Make a real difference in patient flow, complex care and safe transitions from hospital to home.
Employment Type: Permanent Part - Time
Position Classification: Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2
Remuneration: $128,301.89 - $132,523.13 per annum + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 32
Requisition ID: REQ688379
Location: Manning Hospital, Taree
Closing Date: Sunday, 13th September 2026
About the Opportunity
An exciting opportunity is available for a Discharge Planner / Complex Case Manager to join the team in Taree, supporting patients with complex care needs and helping ensure safe, timely and well-coordinated transitions from hospital to home and other appropriate care settings. Working within a collaborative patient flow environment, you will use your clinical expertise, problem-solving skills and strong communication to coordinate care, identify barriers to discharge and work closely with patients, families, carers and the multidisciplinary team to achieve the best possible outcomes. The position reports to the Patient Flow Manager and provides an opportunity to contribute to clinical leadership, service improvement and the ongoing development of effective patient flow processes.
What You Will Be Doing
As the Discharge Planner / Complex Case Manager, you will:
- Coordinate complex patient discharges and support safe, timely transitions of care.
- Undertake comprehensive assessment and care coordination for patients with complex needs.
- Identify and address barriers to discharge, working collaboratively with patients, families, carers and the multidisciplinary team.
- Facilitate referrals and link patients with appropriate health, community and support services.
- Provide clinical leadership and expert advice relating to complex discharge planning and care coordination.
- Support effective patient flow across the service by proactively identifying opportunities to improve patient pathways.
- Contribute to quality improvement, clinical governance and service development initiatives.
- Promote evidence-based, person-centred approaches to care planning and discharge management.
- Build strong relationships across hospital, community and external services to support continuity of care.
About you
We are looking for an experienced and motivated clinician who is passionate about improving patient outcomes and supporting people through complex transitions of care.
You will bring:
- A strong commitment to patient-centred care and ethical practice.
- Sound clinical knowledge and the ability to apply professional judgement to complex situations.
- Strong communication, negotiation and care coordination skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and build strong relationships with internal and external services.
- A proactive approach to identifying barriers, resolving challenges and improving patient flow.
- An interest in quality improvement, clinical governance and service development.
- The ability to work autonomously while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
Why Taree?
Taree is a riverside town in the heart of the Manning Valley, surrounded by pristine beaches, lush hinterland and national parks. It offers the perfect balance of relaxed regional living with access to beautiful coastal and nature experiences.
From your doorstep, you’ll enjoy:
- Just 30 minutes to the coast – surf at Old Bar, swim at Crowdy Head or unwind at Diamond Beach.
- Easy access to Barrington Tops – waterfalls, rainforest walks and alpine scenery just over an hour away.
- A genuine sea or tree change lifestyle – with more space, relaxed living and a strong sense of community.
- Close connections to major centres – approximately one hour to Port Macquarie and two hours to Newcastle.
What we can offer you:
✅ Opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development
✅ Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
✅ 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
✅ The Welcome Experience helps you and your family connect with local people and resources, making it easier to settle in and feel at home in your new community. Learn more at www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience
Additional Information
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.
An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies.
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.
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.
Need more information?
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For role related queries or questions contact Barbara Ball 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.
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.
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