Patient Support Officer - Targeted

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until June 2027
Position Classification: Administration Officer Level 2
Remuneration: $66,608.03 - $68,817.27 Per Annum + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ669854
Location: John Hunter Hospital
Closing Date: Sunday 05 July 2026

Whilst this position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion.

Make a Difference Behind the Scenes of Exceptional Patient Care

Are you an organised, customer-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Join the Surgical Services team at John Hunter Hospital and play a vital role in supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Based in our busy General Surgical Ward J3, this position offers the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team of nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and support staff. As the first point of contact for patients, families and visitors, you'll help ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the ward while making a positive difference to the patient experience.

About the Team

The Surgical Services Unit at John Hunter Hospital is an essential part of our healthcare system, providing administrative and operational support to surgical and perioperative services. Our team culture is supportive, collaborative and focused on delivering outstanding patient care.

Working Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 3:30pm, you'll be part of a dynamic environment where teamwork, continuous learning and professional development are highly valued. We encourage staff to take initiative, manage competing priorities and contribute to ongoing improvements across the service.

About the Role

As a Ward Clerk, no two days are the same. You will provide essential administrative support to the clinical team while helping patients and families navigate their healthcare journey.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the first point of contact for the ward, responding to phone calls, emails and patient enquiries.
• Providing support and information to patients and their families with empathy and professionalism.
• Maintaining accurate patient records and preparing documentation for the Clinical Information Department.
• Coordinating follow-up appointments for patients.
• Performing accurate data entry into the patient journey board and EPIC system.
• Collaborating with Nurse Unit Managers, nursing staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, Clinical Support Officers and administrative colleagues.
• Supporting the efficient operation of the ward through a variety of administrative tasks.

About You

We are seeking a motivated and adaptable individual who enjoys working with people and takes pride in delivering excellent service.

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• A professional, compassionate approach when handling sensitive situations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently when required.
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to a positive team environment.

Previous administrative and/or customer service experience is preferred but not essential. We welcome applicants who are eager to learn and develop their skills within a healthcare setting.

Training and Support

We are committed to setting our staff up for success. The successful applicant will receive:

• A comprehensive induction program.
• Face-to-face and online training.
• Dedicated mentorship and support.
• Approximately two weeks of structured onboarding and training.
• Access to ongoing education and career development opportunities across Hunter New England Local Health District.

Why join Hunter New England Health?

• Be part of one of the largest and most diverse Local Health Districts in NSW
• Influence digital solutions that directly support patient care and clinical outcomes
• Salary packaging options
• Work collaboratively with passionate clinicians and digital health professionals
• Enjoy career development opportunities within NSW Health
• Make a real difference across a large, complex health service
• Fitness Passport for you and your family
  
   

What you'll be doing

Information for Applicants:

“This is a targeted recruitment under Rule 26 of the Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014 where only Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are considered eligible to apply for this role.” 

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy. 

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.

To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa. 

We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.   

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace.  Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact hnelhd-diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses. 

An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies. 

This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered.

Casual opportunities may be available for recommended applicants

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