Aboriginal Mental Health Professional

Aboriginal Mental Health Professional - Identified

💼 Hunter New England Local Health District

📅 REQ607744 Requisition #

Make a real difference – Join a collaborative team delivering comprehensive mental health care across the Hunter Valley.

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Position Classification: Social Worker Level 1/2, Occupational Therapist Level 1/2, Dietitian Level 1/2, Counsellor Level 1/2, Psychologist, Registered Nurse

Remuneration: $36.38 - $57.10 per hour + superannuation

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ607744

Location: Hunter Valley Mental Health Service | Wonnarua Country

Applications Close: Sunday 2nd November 2025

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.

About Us

Hunter Valley Mental Health Service (HVMHS) is a vital part of the Hunter New England Local Health District’s Mental Health Network. We are committed to delivering high-quality care to individuals experiencing severe mental health challenges. Our services address a wide spectrum of mental health issues, including mood disorders, psychosis, eating disorders, personality disorders, and the impact of significant life events.

Integrated Services and Facilities

HVMHS operates both community-based services and a 24-bed acute psychiatric unit at Maitland Hospital. Our integrated model ensures a seamless continuum of care – from home-based treatment to in-hospital care and post-discharge support – allowing us to provide comprehensive mental health services across various settings.

Outreach

We serve a wide geographic area, including the local government areas of Maitland, Dungog, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, and Upper Hunter, significantly impacting community mental health across the region.

Our Team

Join our multidisciplinary team of dedicated professionals, including Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, an Aboriginal Counsellor, a Peer Worker, a Dietitian, and Administrative staff. Together, we provide holistic care focused on assessment, care planning, treatment, and ongoing review to support mental well‑being and recovery.

What We Do

At HVMHS, we believe in a comprehensive, team‑based approach to mental health care, ensuring every individual receives the support they need to improve their mental health and thrive in their recovery journey.

What you'll be doing

The position of Aboriginal Mental Health Counsellor with Hunter Valley Mental Health Service typically involves a variety of clinical, community, and outreach activities aimed at supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is a crucial role in bridging the gap between mainstream mental health services and the unique needs of Indigenous communities. The role requires cultural competence, sensitivity, and a strong understanding of the social, historical, and systemic factors that influence mental health in Aboriginal populations.

As an Aboriginal Mental Health Professional with the Hunter Valley Community Mental Health Team, the successful applicant will be supported through a comprehensive and culturally safe orientation program. This will include an introduction to community mental health practice, local service structures, clinical documentation systems, and safety procedures, as well as opportunities to connect with Aboriginal staff networks and key stakeholders across Hunter New England Mental Health.

The orientation will also include time with experienced clinicians and Aboriginal staff within the district to strengthen understanding of referral pathways, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the delivery of culturally competent, recovery‑oriented care.

Ongoing support will be provided through regular clinical and cultural supervision, mentorship from senior Aboriginal Mental Health staff, and guidance from the Team Manager and senior clinicians. Participation in peer support networks, the Aboriginal Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum, and the Close the Gap (CTG) committee will further enhance connection, cultural leadership, and shared learning.

The successful applicant will have access to Hunter New England Health’s extensive education and professional development programs, including workshops and eLearning in trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented practice, physical health monitoring, and culturally responsive mental health service delivery. Professional growth will also be supported through participation in in-service education, and opportunities to contribute to community development and cultural competency initiatives across the service.

This strong framework of clinical, cultural, and organisational support will ensure the Aboriginal Mental Health Professional is well‑equipped to provide culturally safe, high-quality care while maintaining their own wellbeing and professional development.

About you

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic clinician who brings knowledge and skills in engagement and assessment and an ability to apply evidence based practice while dealing with issues effectively and efficiently with a broad range of clinical skills. You will also have the ability to effectively manage your time and prioritise competing demands, as well as promote professional expertise within a multidisciplinary team.

Additionally, this role requires evidence of cultural competence and cultural sensitivity, a commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing, strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as ethical integrity and professionalism.

Requirements

- Must hold a qualification: Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Counsellor (Degree in Bachelor of Health Science Mental health, Djirruwang Program) which provides eligibility or membership of the relevant professional association / provisional or general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

- Eligible to drive in NSW.

- This is an identified Aboriginal position. Applicants must be of Aboriginal descent. Exemption is claimed under section 14d of the anti-discrimination act 1977.

- Significant experience and knowledge as a cultural consultant with demonstrated commitment to Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

What we can offer

At Hunter New England Health enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:

- Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)

- 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)

Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) – giving you the opportunity for true Work‑life balance.

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 permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.

This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered.

- 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.

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.

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 to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.

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NSW Health acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders past and present, and pays respect to all Aboriginal communities of today.

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