Employment Type: Permanent Full Time and Part Time

Position Classification: Wardsperson

Remuneration: $32.49 - $34.72 per hour + super

Hours Per Week: up to 38

Requisition ID: REQ691735

Location: John Hunter Hospital

Closing Date: Monday, 28th September 2026

Interview Date: Thursday, 8th October 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.

Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to patients, families and the healthcare team? John Hunter Hospital (JHH) is seeking motivated and compassionate Wardspersons to join our team. This is an opportunity to become part of a busy tertiary hospital workplace where every day brings new challenges, experiences and opportunities to support high-quality patient care.

About the role

As a Wardsperson, you will play an important role in supporting the smooth operation of the hospital and ensuring patients receive safe, respectful and compassionate care throughout their hospital journey.

Working across John Hunter Hospital (JHH), John Hunter Children's Hospital (JHCH) and Rankin Park sites, you may be allocated to the hospital pool or a range of specialty departments including Emergency, Imaging, Intensive Care and procedural areas, depending on organisational needs.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

- Transporting patients safely in beds, trolleys and wheelchairs between departments and to and from the helipad.
- Providing courteous, respectful and compassionate assistance to patients and visitors.
- Supporting nursing and midwifery staff with patient care activities, including lifting and positioning patients using appropriate manual handling equipment and techniques.
- Transporting deceased patients to the mortuary and following established processes for the receipt and release of deceased patients.
- Supporting the Social Worker and After Hours Manager with arrangements for families viewing deceased patients when required.
- Transporting patient belongings, documents, specimens, medical gases and equipment throughout the hospital.
- Returning bed parts and accessories, storing equipment appropriately and undertaking equipment audits as required.
- Responding to fire and other emergencies as directed.
- Undertaking spot cleaning of spills and cleaning equipment.
- Emptying and relining waste and linen bins, including contaminated waste and soiled linen, in accordance with Infection Prevention and Control policies.
- Providing front-line customer service and assisting patients and visitors to navigate the hospital.

About You We are looking for people who are reliable,



compassionate and committed to providing excellent service in a busy healthcare environment.

You will demonstrate

- The ability to work effectively both independently and under supervision.
- A willingness to undertake a diverse range of tasks and contribute positively as part of a team.
- Confidence and courtesy when interacting with patients, visitors, families and staff at all levels.
- The ability to communicate concerns respectfully and professionally.
- A commitment to patient privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
- An understanding of safe manual handling practices and the ability to meet the physical requirements of the position.
- The ability to work across different departments and sites according to organisational needs.
- A commitment to the values of Hunter New England Local Health District and the NSW Health Code of Conduct.

Essential Criteria

- Willingness and ability to work day and night shifts within a 7 day rotating roster Must be able to fulfil the physical requirements of the position

About the Team You don't have to know everything on day one. We provide a comprehensive on-the-floor training program, supported by experienced Wardspersons, together with online education and corporate orientation. You will be supported as you develop the skills and confidence required to work effectively within a complex hospital environment.

John Hunter Hospital is the major tertiary teaching hospital and referral centre for the Hunter New England region. Located in Newcastle, the hospital provides services to a diverse population of more than 900,000 people and operates one of the busiest Emergency Departments in New South Wales.

The hospital is also undergoing significant redevelopment as part of the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, supporting the future growth and transformation of healthcare services across the region. The redeveloped precinct is scheduled to be fully operational in October 2026.

Working as a Wardsperson at John Hunter Hospital provides the opportunity to be part of a diverse and dedicated healthcare team. Your work will directly support patients, families and clinical staff and contribute to the safe and efficient delivery of healthcare services.

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

Need more information?

1. For role related queries or questions contact Lisa Smolaga on [email protected]





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 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.

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 [email protected] 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.

Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Casual opportunities may be available for recommended applicants

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📌 Wardsperson - Targeted (Newcastle)
🏢 Nsw Government
📍 Newcastle