Palliative Care Aboriginal Health Practitioner/Aboriginal Health Worker Identified

Support families, honour Culture, and make a meaningful difference at every stage of the palliative care journey.

Remuneration: $65,012 - $93,971 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Worimi Wonnarua Country | Hunter Hub / location negotiable between Maitland Dungog Cessnock Singleton and Muswellbrook 
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Aboriginal Health Worker / Practitioner
Requisition ID: REQ652564
Applications Close: Thursday 23rd July 2027 

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.

As the Aboriginal Health Practitioner or Aboriginal Health Worker – Palliative Care, you will play an important role in supporting patients, families, and communities throughout their palliative care journey. Working as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, you will help deliver culturally safe, holistic, and person-centred care that respects each individual’s values, beliefs, and connection to Culture.

This community-focused role involves cultural care coordination, advocacy, social and emotional wellbeing support, and health promotion. You will assist patients and families to navigate healthcare services, understand their care options, access appropriate supports, and ensure cultural needs and connections to Country are recognised and respected throughout their care journey, including at end of life.

About you

You are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person with a strong connection to Culture, Community, and Country. You bring empathy, cultural knowledge, and a genuine commitment to supporting individuals and families during a significant stage of life. With a compassionate and respectful approach, you are passionate about advocating for the needs of your community and helping people access culturally safe, high-quality care.

You’ll have:
 

• 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.
• As an Aboriginal Health Practitioner, a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care (Practice) and registration with.
• 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.
• Understanding of cultural protocols, kinship systems, and practices around death, dying, and Sorry Business.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and liaise with families, community, and external agencies.
• 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.

What we offer 

• Be part of a connected Aboriginal health network across the district. 
• Access to scholarships, training, and professional development. 
• Regular yarning circles and cultural supervision. 
• A team that truly values your voice, culture, and contribution. 
• Salary packaging  
• Fitness passport

Join a team that empowers Aboriginal voices, respects every journey, and ensures no family walks alone. 

Additional Information:

• 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.
• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies. 
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.   
• This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered.
   

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 Kaylene Dennis on kaylene.dennis@health.nsw.gov.au