Become a Telephone Operator at the Baltimore VA Medical Center

Are you a skilled communicator looking for a stable career where your work directly impacts those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly motivated Telephone Operator to join the team at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to build a career within the federal government while ensuring Veterans receive the care and information they deserve.

Job Responsibilities

As a Telephone Operator, you are more than just a voice on the line; you are an information hub and a representative of the VA's commitment to excellence. Your core duties will include:

Efficient Call Handling: Operating complex computerized telephone systems to route incoming and outgoing calls.
Customer Service: Managing inquiries from patients, their families, and staff with professionalism, especially during high-stress situations like emergency or difficult calls.
Technical Support: Maintaining equipment logs, troubleshooting minor technical issues, and monitoring paging systems.
Documentation: Managing records for long-distance, toll, and emergency calls while maintaining internal reference manuals.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-04 level position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Experience/Education: One year of general clerical experience OR two years of education above high school.
Assessment: Completion of required online assessments.
Vaccination: Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.

Salary and Comparison

This role offers a structured salary range, providing financial stability and growth opportunities typical of federal employment.

Position Level	Salary Range (Annual)
Telephone Operator (GS-04)	$41,659 - $54,160

Benefits

Working for the VA comes with significant benefits that support your health, financial future, and work-life balance, including:

Robust health insurance coverage.
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Federal retirement pension plans and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Stable work environment and clear professional growth paths.

Application Tips

To stand out during the hiring process:

Format: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Clarity: Describe your duties explicitly; do not rely on the agency to 'guess' your level of responsibility.
Documents: Double-check that all required SF-50 forms and transcripts are attached.

If you are ready to start a rewarding career, apply today for the Telephone Operator position at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. Your skills can help us provide the world-class service our Veterans have earned.

Why This Telephone Operator Job Matters

Join the Baltimore VA Medical Center team and serve those who have served our nation. As a Telephone Operator, you are the crucial first point of contact, ensuring our Veterans receive compassionate, efficient, and professional communication services.

Telephone Operator Job Overview

The Baltimore VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Telephone Operator to join our dynamic communications team. In this role, you will be the vital link between our facility and the Veterans, caregivers, and staff who rely on our services. You will manage a complex automated telephone system, handle sensitive inquiries with empathy, and provide essential administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of our healthcare facility.

Requirements for Telephone Operator

U.S. Citizenship.
Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement (09/11/2026).
Time-in-grade requirement: Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the GS-03 level.
Completion of an online assessment of critical general competencies.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Must be able to provide required identification documents.

Preferred Qualifications for Telephone Operator

Fluency in English.
Prior experience in high-volume, professional customer service roles.
Demonstrated ability to handle difficult or emergency calls with patience and composure.
Experience operating computerized telecommunications and paging systems.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Life insurance programs.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the VA.
✓Employee assistance and wellness programs.

💡 How to Apply Telephone Operator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Telephone Operator Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full job announcement details and instructions.
Prepare a resume that specifically highlights job titles, dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
Upload required documents, such as transcripts or SF-50 forms.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit the application package before 11:59 PM (ET) on September 11, 2026.
Check your email for instructions if invited to complete the USA Hire assessment.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages or less as per new federal requirements.
Clearly label your volunteer experience as it counts toward your general experience.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all necessary data fields are included.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting.
Be specific about your duties—the agency cannot make assumptions about your skills if they are not listed.
Test your equipment or internet connection before starting the online assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use education to qualify if I do not have a full year of experience?

Yes, you may substitute experience with 2 years of education above high school from an accredited institution.

What is the shift structure for this position?

This position requires working rotating shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Do I need to submit an SF-50?

Yes, if you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit an SF-50 to document your time-in-grade eligibility.

Is this a virtual position?

No, this is an on-site position based in Baltimore, Maryland.

What hours should I expect?

The role involves rotating shifts to ensure 24/7 coverage, including weekends and holidays.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families. By joining our team in Baltimore, you become part of a compassionate community dedicated to providing 'Whole Health' care, empowering Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being.