Aboriginal Health Worker/ Aboriginal Health Practitioner - Merit

Closed Identified under Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 – Advertisement and essential criteria. 

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 criterion.

Citing and corroboration of Aboriginal identity is flexible, however the statutory requirements for Aboriginality are based upon descent.  For information on Confirmation of Aboriginality requirements click here. If you require support, please make contact so this support can be offered.

About the Role
Your role in this position is to provide support and work directly with clients participating in the MERIT program who identify as Aboriginal. You will also work in conjunction with your colleagues to ensure that the team as a whole, are providing a safe and culturally appropriate service which promotes positive involvement from the clients.

This position will be supported by the Health Service Manager, MERIT colleagues and Administration Officer, and the DACS Aboriginal Manager.

Where you'll be working
The successful applicant will become part of the Drug and Alcohol MERIT team that is based at Newcastle Community Health Centre, Newcastle. This team consists of multidisciplinary professions ranging from Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers and Administration Officers. Together as a team, you will provide counselling and case management to clients that have identified as having a drug or alcohol dependency and are involved with the criminal justice system.

About You
The successful applicant will have sound understanding of the barriers facing Aboriginal clients access to mainstream services. You will have a positive, non-judgemental attitude and the ability to remain professional, and approachable, within a diverse working environment. Knowledge and understanding of the local Aboriginal services on offer for referral purposes would also be beneficial.

Additional Information

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

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:  http://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp.

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.

All NSW Health workers are required to have completed a primary course of a COVID-19 vaccine which has been approved or recognised by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA). New applicants must have completed the vaccination course prior to commencement with NSW Health or provide an approved medical contraindication certificate (AIR Immunisation History Statement) certifying the worker cannot have any approved COVID-19 vaccines available in NSW.  

Acceptable proof of COVID-19 vaccination is the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) Immunisation History Statement (IHS), or AIR COVID-19 Digital Certificate, or AIR COVID-19 and Influenza IHS. Booster doses are highly recommended for all health care workers who have completed the primary course of COVID-19 vaccinations.   

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