Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner- MERIT

 


Employment Type: Permanent Full Time 
Position Classification:  Aboriginal Health Worker
Remuneration: $67,612.00 to $97,730.00 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging + rural incentives 
Hours Per Week:38 hours per week 
Requisition ID: REQ691952 
Location: Moree Community Health Service | 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.
 

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:

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:

• 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. 

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 HNELHD-RuralIncentives@health.nsw.gov.au.
• 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.

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

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? 
  1) Click here for the Position Description 
  2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Donna Towers on donna.towers@health.nsw.gov.au


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 HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au 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 nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au 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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