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





At Hunter Recent England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also 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

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. 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.

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.

How To Apply

Click apply online, submit your information and resume,



and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability. Demonstrated cultural and community connections with an understanding or lived experience of the social and health issues that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 'specifically, associated with drug & alcohol dependence.

Demonstrated understanding or lived experience of treatment options available for Aboriginal people experiencing drug & alcohol dependence.

Demonstrated ability to work in collaboration within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to activities that supports a culturally competent and responsive health care service and provision.

Need more information?

- Click here for the Position Description
- Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Donna Towers on [email protected] Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

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 [email protected] 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 package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via [email protected] 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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📌 Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner- MERIT (Armidale)
🏢 Hunter New England Local Health District
📍 Armidale