Aboriginal Health Worker / Practitioner

Hunter New England Local Health District; Moree; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 68,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Rural incentives

Salary packaging

Fitness passport

Scholarships & training

Professional development

Aboriginal workforce networks

Yarning circles

Job summary

Hunter New England Local Health District invites an Aboriginal Health Worker to join the Palliative Care team. You will provide culturally safe, respectful care to Aboriginal patients and families, advocate for their voices, and support cultural practices during end-of-life journeys.

You will work with specialist nurses and allied health staff, strengthening connections with community and Aboriginal networks, while contributing to professional development and workforce programs.

Qualifications

• Aboriginal Health Worker: Cert III in relevant health care (or willingness to obtain).
• Aboriginal Health Practitioner: Cert IV and AHPRA registration.
• Ability to work with Aboriginal people and families with cultural safety.
• Willingness to support community health initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally safe, respectful care to Aboriginal patients and families.
• Advocate for patient voices and cultural needs within the care team.
• Support families through cultural practices and Sorry Business.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare team while valuing independence.

Skills

Cultural knowledge

Community engagement

Advocacy for Aboriginal people

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Certificate III Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care

Certificate IV Aboriginal Health Care (Practice) with AHPRA registration

Job description

Requisition ID: REQ689457

Employment Type: Permanent Part Time

Remuneration: $37.86 per hour to $49.29 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging (+ rural incentives)

Applications Close: Thursday 10th September

This is an identified Aboriginal position. Applicants must be of Aboriginal descent. Exemption is claimed under section 14d of the anti-discrimination act 1977.

Bring your Culture. Bring your connection. Make a difference for Community

About the role and where you will be working

Join our Palliative Care team and use your cultural knowledge, lived experience and connection to Community to make a real difference for Aboriginal people and families.

Working alongside specialist nurses, allied health professionals, palliative care specialists and community staff, you’ll provide culturally safe, respectful care, advocate for Aboriginal patients and families, and ensure their voices, wishes and cultural needs are heard.

You’ll play a vital role in supporting families through Sorry Business, helping ensure cultural practices such as returning to Country, cleansing and smoking ceremonies are respected.

You’ll be part of a supportive, culturally respectful team that values your unique contribution, with access to Aboriginal staff networks, yarning circles, professional development and HNELHD Aboriginal Workforce programs.

"I think there is something special about being included, supporting and helping someone in their end-of-life journey and letting you hold space with them, their families and in their homes to provide the care they need. To help them live as long and as well as they can." Renee - Integrated Care Aboriginal Program Coordinator

About you

You’re a proud Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person with strong connections to Culture, Community and Country, and a genuine passion for supporting Aboriginal people and families.

You’ll be someone who:

• Builds genuine relationships and connects with people through yarning, listening and trust.
• Brings strong cultural knowledge and an understanding of kinship, cultural protocols, death, dying and Sorry Business.
• Advocates for Aboriginal people and ensures their voice, choices and cultural needs are respected.
• Is confident working with families, Community and a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Works independently while valuing collaboration, shared knowledge and support.
• Brings compassion, warmth, respect and integrity to every interaction.
• Is passionate about providing culturally safe care and walking alongside families through their palliative care journey.

Qualifications:

Aboriginal Health Workers require a Certificate III (or willingness to obtain) in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care or minimum Certificate III health qualification. Aboriginal Health Practitioners require a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care (Practice) and AHPRA registration.

Working towards your Certificate IV?

We’ll support your transition from Aboriginal Health Worker to Aboriginal Health Practitioner.

Requirements

Hold a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice) and a current authority to practice as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

What we offer

• Be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.*
• Be part of a connected Aboriginal health network across the district.
• Access to scholarships, training, and professional development.
• Regular yarning circles and cultural supervision.
• A team that truly values your voice, culture, and contribution.
• Salary packaging
• Fitness passport

Join a team that empowers Aboriginal voices, respects every journey, and ensures no family walks alone.

The Welcome Experience

• The Welcome Experience helps you and your family connect with local people and resources, making it easier to settle in and feel at home in your new community.
• Making a move can feel overwhelming, but support is available.
• The Welcome Experience is a free service designed to help health workers and their families settle into regional communities. From connecting you with local schools, childcare providers, sporting clubs, housing information, and community networks, the program helps make your transition smoother so you can feel at home sooner and start enjoying everything your new community has to offer.

Learn More: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience