Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner - MERIT

About the role

Hunter New England Health is recruiting an Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner for the MERIT (Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment) Team at Armidale Community Health. This is an identified Aboriginal position open to applicants of Aboriginal descent, working 38 hours per week in a multidisciplinary team of nurses, counsellors, psychologists, social workers and administration staff. The role provides culturally safe, holistic support to clients involved in the criminal justice system who are experiencing drug and alcohol dependency.

Key responsibilities

• Provide culturally safe, respectful and non-judgemental support to clients, helping them navigate treatment pathways and access essential services.
• Build trusted relationships and advocate for clients, drawing on cultural knowledge and understanding.
• Connect clients with local Aboriginal services and appropriate support networks.

Required profile

• Must be of Aboriginal descent; applications close on 15 November 2026.
• Demonstrated cultural and community connections, with an understanding or lived experience of the social and health issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, specifically those related to drug and alcohol dependence.
• Understanding or lived experience of treatment options available to Aboriginal people with drug and alcohol dependence.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a culturally competent health service.
• Minimum Certificate III in Aboriginal Primary Health Care, or a Certificate III health qualification with a desire to complete a Certificate IV Aboriginal Primary Health Care (Practice) or another relevant qualification through supported education, training and study leave after appointment.
• Eligible to drive in NSW and able to travel as required; current Working with Children Check.
• Australian citizenship, Australian permanent residency, or New Zealand citizenship with a current passport; no visa sponsorship available.

What we offer

• Pay of $75,073 to $97,730 per year plus superannuation and salary packaging.
• Monthly allocated days off, 4 weeks annual leave and paid parental leave.
• Salary packaging options, fitness passport and Employee Assistance Program.
• Welcome Experience support for settling into the community, and part-time or job-share arrangements may be considered.