Aboriginal Mental Health and SEWS Care Navigator CNC1 - Identified
Lead meaningful change in Aboriginal mental health and SEWB, strengthening culturally safe care and creating better outcomes for Aboriginal people, families and communities.
Employment Type:PermanentFull Time
Position Classification:Clinical Nurse Consultant Grade 1
Remuneration:$143,****** - $146,****** per annum + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week:38
Requisition ID:REQ******
Location:Tamworth Hospital
Closing Date: Monday 16th November ****
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 ****. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criteria.
About the Opportunity
An exciting opportunity is available for an Aboriginal Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Care Navigator to join the New England Northwest Mental Health Service, based primarily within the brand-new Tamworth Mental Health Unit.
This purpose-built, modern facility will provide 37 inpatient beds, including 20 general adult beds, five high-acuity beds, four beds for younger people and eight beds for older persons. The facility has been co-designed with mental health consumers and carers, Aboriginal stakeholders and staff, helping create an environment that supports recovery, cultural safety and high-quality care. The Tamworth Mental Health Unit will deliver specialist mental health treatment through a multidisciplinary team (MDT), incorporating medical, psychological, occupational and social interventions. Consumers will also be encouraged to participate in therapeutic group programs that promote engagement, social connection, education and skills development, supporting both mental and physical wellbeing.
As the Aboriginal Mental Health and SEWB Care Navigator, you will play a key leadership role in strengthening culturally safe mental health services and improving the coordination and continuity of care for Aboriginal people, families and communities. While primarily based within the inpatient unit, you will work across service boundaries to build strong partnerships, improve care pathways and support better outcomes for Aboriginal consumers.
Please note: This position will commence following the opening of the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit.
What You Will Be Doing
Reporting directly to the New England North West Nurse Manager, you will work closely with the Aboriginal Mental Health Workforce,



multidisciplinary teams and internal and external service partners to provide specialist clinical and cultural leadership.
Your responsibilities will include:
Providing specialist clinical and cultural advice to support culturally safe, person-centred mental health care for Aboriginal consumers.
Supporting culturally informed assessment, treatment planning and discharge coordination, recognising the social, cultural and historical factors that influence Aboriginal health and wellbeing.
Advocating for Aboriginal consumers and their families, ensuring their cultural needs, preferences and voices are recognised throughout their healthcare journey.
Strengthening care coordination and connections between inpatient mental health services, Emergency Departments, community services, primary care, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other support services.
Building and maintaining trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, families, healthcare professionals and external partner organisations.
Providing clinical leadership, education and cultural supervision to nursing staff to strengthen culturally protected practice.
Identifying gaps in service delivery and developing practical strategies to improve access, continuity and coordination of care.
Contributing to quality improvement, research, service development and relevant District and State working groups.
Supporting the ongoing development of mental health services that recognise and respond to the unique needs of Aboriginal people, families and communities.
About You
You are an experienced Aboriginal Registered Nurse with a strong connection to Aboriginal communities and a passion for improving mental health and social and emotional wellbeing outcomes. You bring cultural knowledge, clinical credibility and the ability to build trusted relationships, influence practice and advocate for culturally safe care.
You will demonstrate:
Strong cultural knowledge, connection and understanding of Aboriginal mental health and social and emotional wellbeing.
Experience in mental health nursing and an understanding of the factors influencing the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, families and communities.
The ability to provide cultural leadership, advocacy and guidance to multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills,



with the ability to engage respectfully with consumers, families, communities and service partners.
Strong clinical judgement and the ability to navigate complex healthcare systems.
The confidence to work autonomously, identify service gaps and develop practical solutions to improve care coordination and patient outcomes.
A collaborative approach and commitment to strengthening culturally safe, recovery-oriented and person-centred mental health services.
Experience with specific organisational systems, local processes, governance requirements and quality improvement methodologies is not essential, as support and development will be available in the role.
Essential Requirements
This position is identified for applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
Current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (AHPRA).
At least five years' full-time equivalent post-registration nursing experience.
Eligibility and willingness to drive and travel as required.
A relevant post-registration nursing qualification is preferred. However, equivalent relevant qualifications or experience may be considered. Opportunities for further professional development and postgraduate study may be supported following appointment, where appropriate.
What We Can Offer
The opportunity to contribute to a brand-new, purpose-built mental health facility co-designed with consumers, carers, Aboriginal stakeholders and staff.
A meaningful senior clinical leadership role where you can influence culturally safe mental health care and improve outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
Opportunities to strengthen partnerships across mental health, community and Aboriginal health services.
Ongoing professional development and opportunities to further develop your clinical leadership and cultural expertise.
Access to the usual Hunter New England Local Health District employee benefits and professional support.
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 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 atwww.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience
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📌 Aboriginal Mental Health And Sews Care Navigator Cnc1 - Identified (New South Wales)
🏢 NSW Health
📍 New South Wales