Aboriginal Mental Health Peer Worker - REQ629550
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- The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network
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- REQ629550 Requisition #
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time and Part Time Opportunities Available
Position Classification: Health Educ Off Grad
Remuneration: 74326 - 118754 full time equivalent base salary range (excludes super, leave loading and salary packaging)
Hours Per Week: up to 38
Requisition ID: REQ629550
Location: Westmead
Applications Close: Midnight on 4 January 2026
Sydney Children's Hospitals Network is the largest paediatric health care entity in Australia. We care for thousands of children each year in our hospitals and in their homes — with one purpose in mind — to help young people live their healthiest lives.
Being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification for this position as described under Section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977 (NSW).
What you'll be doing
The SCHN Department of Psychological Medicine (Mental Health) spans the Randwick and Westmead precincts and is the largest child and adolescent mental health service in NSW. The Department provides assessment and treatment to children with mental illness or neurodevelopmental disorders services including two dedicated inpatient mental health units, psychiatric emergency teams, and consultation-liaison services at each precincts. Additionally the Department provides the largest telemedicine child and adolescent psychiatry service in Australia to regional NSW.
The Aboriginal Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing Peer Worker will utilise their lived experiences of mental illness to support Aboriginal young people accessing SCH Mental Health Service (including within the Emergency Department, inpatient wards and outreach services) and supports the delivery of culturally safe services.
The Aboriginal Youth mental health & wellbeing peer worker is imbedded within a multidisciplinary team to support Aboriginal young people develop hope, autonomy and purpose. They role model recovery with mental illness is possible and in the process support Aboriginal young people engage with family and community by upholding the importance of culture, spirituality, and identity. They promote the importance of employment; education; physical health; and mental health.
Additionally the Aboriginal Youth Peer Worker ensures SCHN Mental Health team provides a culturally safe and welcoming environment for Aboriginal young people and their families/carers.
The Aboriginal mental health & wellbeing peer worker t must be connected to Aboriginal culture and community, identify as Aboriginal and be recognised as such by the community. They must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the local Aboriginal community and share their experience and knowledge of Aboriginal culture and community when sharing their lived experience.
The Aboriginal mental health & wellbeing Peer worker is an integral part of the service and works as equal partners with clinicians in providing proactive community support for Aboriginal young people with mental health issues.
This position may be required to work weekends and on an adjusted start and finish time depending on service need.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- To be a person of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14(d) of the Anti-discrimination Act 1977.
- CHC43515 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (Consumer) or willingness and commitment to obtain within 18months of employment.
- A demonstrated knowledge of the Aboriginal concept of social and emotional wellbeing including and understanding of Aboriginal family structure and Aboriginal culture and wisdom. This will include an understanding of the practical and emotional issues that may arise when working with Aboriginal young people with mental health concerns and their families.
How to Apply
Click ‘Apply Online’ and submit your application including:
- A resume detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
- Answers to the selection criteria in the Position Description.
Additional Benefits (for eligible employees)
- Salary packaging for tax savings
- Meal entertainment savings
- Accrued Day Off (ADO) for Full Time employees
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Fitness Passport
- Flexible Work Practice Opportunities
Need more information?
- Click here for the Position Description.
- Find out more about applying for this position
- Learn more about The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network
- Aboriginal job applicants are encouraged to visit the NSW Health Aboriginal Recruitment tool, Stepping Up to assist in preparing your application.
Further Contacts and Support
For role related queries or questions contact Gabriella Simpson on Gabriella.Simpson@health.nsw.gov.au
We recognise the value of Aboriginal staff providing health care to Aboriginal children and families that access the services we provide at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. For Aboriginal candidates who would like to talk to SCHN’s Aboriginal Workforce Consultant, please contact SCHN-EA-AboriginalHealthDirectorate@health.nsw.gov.au
For technical support please contact the customer services team on 1300 679 367.
Child Safe Standards
SCHN 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.
Additional Information
Applicants will be assessed against the essential criteria in Position Description. Please ensure that you review this document to understand the full requirements of the role.
NSW Health is committed to accessibility and may provide adjustments to the recruitment and interview process as needed, including physical adjustments, interview setup, or scheduling needs.
SCHN is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity - we acknowledge the vibrancy that a diverse workforce brings to enhance both our workplace culture and our service delivery to children, young people and their families and carers.
Employment of temporary visa holders is only considered if no suitable permanent resident or citizen is identified after labour market testing. Please note: To be eligible for permanent appointment to a position in NSW Health, you must have an Australian citizenship or permanent Australian residency.
All workers must meet NSW Health’s vaccination and screening requirements before starting employment. See PD2024_15 for more detail.
This position requires a Working with Children Check (WWCC) issued by the Office of the Children’s Guardian. For more information on how to apply for the clearance, please visit the Office of the Children’s Guardian Website
For roles that require formal qualifications, please note that overseas qualifications must be assessed by the Department of Education or the relevant authority appointed by the Australian Government for skilled migration purposes.
Eligibility List
An eligibility list may be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
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