Providing culturally safe support, building trust, creating pathways forward.
Remuneration: $34.10 - $49.29 per hour + super + salary packaging + rural incentives
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Aboriginal Health Worker / Practitioner
Location: Kamilaroi Country | Moree
Hours Per Week: 19 hours per week
Requisition ID: REQ681868
Applications Close: Tuesday 25th August 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 us:
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. This position is based at Moree Community Health.
About the role:
The role involves providing support to Aboriginal people accessing the MERIT program, working collaboratively with staff to deliver a safe, culturally appropriate, and supportive service that encourages positive engagement and participation.
The successful applicant will work with Aboriginal people who have identified substance use dependencies and involvement with the criminal justice system. MERIT is a 12-week program designed to support clients through the Court process while they participate in treatment and rehabilitation.
In this role, you will build positive relationships with Aboriginal people, provide culturally appropriate support throughout their participation in the program, and work collaboratively with the broader team to promote positive outcomes and successful engagement with the MERIT program.
About you:
The successful applicant will have a sound understanding of the barriers that Aboriginal people may experience when accessing mainstream services, and the ability to provide culturally safe, respectful, and client-centred support.
You will demonstrate a positive, non-judgemental approach, with the ability to build trust and rapport with aboriginal people while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries within a diverse working environment.
Knowledge and understanding of local Aboriginal services, community organisations, and available support networks will be highly regarded, particularly the ability to identify appropriate referral pathways and connect clients with services that meet their individual needs.
How you'll be supported:
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:
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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.
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Eligible to drive in NSW and the ability to travel as required.
What we can offer:
At Hunter New 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:
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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.*
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Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
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4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
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Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
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Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
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Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
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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.
Learn More: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience
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-rata 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 [email protected].
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An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies.
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.
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Need more information?
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. 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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