What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESH PBX Chief Operator position at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services?
Description
DSHS ESH – PBX Chief Operator Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake is seeking a dedicated and experienced PBX Chief Operator to lead our hospital communications department. This critical role oversees the operation of all emergency and non-emergency communication systems, including the main telephone system, digital radios, fire alarm panels, and hospital-issued mobile devices.
As the direct supervisor of a 15-member team providing 24/7 coverage, the PBX Chief Operator ensures smooth coordination of internal and external communications, particularly in emergency situations where independent judgment is required. This position plays a vital role in hospital safety and response operations by monitoring duress alarms, CCTV systems, and dispatching appropriate staff or emergency services when needed. Additionally, the role supports key administrative functions such as scheduling, timekeeping, and processing single bed certifications in close collaboration with clinical teams.
If you are a strong leader with a calm presence under pressure, we encourage you to apply.
About Eastern State Hospital
Located in the quiet community of Medical Lake, just 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is one of two state-operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court-ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery-focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.
Some Of What You'll Do
We are searching for professionals with a High school diploma or GED equivalent AND two years of experience as a PBX operator or Security Communications Operator.
Along With Your Application, Please Include
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #05328.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
DSHS ESH – PBX Chief Operator Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake is seeking a dedicated and experienced PBX Chief Operator to lead our hospital communications department. This critical role oversees the operation of all emergency and non-emergency communication systems, including the main telephone system, digital radios, fire alarm panels, and hospital-issued mobile devices.
As the direct supervisor of a 15-member team providing 24/7 coverage, the PBX Chief Operator ensures smooth coordination of internal and external communications, particularly in emergency situations where independent judgment is required. This position plays a vital role in hospital safety and response operations by monitoring duress alarms, CCTV systems, and dispatching appropriate staff or emergency services when needed. Additionally, the role supports key administrative functions such as scheduling, timekeeping, and processing single bed certifications in close collaboration with clinical teams.
If you are a strong leader with a calm presence under pressure, we encourage you to apply.
About Eastern State Hospital
Located in the quiet community of Medical Lake, just 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is one of two state-operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court-ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery-focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.
Some Of What You'll Do
- Operate and manage a 317-bed hospital’s electronic switchboard, paging system, digital radio interface, and emergency fire board; maintain constant radio contact with security and coordinate with fire and local authorities as needed.
- Receive, transfer, and place incoming and outgoing calls for staff and patients; notify staff of outside calls, visitors, alarms, and emergency situations including fire, disasters, or major equipment failures.
- Announce and respond to emergencies over radio and overhead systems; locate staff and notify leadership (CEO, COO, CNO, Security) of patient elopement or safety issues; call for ambulance or air transport in medical emergencies.
- Supervise the hospital communications area, including the mailroom; train, assign, and evaluate communications staff; manage scheduling, timekeeping, and ensure proper mail distribution.
- Serve as front desk receptionist—greet and register visitors, interpreters, and volunteers; arrange escorts; provide information to callers and guests; maintain up-to-date staff directories and SharePoint postings.
- Log, process, and route medical and administrative information such as X-ray results, treatment mall activities, Single Bed Certifications, UL forms, and code reports; ensure timely data entry and daily reporting.
- Maintain and issue keys, radios, phones, and pagers; secure patient property and funds, sell meal tickets, log repair requests, and perform additional administrative and support duties as assigned.
- Proficient with hospital communications systems, including multiline phone systems, digital radios, electronic switchboards, and standard office equipment.
- Knowledge of hospital, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Experience responding to emergencies and intervening effectively in crisis or potentially dangerous situations.
- Experience working in psychiatric settings and managing large agency-wide programs including inventory tracking.
- Ability to communicate clearly and calmly with management, staff, patients, visitors, and the public, including de-escalating difficult or angry individuals.
- Strong teamwork skills with the ability to resolve conflicts in a professional, non-threatening manner.
We are searching for professionals with a High school diploma or GED equivalent AND two years of experience as a PBX operator or Security Communications Operator.
- Additional PBX or clerical experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
- Work schedule: 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday through Thursday.
- Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Along With Your Application, Please Include
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #05328.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
DSHS ESH Psychiatric Security Nurse (LPN)
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services -
Medical Lake, WA
