Aboriginal Mental Health Professional - Identified

Make a real difference – Join a collaborative team delivering comprehensive mental health care across the Hunter Valley.

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Aboriginal Mental Health Professional - Level 1 - Identified
Remuneration: $37.03 - $43.27 per hour + superannuation
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ607744
Location: Hunter Valley Mental Health Service | Wonnarua Country
Applications Close: Sunday 2nd November 2025

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
Hunter Valley Mental Health Service (HVMHS) is a vital part of the Hunter New England Local Health District’s Mental Health Network. We are committed to delivering high-quality care to individuals experiencing severe mental health challenges. Our services address a wide spectrum of mental health issues, including mood disorders, psychosis, eating disorders, personality disorders, and the impact of significant life events.

Integrated Services and Facilities
HVMHS operates both community-based services and a 24-bed acute psychiatric unit at Maitland Hospital. Our integrated model ensures a seamless continuum of care – from home-based treatment to in-hospital care and post-discharge support – allowing us to provide comprehensive mental health services across various settings.

Outreach
We serve a wide geographic area, including the local government areas of Maitland, Dungog, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, and Upper Hunter, significantly impacting community mental health across the region.

Our Team
Join our multidisciplinary team of dedicated professionals, including Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, an Aboriginal Counsellor, a Peer Worker, a Dietitian, and Administrative staff. Together, we provide holistic care focused on assessment, care planning, treatment, and ongoing review to support mental well-being and recovery.

What We Do
At HVMHS, we believe in a comprehensive, team-based approach to mental health care, ensuring every individual receives the support they need to improve their mental health and thrive in their recovery journey.

What you'll be doing
The position of Aboriginal Mental Health Counsellor with Hunter Valley Mental Health Service typically involves a variety of clinical, community, and outreach activities aimed at supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is a crucial role in bridging the gap between mainstream mental health services and the unique needs of Indigenous communities. The role requires cultural competence, sensitivity, and a strong understanding of the social, historical, and systemic factors that influence mental health in Aboriginal populations.

As an Aboriginal Mental Health Professional with the Hunter Valley Community Mental Health Team, the successful applicant will be supported through a comprehensive and culturally safe orientation program. This will include an introduction to community mental health practice, local service structures, clinical documentation systems, and safety procedures, as well as opportunities to connect with Aboriginal staff networks and key stakeholders across Hunter New England Mental Health.

The orientation will also include time with experienced clinicians and Aboriginal staff within the district to strengthen understanding of referral pathways, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the delivery of culturally competent, recovery-oriented care.

Ongoing support will be provided through regular clinical and cultural supervision, mentorship from senior Aboriginal Mental Health staff, and guidance from the Team Manager and senior clinicians. Participation in peer support networks, the Aboriginal Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum, and the Close the Gap (CTG) committee will further enhance connection, cultural leadership, and shared learning.

The successful applicant will have access to Hunter New England Health’s extensive education and professional development programs, including workshops and eLearning in trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented practice, physical health monitoring, and culturally responsive mental health service delivery. Professional growth will also be supported through participation in in-service education, and opportunities to contribute to community development and cultural competency initiatives across the service.

This strong framework of clinical, cultural, and organisational support will ensure the Aboriginal Mental Health Professional is well-equipped to provide culturally safe, high-quality care while maintaining their own wellbeing and professional development.

About you
The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic clinician who brings knowledge and skills in engagement and assessment and an ability to apply evidence based practice while dealing with issues effectively and efficiently with a broad range of clinical skills. You will also have the ability to effectively manage your time and prioritise competing demands, as well as promote professional expertise within a multidisciplinary team.

Additionally, this role requires evidence of cultural competence and cultural sensitivity, a commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing, strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as ethical integrity and professionalism.

Requirements 

• Must hold a qualification: Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Counsellor (Degree in Bachelor of Health Science Mental health, Djirruwang Program) which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association / provisional or general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. 
• Eligible to drive in NSW. 
• This is an identified Aboriginal position. Applicants must be of Aboriginal descent. Exemption is claimed under section 14d of the anti-discrimination act 1977. 
• Significant experience and knowledge as a cultural consultant with demonstrated commitment to Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

What we can offer 
At Hunter New England Health enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day: 

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)             

 

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.

   

• Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse. 

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 Ricci Berrie on Ricci.Berrie@health.nsw.gov.au