Residential Care Officer

Why This Role Matters
The GP – Emergency Medicine / SMO plays a vital role in hospital Emergency Departments, especially in regional and rural communities. In many locations, these doctors are essential to keeping emergency services running safely and efficiently.
This role directly impacts patients during critical moments — from serious injuries to sudden illness. As a Senior Medical Officer (SMO), you are responsible for making fast, accurate clinical decisions that can significantly affect patient outcomes. Your skills help ensure patients receive timely treatment and appropriate care.
Beyond patient care, you also support the wider medical team. You may guide junior doctors, assist with complex cases, and contribute to smooth department operations during busy shifts.
For doctors who enjoy variety, hands-on clinical work, and making a meaningful difference, this locum opportunity offers both challenge and professional satisfaction. Each shift provides the chance to support communities that rely heavily on experienced emergency clinicians.

Job Description
We are seeking an experienced GP – Emergency Medicine / SMO to provide locum coverage in a hospital Emergency Department. This contract-based role involves delivering high-quality emergency medical care in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Role Overview
You will assess, diagnose, and manage patients presenting with a wide range of urgent and acute conditions. The position requires strong clinical judgement, the ability to prioritise cases quickly, and confidence in managing emergency situations independently.

Clinical Duties
You will:
Conduct patient assessments and initiate appropriate investigations.
Provide treatment and stabilisation for acute and life-threatening conditions.
Perform emergency procedures within your scope of practice.
Participate in rostered shifts, including after-hours if required.

Team Collaboration
As a Senior Medical Officer, you will work closely with nurses, registrars, and allied health staff. You may also provide guidance to junior doctors when needed. Clear communication and structured handovers are essential to maintain safe patient care.

Compliance
You must follow hospital policies, professional standards, and national medical regulations. Accurate documentation and adherence to safety protocols are mandatory.
This role suits a confident GP with strong Emergency Medicine experience who can work independently and adapt quickly to different hospital settings.

Responsibilities
As a GP – Emergency Medicine / SMO, you are responsible for providing safe, efficient, and high-quality emergency care. The role requires quick thinking, strong clinical skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Key responsibilities include:
Assessing and Managing Emergency Patients
Evaluate patients presenting with injuries, acute illness, or critical conditions. Make timely decisions about treatment, investigations, and referrals.

Performing Emergency Procedures
Carry out procedures such as suturing, airway management, resuscitation, and stabilisation of critically ill patients, within your level of training and experience.

Clinical Documentation
Maintain clear, accurate medical records, including patient notes, discharge summaries, and referral information.

Team Support and Leadership
Provide clinical support to junior doctors where required and contribute to effective teamwork within the Emergency Department.

Communication and Handover
Deliver structured handovers to incoming teams and liaise with inpatient units and allied health services.

Compliance and Patient Safety
Follow infection control standards, hospital guidelines, and medico-legal requirements to ensure safe patient care.
This role requires adaptability, accountability, and strong communication skills.

Required Qualifications
To be eligible for this GP – Emergency Medicine / SMO position, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Essential Requirements
Current registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
Fellowship of RACGP or ACRRM (or equivalent recognised qualification)
Demonstrated experience working in hospital Emergency Departments
Eligibility to work in Australia

Clinical Skills and Experience
Ability to manage high-acuity and complex emergency cases
Competency in performing emergency procedures
Strong clinical decision-making and risk assessment skills
Experience working independently, particularly in regional or rural settings (desirable)

Professional Qualities
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Ability to remain calm under pressure
Commitment to patient safety and quality care
Understanding of medico-legal responsibilities

Candidates must maintain valid Advanced Life Support certification and meet hospital credentialing requirements before commencement.
This role is best suited to experienced GPs who are confident in emergency settings and capable of functioning independently as a Senior Medical Officer.

Salary Insights
Locum GP – Emergency Medicine / SMO roles generally offer competitive daily or hourly rates. Emergency Medicine positions often attract higher pay due to the level of responsibility and complexity involved.

Pay rates can vary depending on:
Level of experience
Fellowship status
Hospital location (regional or rural placements may offer higher rates)
Duration and urgency of the contract

As a locum role, payment is usually structured as a daily or sessional rate rather than an annual salary. In many cases, travel and accommodation support may be included, particularly for rural placements.
Emergency Medicine locum work can provide strong earning potential while offering flexibility in scheduling and location.

Company Overview
The recruiting organisation is a medical workforce agency specialising in placing doctors in locum and permanent roles across Australia. The agency works closely with hospitals to address workforce shortages, particularly in regional and rural communities.
As part of the healthcare recruitment industry, the organisation supports doctors through the placement process, including credentialing coordination and contract arrangements. It connects experienced medical professionals with hospitals seeking qualified practitioners for short-term and ongoing coverage.
The agency maintains professional standards and works with public and private hospitals to ensure placements meet regulatory and clinical requirements. Doctors benefit from flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to gain experience across different healthcare settings.
For practitioners seeking varied clinical exposure and flexibility, this recruitment provider offers structured support while enabling career mobility in emergency medicine and general practice settings.

FAQs
Q- Is this a permanent role?
A- No, this is typically a locum or contract-based position.

Q- What qualifications are required?
A- You must hold AHPRA registration and Fellowship of RACGP or ACRRM (or equivalent).

Q- Is Emergency Department experience necessary?
A- Yes, prior hospital Emergency Medicine experience is required.

Q- Are travel and accommodation included?
A- Often provided for regional placements, depending on contract terms.

Application Tips
When applying for a GP – Emergency Medicine / SMO locum role, preparation is essential.
Ensure your AHPRA registration is current and unrestricted.
Provide copies of Fellowship certificates (RACGP or ACRRM).
Submit an updated CV that clearly outlines Emergency Department experience.
Highlight procedural skills such as airway management, trauma care, and resuscitation.
Include details of rural or regional hospital experience if applicable.
Prepare references from recent hospital supervisors.
Make your resume clear and well-structured. Focus on clinical competence, ability to work independently, and experience managing acute cases.
Ensure all required documents, including
Identification
Immunisation records, and
Certifications
are ready for credentialing. A complete and organised application can speed up placement and increase your chances of securing ongoing locum opportunities.