Shape and lead a growing paediatric physio service - balance complex clinical care with innovation in a supportive, collaborative team
Remuneration: $116,892 – $120,680 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Maitland Hospital
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time – Until July 2026
Position Classification: Physiotherapist Level 3
Requisition ID: REQ650483
Applications Close: Monday 20th April 2026
About the role:
This exciting new autonomous paediatric physiotherapy role combines 0.5 FTE clinical practice with 0.5 service development responsibilities. Clinically, this role manages a diverse and often complex paediatric caseload from across the Lower Hunter catchment, with some referrals from the Upper Hunter, requiring a high level of clinical reasoning and independence. In addition, the role has a key strategic focus on establishing and expanding the paediatric physiotherapy service at Maitland, including contributing to the development and implementation of a sustainable paediatric model of care for the Lower Hunter. This builds on an existing limited service currently delivered one day per week, with the opportunity to enhance access, consistency, and quality of care for the paediatric population. For the right candidate/s job share opportunities may be available.
You will be supported within a well-connected and collaborative allied health team, receiving direct support from the Level 6 Head of Department, along with dedicated administrative support to assist with service coordination. This role sits alongside established paediatric Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy services, providing valuable opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration and shared care.
Clinical support is further strengthened through established links with John Hunter Hospital, where you will have access to experienced paediatric clinicians for specialist supervision, case discussion, and outreach support - ensuring confidence in managing complex presentations.
Ongoing professional development is strongly supported, with regular supervision, mentorship, and involvement in service development and quality improvement initiatives enabling you to build both advanced clinical skills and leadership capability over time.
Where you'll be working:
You will work within the Physiotherapy Department at Maitland Hospital, a modern regional facility serving the growing Lower Hunter community within Hunter New England Local Health District. The service delivers care across acute inpatient wards (including orthopaedics, medicine, surgery, ICU), emergency department, and outpatient settings, within a dynamic environment of increasing demand and acuity. Physiotherapists play a key role within the multidisciplinary team, contributing to evidence-based, patient-centred care that supports flow, reduces length of stay, and optimises outcomes.
The team culture is collaborative, supportive, and adaptable, with a strong focus on teamwork, shared accountability, and continuous improvement. Open communication and visible leadership foster psychological safety, enabling staff to contribute to service development and maintain a high standard of clinical care while supporting ongoing professional growth and wellbeing.
A structured orientation will support you to integrate into the service, including local systems, referral pathways, and key stakeholder engagement across the Lower Hunter. There is also a unique opportunity to shape and grow the paediatric physiotherapy service, contributing to the development of a contemporary and sustainable model of care.
About you:
You will demonstrate strong clinical capability in paediatric physiotherapy, with the ability to work autonomously, manage complex presentations, and apply advanced clinical reasoning across a varied caseload. Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills are essential - enabling effective engagement with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams, as well as coordination of care across services. You must also demonstrate sound organisational skills, adaptability, and the ability to prioritise within a dynamic clinical environment.
Given the service development component of the role, you should have an interest in innovation, service planning, and quality improvement, with the ability to contribute to the development and implementation of a paediatric model of care aligned with organisational priorities.
Non-negotiable attributes include the ability to work independently, deliver safe and evidence-based care, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a patient-centred approach.
Skills that can be further developed in the role include experience in service development, model of care design, and leadership within quality improvement initiatives, with support and mentorship provided to build capability in these areas.
Requirements:
* Physiotherapist with current Authority to Practice with AHPRA
What we offer
At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:
* Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
* Proximity to shopping and other services
* ADO's each month (for full time employees)\
* Salary packaging options
* Fitness Passport
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
* Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals
Additional Information:
* To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
* An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
* This position is full time; however, job share arrangements will be considered.
* 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.
* Demonstrated high level verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
* Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and within a multi-disciplinary team to manage complex situations.
* Demonstrated ability to lead planning and evaluation of team activities.
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 Anna Mills on
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.