Aboriginal Mental Health (YAMHS) Undergraduate Assistant in Nursing Program - Identified

Earn. Learn. Build your career in Aboriginal Mental Health Nursing.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time
Position Classification: Assist In Nursing
Remuneration: $65,150.16 - $71,479.42 per annum + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging 
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ689842
Location: Mater Mental Health Centre

Closing Date: Thursday, 1^st 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.

We recognise and respect the continuing connection to land, water and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and its interconnectedness to health and wellbeing. We pay our respects to the Elders who hold and share the cultural knowledge, heritage, beliefs, and the relationship with the land. 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 health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our footprint. We celebrate the strength, diversity, resilience, and cultural beliefs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
 

About the Opportunity

Yimamulinbinkaan Aboriginal Mental Health Service (YAMHS) provides specialist, culturally responsive mental health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children and young people, families and communities across the lifespan.

Delivered by Mob, for Mob, YAMHS works in genuine partnership with Aboriginal communities and mainstream mental health services to strengthen culturally safe care, improve access and outcomes, and develop a strong and sustainable Aboriginal mental health workforce. YAMHS is a large multidisciplinary service known for delivering culturally responsive, collaborative and holistic mental health care, integrating clinical yarning, cultural safety and Aboriginal knowledge systems. With a focus on healing, wellbeing and connection, our service provides trauma-informed mental health and social and emotional wellbeing support underpinned by cultural expertise and clinical excellence.

Join a deadly workforce helping shape the future of Aboriginal mental health.

This is a unique opportunity for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander undergraduate nursing student to join a structured two-year mental health nursing development pathway while completing a Bachelor of Nursing with the University of New England. Working as an Assistant in Nursing under the direction and supervision of Registered Nurses, and with support from the YAMHS Clinical Nurse Consultant, you will gain practical mental health nursing experience while developing the clinical, cultural and professional capabilities required to transition towards Registered Nurse practice. The program combines university study, paid workplace learning, clinical experience, cultural support and professional development, providing a supported pathway from undergraduate nursing student to the future Aboriginal mental health nursing workforce.

Your contract will be renewed at the end of each semester, subject to successful completion of workplace, clinical placement and university academic traineeship requirements in accordance with the program matrix, traineeship plan and clinical and non-clinical workplace records. Your HECS fees will be paid by your employer while you are employed in the program, and flexible working arrangements are available to support you throughout your studies.

What You Will Be Doing

As an Undergraduate Assistant in Nursing, you will gain valuable experience working within Aboriginal mental health services while being supported to develop your clinical and professional skills.

You will:

• Provide delegated nursing care under the direction and supervision of Registered Nurses.
• Engage respectfully with Aboriginal consumers, families and communities.
• Contribute to culturally safe, person-centred care planning and delivery.
• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary mental health teams.
• Develop practical skills and knowledge in mental health nursing.
• Participate in clinical learning, workplace education and competency development.
• Build your understanding of culturally safe and trauma-informed mental health practice.
• Develop communication, clinical and professional skills to support your transition towards Registered Nurse practice.
• Participate in workplace learning and clinical placements as required by the program.
• Build professional networks and experience across HNELHD Mental Health Services.
• Contribute to a culturally safe and supportive Aboriginal mental health workforce.

The program provides the opportunity to learn from experienced mental health clinicians while developing your confidence, capability and understanding of Aboriginal mental health nursing.

About You

We are looking for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander undergraduate nursing students who are passionate about improving mental health outcomes for Aboriginal people, families and communities and interested in building a career in mental health nursing.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and meet the requirements applicable to an identified position.
• Be currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of New England.
• Have successfully completed your first year of study and be commencing your first semester/trimester of second or third year.
• Be able to commit to completing the structured two-year development program.
• Meet the university, clinical placement and workplace requirements of the program.
• Demonstrate a commitment to completing your nursing degree and developing your clinical and professional capability.

We are looking for someone who demonstrates:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Cultural connection, awareness and respect.
• A willingness to learn and develop.
• Reliability, resilience and commitment.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• A genuine passion for Aboriginal mental health and improving outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
• A commitment to developing a career within the Aboriginal mental health nursing workforce.

How You Will Be Supported

You won't be doing this journey alone.

There are two positions available, providing you with a buddy throughout your undergraduate journey and the opportunity to build connections with Mob and the broader YAMHS team.

You will receive:

• Clinical supervision and day-to-day support from Registered Nurses and experienced mental health nursing teams.
• Cultural clinical governance, cultural supervision and support through YAMHS.
• Support from the YAMHS Service Manager, Team Leader/CNC and broader Aboriginal mental health workforce.
• Structured workplace learning and competency development.
• Support to balance employment with university requirements, residential/intensive study and clinical placements.
• A dedicated study day and lecture day each week during semester, with the opportunity to work from home on these days where appropriate.
• Support to attend required University intensives.
• Regular reviews of your progress against the program's clinical and non-clinical workplace development requirements.
• Access to the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Cultural Clinical Supervision Framework, supporting culturally safe professional development and sustainable employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the public health sector.

YAMHS offers a unique opportunity to earn, learn and build a career in Aboriginal mental health nursing.

You will gain meaningful paid clinical experience while completing your nursing degree, supported by Aboriginal cultural governance, clinical supervision and experienced mental health clinicians.

Through the program, you will build practical mental health nursing capability, professional networks and experience across HNELHD Mental Health Services — creating a strong pathway towards Registered Nurse practice and future opportunities within the Aboriginal mental health workforce.
 

What we can offer you:

✅ Opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development
✅ Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
✅ Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
✅ 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
✅ 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