Community Cancer Health Worker

About the organisation

Awabakal Ltd has provided health & community services to Aboriginal people living across the Newcastle and Lower Hunter region for more than 40 years and is dedicated to advancing the wellbeing of our community.

Awabakal Ltd' is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to join our team in Hamilton, NSW 2303. This is a part-time opportunity where you will play a crucial role in providing high-quality nursing care to our patients.

Position Overview:

The Community Cancer Health Worker plays a vital role in improving cancer-related outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This position is responsible for promoting cancer prevention, early detection, and culturally safe care through health promotion, community education, patient support, and service coordination.

Working closely with the Cancer and Chronic Disease Clinical Coordinator, local health services, and community members, the role supports individuals and families through the entire cancer journey—prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

Key Responsibilities:

Health Promotion and Education

• Develop and deliver culturally safe health promotion campaigns on cancer prevention and early detection.
• Promote participation in national cancer screening programs (breast, cervical, bowel) through education sessions, workshops, and community events.
• Create and distribute culturally appropriate cancer awareness messaging, resources, and merchandise.
• Organise and facilitate cancer awareness days and site visits with local screening providers.
• Deliver staff education and workshops on the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) and cancer risk factors.

Community Engagement

• Lead local cancer engagement strategies to strengthen awareness, reduce stigma, and empower community members.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders, and local stakeholders.
• Build partnerships with local cancer screening and treatment services to ensure culturally appropriate care.

Patient and Family Support

• Provide culturally safe, holistic, and compassionate support to individuals and families impacted by cancer.
• Accompany community members to screening, specialist, or treatment appointments as needed.
• Assist with arranging diagnostic tests, treatment follow-ups, and wraparound supports (e.g., medication access, food security, transport).
• Provide ongoing supportive care between appointments and help navigate the healthcare system.

Coordination and Collaboration

• Support care coordination in conjunction with the Cancer and Chronic Disease Clinical Coordinator.
• Establish links with mainstream services to improve cultural safety and accessibility of cancer services.
• Work collaboratively with health professionals and community organisations to improve outcomes.

Monitoring, Reporting and Quality Improvement

• Assist in the development of local tools to identify community members needing follow-up for cancer screening or care.
• Collect and maintain accurate records for reporting, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement (CQI) in cancer screening participation.
• Participate in the development of strategies to increase screening uptake and early diagnosis.

Selection Criteria:

Essential:

• Identified position: must identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
• Qualification and/or experience in a relevant health care, community health, or social services setting (e.g. Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner, community support worker, chronic disease or cancer support roles).
• Demonstrated understanding of the health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly around cancer and chronic disease.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage effectively with community members and service providers.
• Experience in health promotion and/or patient support roles.
• Experience in working with individuals, families and communities in a culturally safe and respectful way.
• Ability to support and advocate for individuals and families navigating the healthcare system.
• Organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to plan, deliver and evaluate health promotion and community engagement activities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable:

• Experience in cancer care, chronic disease management or public health promotion.
• Understanding of national cancer screening programs (breast, cervical, bowel and lung).
• Knowledge of culturally safe healthcare practices and frameworks.
• Skills in data collection, reporting, and quality improvement.

To Apply

To submit your application please click on the "Apply" button below or to learn more about this exciting opportunity please contact Jess