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Chronic Illness Peer Support coordinator - REQ582085 - Job Opportunity at The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network

Randwick NSW, Australia
Part-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 12, 2025
On-site
AUD 109,247 - 133,156 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive salary packaging opportunities providing significant tax advantages and increased take-home pay through pre-tax deductions for various expenses
Superannuation contributions above the standard rate as part of public health sector employment
Leave loading benefits enhancing annual leave entitlements
Access to professional development opportunities within Australia's largest pediatric healthcare network
Job security through permanent employment within the established NSW Health system

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic coordination of the Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) service, directly impacting health outcomes for vulnerable young people aged 12-25 with chronic conditions
Drive service delivery innovation by implementing responsive, peer-led, co-designed support programs that transform traditional healthcare approaches
Execute high-level stakeholder management by liaising with subspecialty clinical nurse consultants, staff specialists, and allied health professionals to optimize patient enrollment and care pathways
Orchestrate comprehensive program development including event planning, clinical service coordination, and activity management that enhances patient engagement and health literacy
Deliver evidence-based psychosocial specialist care including screening, assessment, testing, education, and intervention that directly improves patient self-management capabilities
Build strategic partnerships with young people and families while collaborating with treating teams on complex case management issues
Implement robust risk management frameworks to identify, minimize, and manage clinical and operational risks in adolescent healthcare settings
Champion youth empowerment initiatives by creating platforms for advocacy, leadership development, and peer support that influence organizational culture and patient care standards

Requirements

Education

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant health-related discipline

Experience

Demonstrated clinical experience as Social Worker/Art Therapist/Occupational Therapist/Clinical Psychologist/Diversional Therapist in a health setting with demonstrated enthusiasm and experience in working with adolescents and/or young adults

Required Skills

Current registration with the relevant professional body (e.g. AHPRA or equivalent) Demonstrated knowledge of chronic conditions that affect young people and their impact Demonstrated knowledge and experience in conducting psychosocial assessments and interventions with adolescents and young adults (AYA) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to adapt these to meet the needs of young people, their families/carers, health professionals and managers Demonstrated experience in identifying and managing risks in the context of working with adolescents and young adults in a health setting Experience in facilitating group work is desirable

Certifications

Current unrestricted driver's license Working with Children Check (WWCC) issued by the Office of the Children's Guardian Professional registration with relevant body (AHPRA or equivalent)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The healthcare sector is experiencing a significant paradigm shift toward peer-support models and patient-centered care, particularly in pediatric and adolescent medicine. This trend is driven by growing recognition that traditional clinical approaches alone are insufficient for managing chronic conditions in young people, leading to increased investment in innovative support programs that leverage lived experience and peer mentorship. Youth mental health and chronic illness management has become a critical priority area following increased awareness of adolescent health challenges post-COVID-19. Healthcare organizations are actively developing specialized roles that bridge clinical expertise with peer support methodologies, creating new career pathways for health professionals with specific adolescent and young adult (AYA) expertise. The integration of co-design principles in healthcare service delivery is transforming how organizations approach patient engagement, with particular emphasis on empowering young people to shape their own care experiences. This represents a fundamental shift from paternalistic healthcare models to collaborative approaches that recognize young people as partners in their health journey.

Salary Evaluation

The provided salary range of AUD 109,247 - 133,156 is competitive for a Health Clinician Level 3 position in the NSW public health system and aligns well with market rates for specialized healthcare coordination roles. When considering the part-time nature (14 hours per week), the pro-rated compensation is approximately AUD 30,000-37,000 annually, which represents strong hourly rates reflecting the specialized nature of the role and the premium placed on adolescent healthcare expertise in Australia's largest pediatric network.

Role Significance

The coordinator will likely work within a multidisciplinary team structure including clinical nurse consultants, staff specialists, allied health professionals, and administrative support staff. Given the nature of peer support programs, the role may also involve managing or coordinating with peer support workers and volunteers, suggesting oversight of 5-10 team members across various disciplines and experience levels.
This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the healthcare hierarchy, requiring substantial clinical expertise and program coordination capabilities. The position demonstrates significant organizational trust given the responsibility for developing and managing innovative service delivery models within Australia's largest pediatric network, suggesting the successful candidate will have considerable autonomy and influence over program direction and patient outcomes.

Key Projects

Implementation and expansion of peer-led support programs for young people with chronic conditions, involving service design, stakeholder engagement, and outcome measurement Development of youth advocacy and leadership platforms that empower young patients to influence healthcare policy and service delivery within the organization Creation of innovative psychosocial intervention programs that integrate clinical best practices with peer support methodologies, potentially serving as models for other healthcare organizations

Success Factors

Ability to navigate complex healthcare systems while maintaining focus on youth-centered approaches requires both clinical expertise and exceptional interpersonal skills. Success depends on building trust with young people who may have experienced healthcare trauma or feel disconnected from traditional medical approaches. Strong project management and coordination capabilities are essential given the multifaceted nature of the role, including program development, stakeholder management, clinical service delivery, and risk management across diverse healthcare professionals and patient populations. Cultural competency and awareness of contemporary youth issues, including digital communication preferences, mental health challenges, and social determinants of health, will be critical for engaging effectively with the target demographic and their families. Evidence-based practice skills combined with innovation mindset will be crucial for developing and implementing new service models while maintaining clinical standards and achieving measurable health outcomes for program participants.

