Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner - YDACS - Identified

Your culture, your knowledge, your opportunity to create positive change.

Employment Type: Full Time Temporary until Jun 2029  
Position Classification: Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner - YDACS
Remuneration: $75,073.00 to $97,730.00 + superannuation + salary packaging 
Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week 
Requisition ID: REQ704419
Location: James Fletcher Hospital Newcastle 


This is an identified Aboriginal position. Applicants must be of Aboriginal descent. Exemption is claimed under section 14d of the anti-discrimination act 1977.

Applications Close: Monday 23^rd November 2026 

About the role and where you will be working

Join our Youth Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services (YDACS) team at James Fletcher Hospital in Newcastle as an Aboriginal Health Worker Practitioner on a temporary full-time basis.

YDACS is part of Hunter New England Local Health District's Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, providing holistic, evidence-based care to young people experiencing moderate to severe substance use issues.

In this role, you will bring your cultural knowledge, skills and experience to provide culturally responsive support, strengthen connections with local Aboriginal communities and help young people make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

Working alongside a multidisciplinary team, you will play an important role in promoting cultural safety, improving health outcomes and empowering young people and their families.

About you

We are seeking a compassionate, enthusiastic and culturally connected Aboriginal Health Worker Practitioner who is passionate about supporting young people and improving health outcomes.

You will bring strong communication skills, a flexible approach and the ability to build trusting relationships, provide cultural perspectives and promote culturally safe, responsive care. You will demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, personal resilience and a commitment to advocating for and empowering young people.

You will be supported by an experienced management team, multidisciplinary colleagues and Aboriginal peer networks, with comprehensive orientation and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Requirements 

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:

• 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
  
  
  Additional information:
   
• An eligibility list will be created for future 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.

  
  
  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 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.
  
  The ability to effectively communicate and maintain confidentiality and sensitive information affecting Aboriginal community members accessing health care.
  
  
  
  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 Tara Checkley on Tara.Checkley@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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