Level 3 Physiotherapist Orthopaedics and Surgical Wards

Combine exceptional clinical practice with the chance to build something meaningful.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time (0.6 until February 2027 and 0.4 until March 2027)
Position Classification: Physiotherapist Level 3
Remuneration: $61.31 - $63.29 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: up to 38 hours
Requisition ID: REQ677480
Location: The Maitland Hospital
Applications Close: Tuesday, 18th August 2026


Where you'll be working
The Physiotherapy Department at Maitland Hospital is seeking an experienced and motivated Level 3 Physiotherapist to join our dynamic Acute Ward team on a temporary full time basis. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work across a varied caseload including surgical, orthopaedics, Hunter Joint Centre, and medical patients within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment. 
The usual working days for the position would be either Saturday to Wednesday or Sunday to Thursday, with part-time/job-share arrangements also considered. Work times can be flexible 7-3:30pm or 8-4:30pm considered for the successful candidate/s.
 

The position consists of:

• 0.6 FTE Orthopaedic and General Surgical Ward: 7 September 2026 – 7 February 2027, with possible extension. 

 You will primarily be responsible for the physiotherapy management of two 28-bed wards providing Orthopaedic and General Surgical services. As such, extensive experience in orthopaedic and surgical physiotherapy is essential, including the management of both elective and trauma presentations, and post-operative surgical patients.

• 0.4 FTE Hunter Joint Centre (focus on elective joint replacements facilitating day 1 discharge): 7 September 2026 – 12 March 2027 

You’ll be leading physiotherapy input with a focus on early intervention and enhanced recovery. Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, you’ll help implement innovative processes that support safe day 1 post-op discharge, while identifying patients early who may require extended inpatient care or transfer. 
As such, extensive experience in acute orthopaedics and leading service innovation and change initiatives is essential.

As a Level 3 Physiotherapist, you will demonstrate the following:

• Provide expert, evidence-based physiotherapy assessment and intervention to acute inpatients across orthopaedics and general medical wards.
• Lead and support the development of junior physiotherapy staff and students through supervision, education, and mentoring.
• Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and clinical efficiency.
• Work closely with nursing, medical, and allied health teams to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centred care.
   

This position is ideal for a physiotherapist seeking to consolidate and expand their acute care expertise while contributing to the professional growth of others. You’ll be part of a supportive and progressive team within a state-of-the-art facility, committed to clinical excellence and the ongoing development of our physiotherapy workforce.

The Opportunity
You will find a supportive and forward-thinking environment at Maitland Hospital, with strong opportunities for professional growth and career development. This full time position within our Acute Ward Physiotherapy team offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient recovery and wellbeing across a diverse surgical, orthopaedic, and medical caseload.

Be part of a collaborative and innovative team dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care and driving continuous improvement within our acute service. As a key member of the physiotherapy and multidisciplinary team, you will provide compassionate, patient-centred care to inpatients, their families, and carers guided by best practice standards and supported by an experienced senior leadership team.

Working confidently within your scope of practice, you will exercise clinical autonomy while also providing supervision, mentoring, and guidance to junior physiotherapists and students. Collaboration and open communication are essential in this role, as you will work closely with colleagues across disciplines to optimise patient outcomes, contribute to service development, and foster a culture of learning and excellence within the Acute Ward at Maitland Hospital.

The successful applicant will be well supported in this role through a comprehensive orientation and on-the-ground training program tailored to the acute care environment at Maitland Hospital. You will receive structured guidance and clinical support from Level 4 Physiotherapists, ensuring a confident transition into the ward’s workflow, documentation systems, and multidisciplinary practices. Our department offers a robust in-service education calendar, complemented by opportunities for peer and individual supervision to promote reflective practice and ongoing skill development. We actively encourage participation in professional development activities, including external courses, workshops, and specialty training aligned with individual career goals and service needs.

The physiotherapy team fosters a culture of learning, collaboration, and clinical excellence, providing consistent mentorship and opportunities for leadership growth within the acute care and fracture clinic settings.

✅The usual working days for the position would be either Saturday to Wednesday or Sunday to Thursday, with part-time/job-share arrangements also considered. Work times can be flexible 7-3:30pm or 8-4:30pm considered for the successful candidate/s.

About You
Skills in splinting and casting are essential for this role, along with a strong understanding of, and confidence within, your scope of practice. You will demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development relevant to your allocated orthopaedic and surgical caseload and exhibit the attributes necessary to effectively supervise, communicate with, and support less experienced staff.  The role requires significant orthopaedic and general surgical experience, including the management of both non-operative and post-operative surgical patients across the inpatient setting. You will also play an active role in the supervision, education, and upskilling of junior staff, including supporting the clinical development and transition of new graduate physiotherapists into practice.
 

Requirements 

1. Physiotherapist with current Authority to Practice with AHPRA

 What we can offer you

Additional information

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.  
• Job share / part time arrangements will be considered.
• 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.

How to apply

• Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

1. Demonstrated high level verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
2. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and within a multi-disciplinary team to manage complex situations.
3. Demonstrated ability to meet the supervision needs of students and/or less experienced staff

 Need more information? 
  1) Click here for the Position Description 
  2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact James Lin on Jiangxu.Lin@health.nsw.gov.au

Information for Applicants: