Switchboard Telephonist - Targeted
Be the friendly voice behind every connection at John Hunter Hospital.
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Telephonist Level 2
Remuneration: $70,881.98 - $73,766.41 per annum + super
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: John Hunter Hospital | Awabakal Country
Requisition ID: REQ686328
Applications Close: Sunday, 20th September 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.
About the role:
Be the welcoming voice of John Hunter Hospital and play an important role in connecting patients, visitors, staff and the wider community with the information and support they need.
As a Switchboard Operator, you’ll provide friendly, efficient and professional switchboard services for all incoming calls to the hospital. Working as part of a 24/7, 7-day-a-week service, you’ll help manage thousands of calls and enquiries, making you one of the first points of contact for people accessing our hospital.
On a typical day, you will:
- Answer and manage incoming calls in a friendly, professional and timely manner.
- Connect callers with the appropriate ward, department, service or staff member.
- Respond calmly and professionally to urgent or sensitive calls.
- Manage a high volume of calls while maintaining a high standard of customer service.
- Work closely with hospital staff and other teams to ensure callers get the right information and support.
- Follow hospital procedures to ensure calls are handled safely and appropriately.
- Contribute to a positive, supportive and team-focused switchboard environment.
You will work as part of the John Hunter Hospital Switchboard team and report to the relevant Switchboard Team Leader.
About you:
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Can stay calm, friendly and professional when things get busy.
- Has strong time management and organisational skills.
- Is confident dealing with people from all walks of life.
- Takes a positive, helpful and team-first approach to their work.
- Is reliable, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced hospital environment.
- Is available to work a 24-hour rotating roster, 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays.
How you'll be supported:
A tailored training plan will be implemented when you start, ensuring you have the support you need from the start. We also offer a wide range of online training courses to support your ongoing development and help you build your skills along the way.
What we can offer you:
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:
- Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
- 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
- Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
- Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
- Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
Additional information:
- An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
- 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.
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Claire Feltis on claire.feltis@health.nsw.gov.au
Information for Applicants:
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 B 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 B positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
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.
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