Communications Operator

Central Communications Operator

Location:

Harrisonburg, VA (Rockingham Atrium) / Virginia Beach, VA (Sentara Independence). Position:
Full‑time second or third shift.

Work Hours:

Second shift 2:00 PM–10:30 PM or 4:30 PM–1:00 AM;
Third shift 9:00 PM–7:30 AM. Rotating weekends required. Must work 3 holidays.

Central Communications Operators play a critical role in ensuring seamless, timely communication across Sentara hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, and after‑hours call services. Operating within a centralized, 24/7 environment, this role serves as the primary hub for emergency and non‑emergency communications—supporting rapid response coordination, internal escalation, and exceptional customer service. Success in this role requires the ability to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly to shifting priorities, and communicate with urgency and precision during high‑impact situations.

• High School Diploma or equivalent (Required)

• No specific certification or licensure required at time of hire

• 2 years of experience in a high‑volume, fast‑paced communications, call center, or service operations environment (e.g., healthcare, emergency services, telecommunications, public safety, or centralized customer support) (Required)

• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately
• Knowledge of emergency codes and hospital incident command systems
• Proficiency with multi‑line phone systems, paging systems, and emergency notification platforms
• Experience with electronic health record systems and call management software
• Ability to troubleshoot communication equipment under pressure
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation

• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to $10,000
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
• Emergency Backup Care
• Long‑Term, Short‑Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
• Life Insurance
• 401(k)/403(b) with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance – $5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
• Student Debt Pay Down – $10,000
• Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if system and employee eligibility criteria are met.

Sentara Health is an equal‑opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its nearly 30,000‑member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.

In support of our mission “to improve health every day,” this is a tobacco‑free environment.

For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.