SWISH Newborn Hearing Screener - Targeted

at  Hunter New England Local Health District

Employment Type: Permanent Part Time and Casual
Position Classification: Tech Assist Gde 2
Remuneration: $31.21 - $32.40 per hour + super
Hours Per Week: up to 20 permanent hours per week
Location: Awabakal Country | John Hunter Hospital
Requisition ID: REQ548197
Applications Close: Thursday, 20th February 2025

ABOUT US:

The successful candidate will be working within the State-Wide Infant Screening – Hearing (SWISH) Program in the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). This program is responsible for newborn hearing screening, ensuring that all newborns are screened for significant congenital hearing loss before hospital discharge or within their first month of life.
The role is based in Southern HNELHD, covering maternity wards, special care nurseries, and community settings. The successful candidate will need to travel between different locations within the district to conduct Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) screening, liaising with parents and healthcare teams to ensure high-quality, family-centred care.
Our team is passionate, supportive, and committed to providing high-quality, family-centred care. We understand the importance of early hearing detection and intervention and work collaboratively to ensure newborns receive timely and effective screening.
We foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous learning, where staff are encouraged to seek support, share knowledge, and contribute to service improvements. Our workplace values inclusivity, professionalism, and compassion, ensuring that both families and staff feel supported and valued in their roles.

ABOUT YOU:

We are seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented, and adaptable individual who can work independently while also collaborating effectively with healthcare teams. The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience working with infants or children. The role requires confidence in handling newborns safely and sensitively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills – The ability to engage with parents, explain procedures clearly, and liaise with hospital staff is essential.
• Excellent time management and organisation – Newborn screening must be completed efficiently without disrupting hospital workflows.
• Attention to detail and accuracy – Screening results must be recorded precisely to ensure proper follow-up and data integrity.
• Ability to work independently and problem-solve – The role requires initiative in managing daily tasks and troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Basic computer skills – Documentation and data entry are key parts of the role.
• Willingness and ability to travel – The position involves working across multiple locations within Southern HNELHD.

Skills that can be learned on the job:

• Knowledge of the SWISH Program and AABR screening technology – While prior knowledge is beneficial, training is provided on the specific screening equipment and protocols.
• Understanding of hospital workflows – Candidates may not be familiar with maternity ward processes initially, but this can be learned through experience and collaboration with hospital staff.
• Data entry and documentation procedures – While candidates need basic computer skills, specific database systems and documentation protocols will be taught.

Beyond technical skills, we are looking for someone who is empathetic, proactive, and committed to family-centred care. A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to adapt to different hospital environments are highly valued in this role.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a SWISH Newborn Hearing Screener, no two days are exactly the same, but a typical day involves:

• Conducting newborn hearing screenings using Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) technology in maternity wards, special care nurseries, or community settings.
• Engaging with parents—explaining the screening process, obtaining consent, and answering any questions to ensure they feel informed and supported.
• Liaising with healthcare teams, including midwives, nurses, and doctors, to integrate screening into the hospital workflow and minimise disruption to ward processes.
• Documenting screening results in both medical records and electronic databases, ensuring accuracy and compliance with SWISH guidelines.
• Identifying babies needing follow-up and escalating cases appropriately to the SWISH Coordinator.
• Managing screening equipment and supplies, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring the workspace is clean and prepared for efficient screening.

The successful applicant will receive comprehensive orientation and training to ensure they are confident in their role. This includes:

• Formal induction – Introduction to the SWISH program, NSW Health policies, and HNELHD procedures.
• Hands-on training in Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) screening – Step-by-step guidance on using screening equipment, troubleshooting, and recording results.
• Shadowing experienced SWISH screeners – Observation and supported practice in hospital and community settings.
• Education on family-centred care and effective communication – Learning how to engage with parents, obtain informed consent, and provide clear explanations of screening outcomes.
• Hospital and site-specific orientation – Understanding workflows in maternity wards, special care nurseries, and outpatient settings to ensure smooth integration with healthcare teams