General News
3 October, 2025
Admin staff to broaden skill set
MORE than 20 administration staff at South West Healthcare (SWH) will be undertaking a Certificate IV in Health Administration, helping to develop staff and enhance the customer service and experience.
The certificated training, run by a registered training organisation, is a work-based program covering key areas such as enhanced communication skills, medical terminology, workplace health and safety, customer service strategies and time management.
SWH chief executive officer (CEO) Craig Fraser said for many staff members already in those positions, it was the first time they have taken on formal study in this professional development opportunity.
“Our admin staff do a fabulous job, often under a lot of pressure,” he said.
“They are often our first point of contact with the community and they play a key role in supporting many of our teams, both as customer facing and in the background.
“This program allows this team the time and the opportunity to stop, reflect and build on their own learning and development.
“They make a huge impact on the care we provide and help us to enhance our consumers’ experience across many facets of the health service.
“Admin staff perform an array of roles including assisting with scheduling and rostering nursing and medical staff, providing logistical support to teams, organising meetings and taking minutes, being responsible for our medical records, coordinating ward and departments and many other roles.”
Mr Fraser described administrative staff as the “public face of the organisation”.
“They progress actions and follow up important tasks and they are integral to our recruitment process,” he saud.
“As ‘directors of first impressions’ their interactions with patients, families and community are so important.
“By giving them the additional skills and the confidence to do a great job – it lifts everybody.”
Janina Grey works in the payroll team and is one of the 2025 program participants.
She said she was pleased to see administrative staff provided with educational opportunities to grow and develop in their roles.
“The course is really broad – I would recommend that anyone do it,” Ms Grey said.
“Because its work-based you’re not really missing out on anything, and you can manage to fit it in with your workload – I currently set aside two hours a week to get through the units.
“It’s sponsored too – I don’t even have to pay for it. It’s an incredible opportunity.
“I am happy where I am in payroll right now, but this could also set me up with skills to do something else or to develop my career later on.”
The vocational training program is the latest in a series of investment in learning and development at the health service.
Mr Fraser said SWH was committed to building capability and capacity across the various teams within the organisation.
“We have put in a concerted effort, particularly over the last 12 months to make sure that we are investing in our people and their development – that includes everyone from orderlies and environmental support staff, all the way through to volunteers, admin staff, payroll, kitchen staff, you name it,” he said.
“All of our staff, regardless of their role, work as part of a broader team to provide great care and improve health outcomes for all who come in contact with us.
“They play such an important role in the services we deliver.”
South West Healthcare is currently recruiting for a number of roles including administrative support officers in mental health, finance, specialist clinics and health information management.
“We want to be recognised as an employer of choice for all kinds of people who walk through our doors looking for a fulfilling career and an opportunity to develop their skills and take up the many career opportunities on offer at SWH,” executive director people and culture Sheron Cook said.
“As well as this vocational training program we have also hosted an annual Administration Conference for our staff over the last three years, which has been really well received.
“I am not aware of any other health service that has held such an event.
“If you’re looking for an opportunity to be challenged and to grow your skills or perhaps looking for a supported career change, we are offering some fabulous opportunities with attractive salary packaging benefits available for all staff.
“Supported networking and learning opportunities with other admin professionals in our region is another added bonus.”
To apply, visit southwesthealthcare.com.au/careers-volunteers.