Launch Your Career as a Telephone Operator at the Salisbury VA

Are you looking for a role that combines professional clerical skills with a meaningful mission? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina, is seeking a committed professional to fill the role of Telephone Operator. This position is a gateway to supporting our nation's Veterans, ensuring they receive the communication support they need to access high-quality healthcare.

Job Responsibilities

As the Telephone Operator, you serve as the heartbeat of the medical center’s communication system. Your daily responsibilities will include:

System Operation: Managing the automated call distribution system to handle high call volumes efficiently.
Call Routing: Interviewing callers to understand their needs and transferring them to the appropriate medical or administrative departments.
Customer Service: Providing a warm, professional, and respectful experience to every caller, regardless of the complexity of the inquiry.
Conflict Handling: Managing difficult or distressed callers with patience, de-escalating conflicts, and maintaining composure.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience/Education: One year of general clerical experience OR two years of post-high school education.
Documentation: A complete application package including a resume (max 2 pages) and any necessary transcripts.
Health Requirements: Must participate in the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Probation: Ability to complete a one-year probationary period.

Salary Overview

The position is classified under the GS-4 grade level. The annual salary range is as follows:

Pay Detail	Amount
Minimum Salary	$37,221
Maximum Salary	$48,390
Pay Interval	Per Year

Benefits

Federal employees with the VA enjoy an industry-leading benefits package, which includes comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, paid annual leave, and sick leave. Beyond the tangible benefits, you gain the personal satisfaction of working for an organization that places Veterans at the center of everything it does.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Federal hiring plans now cap resumes at two pages. Keep your content focused and relevant.
Be Explicit: Do not assume the hiring manager knows your history. Clearly state your duties and the hours worked per week.
PDF Everything: Save your resume and documents as PDFs to ensure they look perfect when reviewed by HR.
Check Your Dates: Ensure all experience entries clearly indicate the month and year of start/end dates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this job virtual?

No, this is an onsite role at the Salisbury medical center. You must be able to commute to the facility.

What if I am a Veteran?

Veterans' preference is highly valued at the VA. Be sure to include your DD-214 and any disability documentation during the application process.

Is a drug test required?

While this specific role is not drug-test designated, a background and security investigation is required for all new hires.

If you are ready to use your communication skills to support those who have served our country, the Salisbury VA is looking for you. This role offers stability, professional growth, and the chance to contribute to a noble mission. Review the requirements, update your resume, and submit your application via USAJOBS before the closing date.

Why This Telephone Operator Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on those who served our nation by providing the first point of contact for our Veterans at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center.

Telephone Operator Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Telephone Operator to join our team in Salisbury, North Carolina. This role is essential to our facility's operations, acting as the voice and front-line support for Veterans and their families. You will manage incoming calls, provide accurate information, and route requests to the appropriate departments within the medical center, ensuring every caller receives professional, courteous, and efficient service.

Requirements for Telephone Operator

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must be able to pass a background and security investigation.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Must be willing to live within or relocate to a commutable distance of Salisbury, NC.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Must possess one year of general experience in clerical or office settings, or a combination of two years of education above high school.

Preferred Qualifications for Telephone Operator

Experience operating automated call distribution systems.
Proven track record in high-volume customer service or switchboard roles.
Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure, complex call scenarios.
Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on empathy and clarity.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual.
✓Predictable and flexible scheduling.
✓Meaningful career path in a mission-driven environment.
✓Access to retirement programs including the Thrift Savings Plan.

💡 How to Apply Telephone Operator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Telephone Operator Job

Create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, focusing on relevant skills and recent experience.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package, including transcripts and supporting documents, before the deadline.
Monitor your email for status updates and referral notifications.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to comply with federal merit hiring plans.
Clearly include month and year start/end dates for all work experience.
Use the resume builder on USAJOBS to ensure your document meets all formatting requirements.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain proper formatting and font clarity.
Be specific about your duties; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions about your abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Telephone Operator at the VA?

You will serve as the first point of contact for the facility, answering incoming calls, screening inquiries, and routing them to the correct departments while maintaining a courteous and helpful demeanor.

Can I qualify with education instead of work experience?

Yes, successful completion of two years of education above the high school level at an accredited institution can be substituted for the required general experience.

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this is an onsite position. You must live within a commutable distance of the Salisbury, NC facility.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to honoring President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the VHA is more than a job; it is an opportunity to join an inclusive, mission-driven community that values service, integrity, and compassion. Employees enjoy a stable work environment, clear pathways for advancement, and a deep sense of purpose.