Wiyiliin ta Senior Aboriginal Mental Health Clinician - Identified
Hunter New England Mental Health Services respectfully acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the custodians of the land in which our mental health facilities are located. We pay our respects to our Elders who are the knowledge holders of our culture and who keep our traditions, rituals, song lines alive. We respect the continuing connection to sky, land, rivers, seas and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and its interconnectedness to social, emotional, physical, spiritual mental health and wellbeing. We acknowledge the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within our district, the staff who work with us and the Aboriginal services and organisations who partner with us to improve mental health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our footprint. We ask all those that walk, work and live on traditional Aboriginal lands to be respectful of culture and traditions.
Remuneration: $109,247 - $133,156 per annum + super + salary packaging
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor Level 4, Occupational Therapist Level 4, Social Worker Level 4
Location: Awabakal, Worimi and Wonnarua Country
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ587594
Applications Close: Sunday, 20th July 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.
Where you'll be working:
Wiyillin Ta, in partnership with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and the Yimamulinbinkaan Aboriginal Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing Workforce (YAMHS), is looking for a senior clinician who is deeply committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, adolescents, and their families.
This role spans the beautiful lands of the Awabakal and Wonnarua peoples, working within a passionate, multidisciplinary team. You’ll be part of a culturally responsive, wraparound model of care, collaborating closely with Wiyillin Ta, CAMHS, YAMHS, and local Aboriginal medical services and community-controlled organisations to deliver holistic, community-centred support.
About the role:
You’ll be part of a Deadly and dedicated Aboriginal mental health team, working to strengthen access to culturally safe mental health support for children, young people, their families, and communities. This role focuses on delivering high-quality, culturally responsive assessments, care planning, and interventions grounded in best practice and built on strong partnerships with families, community, and multidisciplinary teams.
You’ll be supported every step of the way—both culturally and professionally. Our large Aboriginal mental health workforce connects daily through clinical and wellbeing huddles, with monthly statewide networking meetings to foster collaboration and growth. Clinical support is guided by the CAMHS governance framework, with regular multidisciplinary reviews and ongoing access to specialised training in child and adolescent mental health.
You’ll also benefit from the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Cultural Clinical Supervision Framework, which ensures culturally strong and safe support for Aboriginal staff. As part of our commitment to sustainable Aboriginal employment in HNE Mental Health, you’ll receive four paid hours each month to reconnect with culture and nurture your spiritual wellbeing.
About you:
In this role, you’ll work closely with both the CAMHS and YAMHS Leadership Teams to support the delivery of culturally safe, inclusive, and responsive care that reflects the needs of the local Aboriginal community. Your passion for improving mental health and strengthening social and emotional wellbeing will shine through in your work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, their families, and communities.
You’ll thrive in a community-based role where your cultural knowledge and advocacy make a real difference. You’ll provide culturally appropriate support and guidance for individuals accessing services through Hunter New England Mental Health, and help create a safe and supportive environment—both for those we serve and for your team.
As a cultural leader, you’ll share knowledge with non-Aboriginal colleagues and stakeholders, helping to embed local protocols and holistic approaches into everyday care. Your strength, compassion, and deep respect for lived experience will be key to empowering stronger connections between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and mental health services.
Requirements:
- Must hold as a minimum appropriate tertiary qualification in: Psychology, Occupational Therapy and general registration through the Australian Health practitioner Regulation Agency ((AHPRA), or qualification in Social Work or Counsellor (Degree in Bachelor Health Science Mental Health, Djirruwang Program) which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association.
- Eligibility to drive in NSW and willingness to travel for work purposes.
- Extensive experience or demonstrated ability to work with acute mental distress in child and youth community mental health settings.
What we can offer you:
At Hunter New England Local Health District, 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:
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
- Proximity to shopping and other services
- 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
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, job share and/or part time arrangements will 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 Bron Rose on Bron.Rose@health.nsw.gov.au
Information for Applicants:
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.
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
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