Aboriginal Mental Health Professional (Identified)
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: $72,152.53 - $113,226 per annum + super + salary packaging
Location: Wonnarua Country | Maitland
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ528953
Applications Close: Sunday, 12th January 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.
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.
About the Role:
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.
You will be supported and strongly encouraged to engage in regular clinical supervision in an ongoing manner as part of this role.
HVMHS encourages staff to pursue further education and offers access to relevant workshops, seminars, and courses to broaden your knowledge and improve your capabilities. Various training opportunities will also be available through application and discussion with team manager in relation to personal development goals.
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, Dietetics, 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.
- 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 you:
At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), 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:
- Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
- Proximity to shopping and other services
- 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 Worklife balance
- Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
- Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
- Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals
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, job share and/or part time arrangements will be considered.
Hunter New England Local Health District 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.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Ricci Berrie on Ricci.Berrie@health.nsw.gov.au
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 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.
Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most HNELHD employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.
HNE 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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