🚀 NSW Health: Your Pathway to a Rewarding Career in Australia’s Largest Public Health System
Are you aiming to make a real difference in the public sector? Look no further than NSW Health, Australia’s biggest public health system, renowned for its world-class care, diverse career paths, and remarkable service across both city and rural communities. Discover why NSW Health is a prime destination for job seekers looking to build a purposeful and stable career in the Australian Public Service.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: NSW Department of Health
Location: Statewide across New South Wales, Australia
CEO (Secretary): Susan Pearce
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 36.7 billion (2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: Approximately 183,000
DID YOU KNOW?
“NSW Health is Australia’s largest public health system, supporting more than 8 million residents!”
From dynamic cities to remote towns, its 15 local health districts and 2 specialty networks deliver essential care through 226 public hospitals. Whether it’s cutting-edge research or first-response medical interventions, NSW Health stands ready to meet the health needs of every corner of NSW. ✨
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Nursing and Midwifery Degrees – Provide frontline patient care and critical support during childbirth.
Allied Health Degrees (e.g., Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy) – Help patients rehabilitate and live healthier, more independent lives.
Public Health or Health Administration Degrees – Shape policies and develop health programs that keep the NSW community thriving.
Information Technology / Health Informatics Degrees – Drive the digital transformation of healthcare systems for better patient outcomes.
Business / Management Degrees – Oversee daily operations, implement strategies, and ensure seamless service delivery.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – Enable experienced professionals to teach upcoming health workers.
Medication Endorsement for Enrolled Nurses – Ensure safe and effective medication practices in clinical settings.
Project Management Certification (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile) – Improve project rollout and infrastructure development.
Health Services Assistance (Cert III or IV) – Enhance patient support roles in hospitals and community care.
Infection Control Qualifications – Essential for safe healthcare settings, especially in high-risk or pandemic situations.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
Paramedics – Deliver urgent care, rescue services, and patient transport.
Electricians / Technicians – Keep health facilities and life-saving equipment operating reliably.
Plumbers / HVAC Specialists – Safeguard vital services like plumbing, heating, and ventilation in a hospital environment.
Carpenters / Builders – Enhance infrastructure in rapidly expanding and upgrading health facilities.
Chefs / Food Service Professionals – Prepare nutritious meals that help patients recover and stay healthy.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Clinical Assessment Skills – Help identify patients’ needs and deliver timely, accurate care.
Data Analysis and Digital Literacy – Facilitate informed decision-making using electronic patient records and system data.
Communication Skills – Foster better patient and carer engagement, ensuring clarity in critical moments.
Project Coordination and Logistics – Oversee complex health programs and manage resources efficiently.
Leadership and Team Management – Drive high-quality care by guiding and supporting diverse healthcare teams.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Clinical Placements / Rotations – Build expertise in hospital operations and holistic patient care.
Aged Care or Disability Services – Hone compassionate care approaches for vulnerable populations.
Research / Policy Development – Shape evidence-based health solutions at a system-wide level.
Community Outreach / Health Promotion – Engage directly with the public to improve well-being and reduce hospitalisation.
Emergency Services (e.g., Volunteer Ambulance, Fire Services) – Demonstrate adaptability, collaboration, and crisis management.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: NSW Department of Health
Name of CEO (Secretary): Susan Pearce
Location: Australia-wide reach across NSW
Year Founded: Building on early public health administration in NSW, continually evolving via modern healthcare reforms
Main mission and purpose of the organisation:
Deliver high-quality, inclusive healthcare across NSW. For instance, NSW Health invests in public health campaigns—from immunisation drives to mental health programs—so communities can avoid preventable illnesses and thrive in everyday life.
Main duties of the organisation:
Oversee public hospitals, community health centres, and statewide initiatives like vaccination programs; manage disease prevention and respond swiftly to health emergencies. An example is the quick deployment of rescue and healthcare teams during natural disasters.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Digital Health Transformation – Implement eHealth systems for seamless patient record sharing.
Infrastructure Upgrades – Expand and modernise hospitals, especially in rural areas, to boost service delivery.
Integrated Care – Ensure patients move smoothly from emergency care to home-based follow-ups.
Population Health and Prevention – Focus on community education, early screening, and innovative strategies to promote wellbeing.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: ~183,000 people (equivalent to over 142,000 full-time staff)
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Spans clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, and executives across metro, rural, and remote sites
Salary Bands: Range from entry-level roles (approx. AUD 50k–60k) to senior executive positions (AUD 200k+), accommodating various skill levels and responsibilities
Average Salary in the Department: Reflects qualification and seniority; registered nurses typically earn AUD 70k–100k+, while specialists and executives may earn significantly more
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 36.7 billion in 2023–24
Average Revenue per Employee: ~AUD 200k, highlighting the extensive network of services, infrastructure, and programs underpinning this major public health system
GETTING A JOB AT NSW HEALTH
When searching for opportunities at NSW Health, look for specific roles commonly advertised on job boards and the official NSW Health careers page. Below are academic fields, trades, and skill sets typically in high demand:
Which Academic Subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this organisation?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate III or IV in Health Services Assistance: Ideal for hands-on support roles.
Diploma of Paramedical Science: Contributes to front-line emergency care and patient transport.
Certificate / Diploma in Business or Project Management: Provides essential administrative and operational skills.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, Allied Health: Foundational to patient-facing care and treatment.
Health Information Management / Data Analytics: Transforms patient data into actionable insights.
Health Policy, Public Health, or Health Administration: Allows you to innovate and manage crucial statewide programs.
PhDs:
Clinical Research (Medical, Nursing, Allied Health): Drives new methods in diagnosing and caring for patients.
Health Economics / Epidemiology / Biostatistics: Enables impactful policy, budgeting, and management of large-scale health initiatives.
Which Trades and Professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department / council?
Paramedics, technicians, electricians, plumbers, builders—vital for ensuring hospitals and related facilities remain high-functioning, safe, and well-maintained.
Which Work Experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department / council?
Clinical environment roles, community outreach, policy development, research, and program coordination—demonstrating real-world readiness in healthcare settings.
Which Skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department / council?
Soft skills: Empathy, relationship-building, adaptability, problem-solving.
Technical skills: Using electronic medical records, advanced data analytics, specialised clinical procedures.
General skills: High-level organisation, prioritisation, and working well under pressure.
Which Hobbies and Interests align with the work of this organisation?
Community Volunteering (e.g., first aid, local clinics) – Reflects your passion for helping others.
Health and Fitness (e.g., sports, nutrition) – Showcases your enthusiasm for a healthy lifestyle.
Technology & Innovation (e.g., coding, app development) – Demonstrates an interest in the future of digital health.
Want more information on this organisation?
Contact the organisation:
HR / Recruitment Team Email: MOH-HRInquiries@health.nsw.gov.au
Telephone: (02) 9391 9000
Address: 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW 2065
Website:
Current Job Vacancies:
https://jobs.health.nsw.gov.au
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