Aboriginal Health Practitioner – Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT)

NSW Health; Bourke; On-site; AUD 50,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

NSW Health in Bourke, NSW is recruiting an Aboriginal Health Practitioner for the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program. This permanent part-time role (19 hours per week) supports Aboriginal people engaging with the justice system to access alcohol and other drug help.

You will provide trauma-informed, person-centred care, undertake holistic care planning, and work within a supportive multidisciplinary team to improve community health outcomes.

Qualifications

• Must be an Aboriginal Health Practitioner and eligible to work in Australia.
• Experience with alcohol and other drugs services is advantageous.
• Ability to deliver trauma-informed, person-centred care.

Responsibilities

• Support Aboriginal people engaging with the justice system to access alcohol and other drug help.
• Provide trauma-informed, person-centred care and treatment planning.
• Undertake comprehensive, individualised care planning addressing physical, emotional and social needs.
• Work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team to improve community health outcomes.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Evidence-based interventions

Person-centred care

Care planning

Holistic approach

Job description

Aboriginal Health Practitioner - Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT)

Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Aboriginal Health Practitioner
Remuneration: $36.41 - $47.39 per hr (+ superannuation + salary packaging options )
Location: Bourke , NSW - Find out more
Hours Per Week: 19
Applications Close: 20 October 2026 - 11:59pm

Aboriginal Health Practitioner - Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT)
Mental Health Drug & Alcohol Services

About the role
As the MERIT Aboriginal Health Practitioner, you will play a vital role in supporting Aboriginal people who are engaging with the justice system and seeking help for alcohol and other drug concerns.
Using innovative, evidence-based skills and interventions, you will professionally support individuals seeking assistance with alcohol and drug use. You will take a trauma-informed approach and provide respectful, person-centred care, tailored to everyone’s needs. Central to your role will be employing an individualised, holistic approach to care, incorporating comprehensive care planning to address the diverse physical, emotional, and social aspects of each person’s journey .
A role in the alcohol and other drugs sector offers mentally stimulating work and provides a high level of autonomy and empowerment. You'll work within a collaborative team that enables a culture of support.
Your contribution as a healthcare professional will have a meaningful and positive impact, which is felt at a community level.
Be part of the vibrant and professional team, improving and enriching the health of our communities in millions of ways every day. We are the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. We listen to understand, not label. This is an inclusive and committed team where staff are encouraged to bring their whole self to work. We are a team as diverse as the vibrant communities we support.
The alcohol and other drugs workforce work for the greater good through an open, flexible and dynamic, strengths-based approach. A role in the alcohol and other drugs sector offers mentally stimulating work and provides a high level of autonomy and empowerment. You'll work within a collaborative team that enables a culture of support.
Your contribution as a healthcare professional will have a meaningful and positive impact, which is felt at a community level.
Located at Bourke Multi-Purpose Service and servicing Brewarrina and Walgett.
A career with Western NSW means you can challenge yourself, make an impact and shape the future of rural health. To explore the benefits of a career in our Local Health District, visit the WNSWLHD website .
Helping you move to Western NSW
The Welcome Experience is a free NSW Government service supporting workers (and their families) who have accepted a job with Western NSW LHD in most locations. The service helps with housing, schooling, partner work and community connections. Find out more at https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-and-primary-industries/makethemove/welcome-experience

This is an identified position in accordance with Section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 - only suitably qualified Aboriginal people are eligible for this position and are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 .

Western NSW LHD can provide reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Applicants who provide information on an injury, health condition, or disability in their pre-employment forms will receive a functional assessment from our Risk Management Unit (RMU). This review will consider the applicant’s needs and what reasonable adjustments and workplace supports are available to support their employment journey.

Western NSW LHD is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care. All staff in WNSWLHD are required to provide a safe and supportive environment for children, while working to protect them from harm and abuse. For more information on the Child Safety Standards, visit: NSW Government - Office of Children's Guardian

Western NSW is committed to creating a safe and accessible workplace that promotes diversity, inclusion and belonging. As a vibrant and diverse region, rich in community and culture, we welcome applications from all people to build a respectful workplace dedicated to delivering the best health outcomes for our community.

NSW Health acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders past and present, and pays respect to all Aboriginal communities of today.