Telephonist (After Hours) at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Southern, Canterbury

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – South Canterbury

Timaru Hospital

Permanent 0.4 FTE (32 hours per fortnight)

Administration Services

Internal Applicants Only

Help Keep Hospital Services Running Smoothly After Hours

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence. The role sits within our Administration team and supports the delivery of professional administrative and customer services across Timaru Hospital.

About the Role

We are seeking a professional, customer-focused Telephonist to join our Administration team at Timaru Hospital.

As a Telephonist, you will play a vital role in supporting the smooth operation of hospital services by providing an efficient and responsive communication service. You will manage a wide range of enquiries, support patients, whānau, visitors and staff, and help ensure people are connected to the right services when they need them. The role provides professional administrative and customer services and supports the operational requirements of Timaru Hospital after hours.

This is a varied role where no two shifts are the same. Our After Hours Telephonists are trained to cover a range of services across the hospital and are an integral part of a busy, fast-paced healthcare environment. Success in this role requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, strong communication abilities, and the capacity to manage competing priorities while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

You'll work closely with clinical and non-clinical teams across the organisation, helping to deliver a positive experience for patients and supporting the wider hospital to operate effectively and efficiently.

About the Team / Service / Location

The Administration Team provides essential support services across Timaru Hospital and works collaboratively with staff across a wide range of clinical and service areas. As part of this team, you'll contribute to ensuring effective communication and exceptional customer service across the organisation

Located in the heart of South Canterbury, Timaru offers an exceptional lifestyle with affordable living, excellent schools, short commute times, and easy access to beaches, lakes, mountains, skiing, hiking, and cycling. It's a fantastic place to build your career while enjoying genuine work-life balance.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Sound experience in office administration
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills
• Accurate data entry skills and a high level of attention to detail
• The ability to remain calm and effective under pressure
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• A professional, positive, and adaptable approach to work
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• A commitment to confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equitable health outcomes for Māori

Desirable

• Extensive administration experience within a healthcare environment
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills
• Knowledge of Health New Zealand South Canterbury patient information systems
• Knowledge of Regional Clinical Information Systems

Internal Applicants Only

This vacancy is open to current employees of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora only.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness'. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand.

The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes.

Salary Range

This role is covered by the terms and conditions of the relevant collective agreement and salary will be in accordance with the applicable pay scale and dependent on experience.

How to Apply

Please apply for this vacancy online via the Health NZ Careers website.

If you have any questions regarding this role, please contact Becky Allen at becky.allen2@tewhatuora.govt.nz.