Switchboard Operator – Life Healthcare

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Life Healthcare is inviting applications for a Switchboard Operator position at Life Bedford Gardens Hospital in Gauteng. The successful candidate will join the Finance/Administration function and report to the Admissions Supervisor.

This role is suited to a hardworking, energetic and well-spoken individual who enjoys assisting people, providing excellent customer service and working in a professional hospital environment.

Job Details

Job Title: Switchboard Operator
Company: Life Healthcare
Facility: Life Bedford Gardens Hospital
Function: Finance/Administration
Location: Bedford Gardens, Gauteng
Reporting To: Admissions Supervisor
Closing Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Employment Type: Full-time hospital support position

Job Purpose

The Switchboard Operator is responsible for managing the hospital switchboard and ensuring that telephone communication operates smoothly and efficiently.

The successful candidate will serve as an important point of contact for internal and external customers, ensuring that calls are answered promptly, enquiries are handled professionally and callers are directed to the correct departments or individuals.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

  • Answering telephone calls according to Life Healthcare policies and procedures.
  • Ensuring all calls are answered within three rings.
  • Determining the nature of each call.
  • Transferring calls to the relevant department or person.
  • Taking accurate messages when required.
  • Ensuring messages are delivered to the correct recipient.
  • Assisting reception staff when required.
  • Assisting internal customers with enquiries.
  • Assisting external customers with enquiries.
  • Delivering excellent service to callers.
  • Maintaining the hospital intercom.
  • Performing ad hoc operational duties when required.
  • Supporting the smooth operation of the switchboard.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • Matric / Grade 12
  • Computer literacy.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Good verbal and written communication abilities.
  • A professional telephone manner.

Skills and Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate should be:

  • Hard-working and energetic.
  • Well spoken and professional.
  • Eager to learn.
  • Positive and enthusiastic.
  • Willing to go the extra mile.
  • Customer-focused.
  • Able to communicate effectively with different people.
  • Able to work efficiently in a busy environment.
  • Professional when dealing with patients, visitors, staff and other callers.

Competencies

Life Healthcare requires candidates who demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Problem-solving, analysis and judgement
  • Resilience
  • Engaging diversity
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Influencing
  • Drive and energy
  • Excellence orientation
  • Ethical behaviour
  • Building relationships
  • Customer responsiveness
  • Organisational awareness

Working Environment

The successful candidate will work within a hospital environment where professional communication and customer service are important. The role requires the ability to respond promptly to telephone calls and enquiries while maintaining a courteous and professional approach.

Because the switchboard is a key communication point within the hospital, accuracy, responsiveness and good organisational skills are important.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements and are interested in working as a Switchboard Operator at Life Bedford Gardens Hospital are encouraged to apply.

Both external candidates and internal applicants will be considered.

Internal applicants are requested to discuss their application with their line manager before applying.

How to Apply

Applicants should download and complete the Life Healthcare External Employment Application Form and submit their application to the relevant recruitment contact.

Email: [email protected]

Closing Date: 12 August 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.

Life Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

Apply Here