What does a desk operator do?
Desk operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real desk operator resumes:
- Manage patients records by keeping all medical history, insurance and personal information update and verify abiding by HIPAA protocols.
- Handle cash, count the till, used POS system, stock food and drinks.
- Perform or delegate responsibilities of the full operation from the check-in process through to the posting of daily charges.
- Handle guest luggage during check-in and check-out, deliver room service requests, and prepare conference rooms for schedule group events.
- Maintain confidential medical records following HIPAA and office policy to prevent unauthorize viewing and attainment of patient information.
- Refer patient, to specialty not limit to MRI pediatric ophthalmologist, laboratory
Desk operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 26% of Desk Operators are proficient in Patients, Check-In, and Insurance Verification. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Integrity, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Desk Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Patients, 26%
Scheduled appointments, registered patients by following the protocols of the organization and collected all documentation.
- Check-In, 15%
Handled guest luggage during check-in and check-out, delivered room service requests, and prepared conference rooms for scheduled group events.
- Insurance Verification, 12%
Manage the Insurance Verification and Authorization department.
- Windows, 12%
Utilized Windows desktop and virtual systems.
- Customer Service, 12%
Prevented unnecessary ticket creation and phone unavailability while providing faster customer service via up to date technicians.
- Service Desk, 4%
Managed Service Desk operations with a staff of four service technicians, supporting 600 on-site and remote users over four offices.
Common skills that a desk operator uses to do their job include "patients," "check-in," and "insurance verification." You can find details on the most important desk operator responsibilities below.
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a desk operator to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "information clerks must be able to explain policies and procedures clearly to customers and the public." Desk operators often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "provided guidance on improving customer service and communication skills as well as best ways to effectively utilize handle time. "
Integrity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling desk operator duties is integrity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "information clerks, particularly human resources assistants, have access to confidential information." According to a desk operator resume, here's how desk operators can utilize integrity in their job responsibilities: "entrusted with guest service experience from check-in to check-out in a high traffic atmosphere. "
Interpersonal skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of desk operators is interpersonal skills. This skill is critical to many everyday desk operator duties, as "information clerks who work with the public and customers must understand and communicate information effectively to establish positive relationships." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "book motel reservations and answered customer questions provide quality customer service to all patrons developed strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills"
Organizational skills. desk operator responsibilities often require "organizational skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "information clerks must be able to retrieve files and other important information quickly and efficiently." This resume example shows what desk operators do with organizational skills on a typical day: "saved money by initiating new check in procedureskills usedgreat customer service, organizational skills, marketing and advertising"
The three companies that hire the most desk operators are:
- Mayo Clinic17 desk operators jobs
- SunSource2 desk operators jobs
- Xator
2 desk operators jobs
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Compare different desk operators
Desk operator vs. Customer service desk
The responsibilities of working in a customer service desk primarily revolves around ensuring customer satisfaction by responding to their inquiries and concerns. There are instances when it is required to provide directions, locate products, make reservations, and resolve various issues. There may also be administrative tasks such as handling and making calls, assisting customers in filling out forms, preparing paperwork and reports, arranging records, and coordinating with various staff members to ensure that a customer receives quality service.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between desk operators and customer service desk. For instance, desk operator responsibilities require skills such as "patients," "check-in," "insurance verification," and "front desk operations." Whereas a customer service desk is skilled in "strong customer service," "front desk," "sales floor," and "front end." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that customer service desks earn slightly differ from desk operators. In particular, customer service desks are 2.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a desk operator. Additionally, they're 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Desk operator vs. Switchboard operator, receptionist
Front-Desk Associates are the face of a hotel. Their duties are focused on assisting guests and attaining customer satisfaction. Aside from great communication skills, Front-Desk Associates must also have a pleasing personality and great presence of mind as guests will come to them first should there be any issues on the services provided. Moreover, among the duties of Front-Desk Associates include performing room check-ins and check-outs, accepting and arranging reservations, assigning rooms, maintain booking and payments, and communicate with the entire hotel staff to ensure quality service.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, desk operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "patients," "check-in," "insurance verification," and "windows." Meanwhile, a switchboard operator, receptionist has duties that require skills in areas such as "greeting visitors," "data entry," "front desk," and "emergency calls." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
In general, switchboard operators, receptionist achieve similar levels of education than desk operators. They're 2.9% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Desk operator vs. Front desk staff
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a desk operator is likely to be skilled in "patients," "insurance verification," "windows," and "service desk," while a typical front desk staff is skilled in "facility tours," "cleanliness," "strong customer service," and "emergency situations."
Most front desk staff achieve a similar degree level compared to desk operators. For example, they're 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Desk operator vs. Front desk associate
Types of desk operator
Updated January 8, 2025
