Supporting dignity, choice, and connection at every stage of care.
Requisition ID: REQ678871
Employment Type: Permanent Part Time
Position Classification: Aboriginal Health Worker / Practitioner
Remuneration: $37.86 per hour to $49.29 per hour + superannuation + salary packaging (+ rural incentives)
Hours Per Week: 22
Applications Close: Thursday 30th July 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:
As the Aboriginal Health Practitioner or Aboriginal Health Worker in Palliative Care, you'll hold a unique and deeply meaningful role, walking alongside Aboriginal patients, families, and communities during some of life's most important moments.
Working as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, you'll help ensure palliative care is culturally safe, holistic, and grounded in respect. Your work will span hospital, community, and aged care settings, supporting people to receive care that honours their values, culture, family, and connection to Country.This is more than a healthcare role. It's an opportunity to make a lasting difference by bringing cultural knowledge, compassion, and advocacy to end-of-life care, helping people live as well as possible, for as long as possible, surrounded by dignity, respect, and connection.
"I think there is something special about being included, supporting and helping someone in their end-of-life journey and letting you hold space with them, their families and in their homes to provide the care they need. To help them live as long and as well as they can." Renee - Integrated Care Aboriginal Program Coordinator
Where you’ll be working:
You'll join a supportive multidisciplinary Specialist Palliative Care team, working alongside specialist nurses, allied health professionals, palliative care medical specialists, and community-based staff who value the vital contribution of Aboriginal Health Practitioners and Aboriginal Health Workers. You'll also be supported through Aboriginal staff networks, monthly yarning circles, and ongoing professional development opportunities as part of HNELHD's Aboriginal Workforce programs.
About you
You are a proud Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who values Culture, and has strong ties to Community and Country. You’re passionate about walking with families through the palliative care journey, bringing compassion, understanding, and advocacy to every interaction.
You’ll have:
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As an Aboriginal Health Worker, a Certificate III (or willingness to obtain) in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care or a minimum Certificate III health qualification.
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As an Aboriginal Health Practitioner, a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care (Practice) and registration with AHPRA
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If you are working towards the Cert IV in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Care (Practice), the Palliative Care team will support the transitioning from Aboriginal Health Worker to Aboriginal Health Practitioner.
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Understanding of cultural protocols, kinship systems, and practices around death, dying, and Sorry Business.
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Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and liaise with families, community, and external agencies.
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Strong communication and documentation skills with a respectful, compassionate approach.
You understand the deep cultural importance of Sorry Business and support families to begin this process early - helping ensure each person’s transition to the spiritual journey is respected through practices such as cleansing or smoking ceremonies, returning to Country, or other cultural traditions meaningful to them
Requirements
This is an identified Aboriginal position. Applicants must be of Aboriginal descent. Exemption is claimed under section 14d of the anti-discrimination act 1977.
Hold a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice) and a current authority to practice as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
What we 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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Be part of a connected Aboriginal health network across the district.
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Access to scholarships, training, and professional development.
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Regular yarning circles and cultural supervision.
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A team that truly values your voice, culture, and contribution.
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Salary packaging
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Fitness passport
Join a team that empowers Aboriginal voices, respects every journey, and ensures no family walks alone.
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:
- 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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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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An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies.
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We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
Additional information:
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An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies.
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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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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.
Need more information?
about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Lee Clissold 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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