Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner- MERIT

Hunter New England Local Health District; Armidale; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sustainable Healthcare: Togethertoward

Monthly Allocated Days Off

4 weeks annual leave

Paid parental leave

Salary packaging options

Fitness Passport for health and well‑b

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Hunter New England Local Health District is recruiting an Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner for the MERIT Team at Armidale Community Health Service. You will provide culturally safe, holistic support to clients in the criminal justice system and help them access treatment pathways and services.

Join a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, with opportunities for professional development, salary packaging, and generous leave entitlements in a permanent full‑time role based in

Qualifications

• Certificate III Aboriginal Primary Health Care or a minimum equivalent qualification.
• Desire to complete Certificate IV Aboriginal Primary Health Care (Practice) or other relevant health qualification.
• Eligible to drive in NSW and travel as required.
• Current Working with Children Check.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally safe, holistic support to clients within the criminal justice system.
• Assist clients to navigate treatment pathways and access essential services.
• Build trusted relationships and connect clients with local Aboriginal services and support networks.

Skills

Culturally safe practice

Client engagement

Relationship building

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Certificate III Aboriginal Primary Health Care

Certificate IV Aboriginal Primary Health Care (Practice)

Job description

Be the trusted connection between community and care.

Employment Type

Permanent Full Time

Position Classification

Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner - MERIT

Remuneration

$75,073.00 to $97,730.00 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging

Hours Per Week

38 hours per week

Requisition ID

REQ699676

Location

Armidale Community Health Service

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

Applications Close: Sunday 15th November 2026

About The Role And Where You Will Be Working

Join the MERIT (Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment) Team at Armidale Community Health and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Aboriginal people experiencing drug and alcohol dependency.

You’ll work as part of a multidisciplinary team of Nurses, Counsellors, Psychologists, Social Workers and Administration staff, providing culturally safe, holistic support to clients involved in the criminal justice system.

Through culturally appropriate engagement, counselling support and case management, you’ll help clients navigate treatment pathways, access essential services and work towards positive health and wellbeing outcomes.

This is an opportunity to build trusted relationships, advocate for clients and bring your cultural knowledge and understanding to a supportive team committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

About You

We’re looking for a compassionate, approachable and culturally aware Aboriginal Health Worker Practitioner who is passionate about improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

You’ll have an understanding of the barriers Aboriginal people can face when accessing mainstream services, with the ability to provide culturally safe, respectful and non-judgemental support. Your ability to build trust, develop relationships and connect clients with local Aboriginal services and appropriate support networks will be highly valued.

You’ll be well supported through a comprehensive orientation, guidance from an experienced multidisciplinary team and ongoing professional development and education opportunities throughout the year.

Requirements

• Holds or aspires to hold a minimum Certificate III qualification in Aboriginal Primary Health Care or a minimum Certificate III health qualification with a desire to complete a Certificate IV Aboriginal Primary Health Care (Practice) or other relevant health qualification deemed appropriate by the manager, following appointment to the position through supported education, training and study leave.
• Eligible to drive in NSW and the ability to travel as required.
• Current Working with Children Check

What We Can Offer

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most HNELHD employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via [e-mail] or 1300 40 25 23.

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.

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

Additional Information

• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
• This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered.
• To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Category A Position Compliance

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2023_022: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specific Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

About Us

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. Please contact [e-mail] for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.