Aboriginal Health Practitioner - Maitland - Identified

Bring your cultural knowledge and clinical skills to the heart of the hospital - shaping safer, more connected care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until July 2027
Position Classification: Aboriginal Health Practitioner
Remuneration: $72,186 - $93,971 per annum + super
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: Wonnarua Country | Maitland
Requisition ID: REQ655420
Applications Close: Sunday, 17th May 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.

Where you'll be working:
The successful candidate will work within a busy hospital setting, including the Emergency Department, delivering culturally safe, high‑quality care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families using a range of clinical skills. The role involves supporting patient assessment, assisting with triage processes, monitoring clinical needs, and contributing to timely and appropriate care in a fast‑paced environment. The culture of our team is respectful, supportive, and strongly grounded in cultural safety and collaboration.

About the role:
This role is busy and varied, working in a fast‑paced Emergency Department to support the changing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families. Every day is different.

On a typical shift, the Aboriginal Health Practitioner works closely with Emergency Department clinicians to support patients from the point of presentation through to admission, discharge, or referral. This includes contributing to clinical care using relevant clinical skills and acting as a cultural broker between patients, families, and the clinical team.

A typical day may involve:

• Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families in the ED, often during times of stress or crisis
• Supporting assessments, monitoring patient wellbeing, and assisting with care planning using clinical judgement
• Advocating for culturally safe care and supporting informed decision‑making
• Liaising with nursing, medical, and allied health staff to coordinate care
• Supporting discharge planning and referrals to inpatient teams, outpatient services, ACCHOs, and community supports
• Following up patients to support continuity of care and reduce unplanned re‑presentations

Across a week, the role also includes collaboration with other Aboriginal Health Practitioners, participation in multidisciplinary discussions, contribution to quality improvement, and supporting cultural capability within the Emergency Department.

About the role:
We are looking for a candidate who is committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and who works in a culturally safe, respectful, and community‑centred way.

Non‑negotiable attributes:

• Aboriginality, as this is an identified position
• Strong cultural knowledge, connection to community, and ability to provide culturally safe support
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills with patients, families, and staff
• Ability to advocate confidently for Aboriginal patients
• Professional boundaries, confidentiality, and reliability
• Willingness to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Certificate IV in Aboriginal Primary Health Care (Practice) and a current authority to practice as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Skills and knowledge that can be learned or developed:

• Hospital systems, clinical processes, and documentation requirements
• Specific clinical or scope‑of‑practice skills (supported through training and supervision)
• Local service pathways, referral processes, and community networks
• Use of electronic medical records and reporting systems

How you'll be supported:
The applicant will be well supported to succeed in this role through a combination of structured orientation, supervision, and ongoing learning opportunities.

Orientation and initial support
The successful candidate will receive a comprehensive orientation to the hospital, Aboriginal Health Unit, and local service context. This includes introductions to the Aboriginal team, key clinical staff, and managers, as well as guidance on hospital systems, policies, and ways of working. Cultural and workplace expectations are clearly outlined, and time is provided to become familiar with referral pathways, and community connections. Regular check‑ins with line manager and staff support a safe and supported transition into the role.

Training and role-specific development
Training is provided to support scope of practice, clinical or non‑clinical activities, documentation, and use of electronic medical records. New staff are supported to develop confidence in hospital processes, advocacy, and multidisciplinary teamwork.

Ongoing education and professional development
The role has access to ongoing education, including internal training, Aboriginal workforce development opportunities, mandatory training updates, and external professional development relevant to Aboriginal Health Practitioners. Support is provided for maintaining qualifications, expanding scope of practice where appropriate, and participating in mentoring, peer support, and Aboriginal workforce networks.

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
• 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

 

Additional information:

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.

  
   

1. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the health issues and key policies that impact on Aboriginal communities across Hunter New England Local Health District.
2. Demonstrated ability to liaise, proactively engage and work collaboratively with vulnerable communities and relevant agencies in ensuring culturally responsive services.