health Administration Service. The incumbent will work with a team of telephone operators to ensure 24/7 switchboard coverage. As the first point of contact for most callers, plays a critical role in providing excellent customer service. They will respond to calls from veterans and other customers seeking services or information. Incumbent will manage and respond promptly to emergency codes, including suicide calls. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/23/2026. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: General Experience: You must have one year of general experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-3 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of general experience would typically include, but are not limited to: operates the computerized telecommunication console to direct phone calls and a personal computer using VISTA applications to send messages and retrieve information needed to direct calls and coordinate the distribution of messages at the medical center in a timely, accurate manner. Performs a variety of administrative duties including switchboard room and emergency elevator access as well as responsibility for elevator and patient's bedside telephone. Responds to emergency alarms and makes emergency announcements on the overhead paging system requiring immediate response from facility and professional staff. Responsible for receiving and distributing incoming calls throughout the medical center. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have two years above high school (Transcript required). OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond . You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to Detail Customer Service Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Reading Comprehension Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The position requires extended periods of sitting, which may cause discomfort in the legs and lower back, necessitating appropriate ergonomic support. Good hearing and clear speech are essential for accurate and effective communication, while strong upper limb dexterity is needed to operate telecommunications equipment, including consoles, computers, and paging systems. The role also demands visual acuity for viewing computer screens and reading printed materials. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Your Match

How well this role fits your profile.

Company Intel

What employees say

Worked at Veterans Health Administration? Share your experience