Front Desk Receptionist/Switchboard Operator

Make a difference in our community and join the Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) Team!

Since 1938, Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) has been committed to providing quality affordable housing to enhance the lives of our residents and promote their independence. Our professional team members provide housing assistance to over 2,000 low-income families in Sarasota. In addition to affordable housing, SHA endeavors to help our families access appropriate services to improve their lives and is an award-winning industry leader in early childhood education. SHA is also a HUD High Performer in every category, for several years running. For more information on SHA visit, www.sarasotahousing.org

SHA is committed to providing our team members with a flexible work-life balance that increases their quality of life and well-being.

Become part of the SHA team and enjoy:

• A four-day (40-hour) condensed workweek, Monday-Thursday schedule.
• Generous paid time off program.
• Twelve paid holidays annually.
• 100% Company paid medical, dental, and vision for employee only, starting on day one!
• Employer Match Deferred Compensation Plan of 100% of deferrals up to 5.4% of pay; if deferrals are 5.5% of pay or more, the match will be 7.5% of pay.
• A commitment to team member professional development, training, or continuing education subject to CEO approval.

What We Are Looking For:

The SHA team is currently seeking a Receptionist/Switchboard Operator to serve as the welcoming first point of contact for callers and visitors. This position answers and routes incoming calls, receives visitors, maintains an organized front office and lobby, and provides general administrative support. Responsibilities also include processing client restitution payments, preparing briefing packets, distributing paperwork to caseworkers, and helping ensure the office opens and closes at established times.

The preferred candidate will be courteous, dependable, and professional, with strong customer service, organization, communication, and multitasking skills. The successful candidate must be comfortable managing multiple phone lines, following established office procedures, learning clerical tasks, and remaining composed while assisting individuals with a broad range of needs. Fluency in Spanish and/or Russian is a plus.

In this Role, You Will:

• Treat all callers and visitors with courtesy, respect, and professionalism
• Answer incoming calls promptly and route them to the appropriate staff member
• Ensure the front office is continuously staffed during established business hours
• Greet visitors and ensure they remain in the lobby until received by the appropriate staff member
• Maintain an organized, welcoming lobby that is free of trash and debris
• Use SHA software and interoffice messaging systems to support daily operations
• Perform general administrative duties using office equipment, including copiers, scanners, and printers
• Process restitution payments from clients and provide receipts
• Prepare briefing packets before the office opens each morning
• Distribute the prior day’s paperwork to the appropriate caseworkers before the office opens
• Open and close the office to the public at established times
• Follow departmental routines, office requirements, and applicable regulations
• Perform other related duties as assigned

What You Need:

• High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
• A minimum of 18 months of switchboard operator experience handling at least four phone lines
• Experience in a public-contact environment and performing general administrative office duties
• Strong customer service, organizational, and multitasking skills
• Ability to handle difficult interactions while remaining calm and professional
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and established departmental procedures
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, residents, HUD representatives, and individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds
• Valid Florida driver’s license with the ability to be insured under SHA’s fleet insurance policy
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Russian is a plus

If you are interested in joining the SHA team and contributing to our continued efforts to provide quality affordable housing to enhance the lives of our residents and promote their independence, Please Apply Now.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Switchboard Operator: 2 years (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person