Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner- MERIT

Hunter New England Local Health District; Moree; On-site; AUD 68,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rural incentive payments up to $10,000

Job summary

Hunter New England Local Health District in Moree is seeking an Aboriginal Health Worker to support clients in the MERIT program. The role focuses on counselling, case management, and culturally safe service delivery for Aboriginal clients with drug use and criminal justice involvement.

The position offers permanent full-time employment with 38 hours per week, salary range $67,612.00–$97,730.00 per annum plus superannuation and rural incentives, plus generous leave and salary packaging options.

Qualifications

• This position is identified for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Support Aboriginal clients who access the MERIT program and work with staff to provide a culturally appropriate service.
• Provide counselling and case management to clients identified with drug or alcohol dependency involved with the criminal justice system.
• Support clients through the Court process during the MERIT 12-week program.

Education

minimum Certificate III qualification in Aboriginal Primary Health Care

Certificate III health qualification with a desire to complete a Certificate IV Aboriginal Primary Health Care (Practice) or other relevant health qualification

Job description

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Position Classification: Aboriginal Health Worker

Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week

Requisition ID: REQ691952

Location: Moree Community Health Servic e | Gamilaroi Land

Applications Close: Thursday 1st October 2026

This is a position identified for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people on the basis of a genuine occupational qualification under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criteria.

About The Role And Where You Will Be Working

The MERIT Team is a multidiscipline team made up of Nurses, Psychologists, Social Worker, and Administration staff. MERIT provides counselling and case management to clients that are identified as having a drug or alcohol dependency and is involved with the criminal justice system. The role is to provide support to Aboriginal clients who access the MERIT program, and you will work in conjunction with staff to provide a safe and culturally appropriate service which promotes positive involvement from the clients. The successful applicant will be working with clients that have an identified drug use dependence and criminal justice involvement. MERIT is a 12-week program where you will be supporting clients through the Court process while on the MERIT Program.

Remuneration: $67,612.00 to $97,730.00 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging + rural incentives

About You

The successful applicant will have sound understanding of the barriers facing Aboriginal clients access to mainstream services. You will have a positive, non-judgemental attitude and the ability to remain professional, and approachable, within a diverse working environment. Knowledge and understanding of the local Aboriginal services on offer for referral purposes would also be beneficial. This position will be supported by the Health Service Manager, MERIT colleagues and Administration Officer, and the DACS Aboriginal Manager. Orientation upon commencement will be provided and professional development and education sessions are also provided throughout the year.

Requirements

• This position is identified for applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.
• 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.

What We Can 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.*
• 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

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 at www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

Relocating? We've Got You Covered

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.

Additional Information

• * Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro‑ratio basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. If your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact [e-mail].
• 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.

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: http://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp.

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.

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.

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most HNELHD employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary packaging 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.

HNE Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.

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