Market Demand

High demand exists for specialized roles combining clinical expertise with peer support methodologies, particularly in adolescent healthcare settings. The growing recognition of chronic illness impact on young people, combined with workforce shortages in specialized pediatric roles, creates strong market positioning for professionals with relevant experience.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Clinical assessment and intervention skills specific to adolescents and young adults are absolutely essential, as this population requires specialized approaches that differ significantly from both pediatric and adult healthcare models. The ability to conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and implement evidence-based interventions directly impacts patient outcomes and program effectiveness. Risk management expertise in adolescent healthcare settings is crucial given the complex psychosocial factors, potential for self-harm, and challenging family dynamics often present in chronic illness situations. The ability to identify, assess, and manage clinical and social risks protects both patients and the organization while ensuring appropriate care delivery. Communication and interpersonal skills that can be adapted across diverse stakeholders - from vulnerable young patients to senior medical specialists - are fundamental to role success. The coordinator must build trust with young people while maintaining professional relationships with clinical teams and families, requiring exceptional emotional intelligence and communication flexibility.

Beneficial Skills

Group facilitation experience enhances the role's effectiveness given the peer support program's emphasis on community building and shared experiences among young people with chronic conditions. Strong group work skills enable the coordinator to create safe, therapeutic environments that maximize peer learning and support outcomes. Digital communication competencies and understanding of social media platforms preferred by young adults can significantly enhance program engagement and accessibility. Many young people with chronic conditions may prefer digital interaction methods, making technological fluency valuable for program delivery and patient engagement. Research and evaluation skills support the role's potential for contributing to evidence-based practice development and program outcome measurement. The ability to collect, analyze, and report on program effectiveness enhances both individual career development and organizational capacity for continuous improvement and funding acquisition.

Unique Aspects

This role represents a pioneering position in peer support coordination within Australia's largest pediatric network, offering the opportunity to shape innovative healthcare delivery models that could influence national pediatric care standards and be replicated across other healthcare systems.
The integration of clinical expertise with peer support methodologies creates a unique professional development opportunity that combines traditional healthcare skills with emerging patient engagement approaches, positioning the successful candidate at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
The focus on empowering young people with chronic conditions to become advocates and leaders represents a transformative approach to patient care that goes beyond traditional clinical boundaries, offering the opportunity to create lasting impact on both individual patients and healthcare system approaches to youth engagement.
The part-time nature of the role (14 hours per week) provides flexibility for professionals seeking work-life balance or those pursuing additional qualifications, while still offering substantial responsibility and impact within a prestigious healthcare organization.

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing coordinators, with advancement opportunities accelerated by the growing recognition of peer support models and the specialized nature of adolescent healthcare expertise. The current healthcare environment's emphasis on innovation and patient-centered care creates multiple pathways for advancement.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Program Manager or Director roles overseeing multiple peer support programs or youth health initiatives within large healthcare networks Clinical leadership positions such as Clinical Nurse Consultant or Allied Health Department Head with responsibility for service line management and strategic planning Specialized consulting roles in healthcare innovation, focusing on peer support model development and implementation across multiple healthcare organizations Academic or research positions investigating adolescent health outcomes, peer support effectiveness, or healthcare service innovation in university or research institute settings

Company Overview

The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network

The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network represents Australia's premier pediatric healthcare organization, operating multiple hospital sites and community programs that serve thousands of children and young people annually. As the largest pediatric healthcare entity in the country, SCHN combines clinical excellence with innovative care models, research capabilities, and comprehensive family support services that set national standards for pediatric healthcare delivery.

SCHN holds a dominant market position in Australian pediatric healthcare, functioning as both a primary care provider and tertiary referral center that attracts complex cases from across the Asia-Pacific region. The organization's scale, research capabilities, and clinical expertise establish it as a healthcare industry leader with significant influence over pediatric care standards and healthcare policy development at both state and national levels.
Located in Randwick, NSW, the organization operates within one of Australia's most significant healthcare precincts, providing access to collaborative opportunities with other major hospitals, research institutions, and the University of New South Wales. This positioning enhances professional development opportunities and creates a rich healthcare ecosystem that supports innovation and knowledge exchange.
The organization demonstrates strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous healthcare, with established support systems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and patients. The emphasis on child safety standards, professional development, and innovative care models suggests a progressive work environment that values both clinical excellence and social responsibility, creating an attractive workplace for healthcare professionals seeking meaningful career impact.
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