Telephonist

Telephonist

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – South Canterbury

Timaru Hospital

Permanent 0.4 FTE

Hospital Specialty Services

Switchboard and Communication Services

Be the First Point of Contact for Patients, Visitors and Staff

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.

About the Role

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

As a Telephonist, you will provide an efficient and responsive switchboard service while acting as an important point of contact for patients, visitors, staff, and external stakeholders. You will answer and direct internal and external calls, monitor alarms, coordinate emergency communication procedures, and provide administrative support services across the organisation.

Working in a busy hospital environment, you will be responsible for ensuring enquiries are managed professionally and efficiently, maintaining accurate information, and supporting the smooth operation of hospital services. This role requires the ability to remain calm under pressure, manage competing priorities, and communicate effectively with a diverse range of people.

You will be part of a wider Administration Team that provides essential support services and contributes to the delivery of quality patient care across Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora South Canterbury.

About the Team / Service / Location

The Telephonist service operates as a key communication hub within Timaru Hospital. As part of the Administration Team, you will work collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical staff to support efficient communication, emergency response procedures, and exceptional customer service for our patients, whānau, visitors, and staff.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills
• A professional and confident telephone manner
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail
• Good computer literacy, including experience with Microsoft Office applications and data entry
• The ability to remain calm and focused in busy or emergency situations
• A flexible, proactive, and positive approach to work
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritise workload effectively
• A commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times
• Experience in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equitable health outcomes for Māori

Desirable

• Previous switchboard, reception, administration, or customer service experience
• Experience working in a healthcare environment
• A relevant customer service or administration qualification
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities

Internal Applicants Only

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.

Working at 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. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and serve our communities. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

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

To apply, please click "Apply Now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal at Health NZ Careers.

For further information regarding this role, please contact Becky Allen at becky.allen@tewhatuora.govt.nz.

Applications will be reviewed as received and the recruitment process may commence before the closing date.