Aboriginal Mental Health Professional

**_Make a real difference - Join a collaborative team delivering comprehensive mental health care across the Hunter Valley._**

**Employment Type**: Permanent Full Time
**Position Classification**: Aboriginal Mental Health Professional - Level 1 - Identified
**Remuneration**: $37.03 - $43.27 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 p