YAMHS Aboriginal Health Worker - Elders in Residence - Identified

Join a Deadly team making real change - to heal, connect, and empower Aboriginal people/ communities through culturally grounded mental health care.

Employment Type: Temporary Part Time until June 2026
Position Classification: Aboriginal Health Worker
Remuneration: $32.78 - $47.39 per hour + 12% super + salary packaging
Location: Awabakal, Worimi and Wonnarua Country
Hours Per Week: 24
Requisition ID: REQ640858
Applications Close: Sunday 22^nd February 2026.

 

YAMHS 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.

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.

If you need help applying, YAMHS staff are here to support you, including helping with forms, talking through the role, and providing transport if needed.

Where you’ll be working

YAMHS (Yamayi Aboriginal Mental Health Service) is a specialist Aboriginal mental health service working by Mob, for Mob.

We support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages, making sure care is culturally safe, respectful and grounded in Social and Emotional Wellbeing. Our work is guided by culture, Country, kinship and community, and we walk alongside people on their healing journey.

About the role

As an Elder in Residence, your role is to bring culture into mental health care in a strong, visible and respectful way.

You will support people through yarning, cultural connection and healing, helping them feel safe when accessing services. You will share knowledge about culture, Country and kinship, and provide guidance to staff so care respects Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing.

You will work across emergency departments, mental health units and community settings, helping shape and strengthen an Aboriginal cultural healing model of care.

What the role involves

You will yarn with individuals and families, offering cultural support and advocacy as they move through mental health services. You will help services understand cultural protocols and obligations, and support shared care by working closely with Aboriginal clinicians, SEWB workers and treating teams.

You will have and also build strong relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, families and community, helping people feel supported both in hospital and back on Country.

About you

You are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who is respected in community and carries strong cultural knowledge. You value listening, relationship-building and walking alongside people in a good way.

You may have experience working in health or community services, but most importantly, you bring lived experience, cultural authority and a genuine commitment to the social and emotional wellbeing of Mob.

How you’ll be supported

You will be supported by an Aboriginal Service Manager and be part of a strong Aboriginal workforce that includes team leaders, clinicians, trainees and Social and Emotional Wellbeing staff.

You will receive Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) cultural supervision and have access to learning, mentoring and teamwork. You will also receive four paid hours each month to reconnect with culture and care for your own spiritual wellbeing.

YAMHS staff can also support you with:

• Understanding the role
• Completing the application or interviews if needed
• Transport to work & meetings during your employment 

We encourage Elders to apply

If you would like to yarn about the role before applying, or need help with the application, please contact YAMHS. We are happy to sit down with you and support you through the process.

YAMHS Community Contact Numbers:
📞 (02) 4041 3669
📱 Work Mobile: 0428 425 324

 What we can offer you:
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 

·         Proximity to shopping and other services

·         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

 Additional information:

·         An eligibility list will be created for future temporary part time vacancies.

·         Determination 1 of 23 Aboriginal Health Worker classification – recognition of prior service ensures there is provisions of Recognition of Prior Years of Service that will influence the commence of rate of pay for the successful candidate.

How to apply:
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

1.     Holds a minimum Certificate III qualification in Aboriginal Primary Health Care and/or a minimum Certificate III health qualification in the area of care in which the Aboriginal Health Worker works and/or completion of or willingness to undertake Certificate IV Mental Health qualification.

2.     Demonstrated ability to engage, collaborate and liaise with Aboriginal community, individuals and organisations in a culturally appropriate manner.

3.     Demonstrated proficient written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to liaise with a broad range of connections experiencing mental ill health.

 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: https://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.

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. 

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. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au  for confidential support.  

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