Become a Vital Connection: Telephone Operator at the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System

Are you looking for a career that combines technical skills with a meaningful mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Telephone Operator for the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System in the historic city of Prescott, Arizona. This role serves as the voice and central nervous system of the facility, ensuring that calls reach the right destination—whether it is a routine inquiry or an emergency situation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Telephone Operator, your daily tasks are essential to hospital operations. You will:

Manage a busy switchboard, placing and receiving local and long-distance calls.
Provide directory assistance using computerized databases to route callers appropriately.
Monitor vital emergency circuits, ensuring that police, fire, and security services are reached immediately when needed.
Maintain records of communications management and toll tickets.
Assist specific personnel, including physicians and visiting dignitaries, with high-priority call handling.

Requirements

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a baseline of clerical or office experience, or a combination of education and experience. Key requirements include:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Documentation: A two-page limit is strictly enforced for all resumes.
Health Compliance: Participation in the annual influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Assessment: Candidates must complete an online USA Hire assessment.

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$37,193 - $47,334
Location	Prescott, Arizona
Schedule	M-F, 09:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Security Level	Non-sensitive / Low Risk

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $37,193 to $47,334 annually. Federal employment also provides a stable structure with potential for career advancement and locality pay benefits associated with the Prescott area.

Benefits

Federal employees at the VA enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Paid federal holidays.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires precision. Ensure your resume clearly states your duties, the dates you held each position (Month/Year), and the number of hours worked per week. Since the agency cannot make assumptions about your experience, be explicit and use the USAJOBS resume builder to stay within the two-page limit.

If you are organized, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to support our Veterans, this role is the perfect fit. Apply today to start your career with the VA and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who served our nation.

Why This Telephone Operator Job Matters

Join the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System as a dedicated Telephone Operator and serve those who have served our country in a vital, fast-paced communications role.

Telephone Operator Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a reliable Telephone Operator for the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System in Prescott, Arizona. This position is the central point of contact for the medical facility, responsible for managing switchboard operations, routing calls, and ensuring accurate communication across the healthcare network. You will play a crucial role in connecting Veterans, medical staff, and emergency services efficiently.

Requirements for Telephone Operator

U.S. Citizenship
Must be 18 years of age or older
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Completion of a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period
Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Ability to pass a background and security investigation

Preferred Qualifications for Telephone Operator

Experience in high-volume switchboard or customer service environments
Proficiency in computerized database management and directory navigation
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to handle high-stress calls
Education beyond high school (2 years) or a combination of relevant experience and education

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Defined benefit retirement plans
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Opportunities for professional career development within the VA system

💡 How to Apply Telephone Operator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Telephone Operator Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages.
Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts or military service records (DD-214).
Complete the online application and questionnaire before the closing date.
Check your email for instructions regarding the mandatory USA Hire assessment.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS profile.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month and year dates for all employment and the average hours worked per week.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your submission meets the new two-page length requirement.
Save your resume and documents as PDFs for the best formatting results.
Review your application thoroughly; the agency will not contact you to request missing information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the working hours for this role?

The switchboard operates Monday through Friday, 09:30 A.M. to 06:00 P.M.

Is a pre-placement physical exam required?

No, a pre-placement physical examination is not required for this position.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No, per the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes must be strictly limited to two pages or they will be ineligible for consideration.

Is this a remote position?

*A: No, this role requires on-site presence at the facility in Prescott, Arizona.*

What if I have a disability?

*A: You may request a reasonable accommodation for the online assessment through the application process.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System (NAVAHCS) is a Joint Commission-accredited facility dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to over 29,000 Veterans. By joining our team, you become a key part of an organization that honors President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."