Lead meaningful change in Aboriginal mental health and SEWB, strengthening culturally safe care and creating better outcomes for Aboriginal people, families and communities.

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Position Classification: Clinical Nurse Consultant Grade 1

Remuneration: $143,574.55 - $146,512.21 per annum + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ698926

Location:Tamworth Hospital

Closing Date: Monday 16th November 2026

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 the Opportunity

An exciting opportunity is available for an Aboriginal Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Care Navigator to join the New England Northwest Mental Health Service, based primarily within the brand-new Tamworth Mental Health Unit.

This purpose-built, modern facility will provide 37 inpatient beds, including 20 general adult beds, five high-acuity beds, four beds for younger people and eight beds for older persons. The facility has been co-designed with mental health consumers and carers, Aboriginal stakeholders and staff, helping create an environment that supports recovery, cultural safety and high-quality care. The Tamworth Mental Health Unit will deliver specialist mental health treatment through a multidisciplinary team (MDT), incorporating medical, psychological, occupational and social interventions. Consumers will also be encouraged to participate in therapeutic group programs that promote engagement, social connection, education and skills development, supporting both mental and physical wellbeing.

As the Aboriginal Mental Health and SEWB Care Navigator, you will play a key leadership role in strengthening culturally safe mental health services and improving the coordination and continuity of care for Aboriginal people, families and communities. While primarily based within the inpatient unit, you will work across service boundaries to build strong partnerships, improve care pathways and support better outcomes for Aboriginal consumers.

Please note: This position will commence following the opening of the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit.

What You Will Be Doing

Reporting directly to the New England North West Nurse Manager, you will work closely with the Aboriginal Mental Health Workforce, multidisciplinary teams and internal and external service partners to provide specialist clinical and cultural leadership.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing specialist clinical and cultural advice to support culturally safe, person-centred mental health care for Aboriginal consumers.
• Supporting culturally informed assessment, treatment planning and discharge coordination, recognising the social, cultural and historical factors that influence Aboriginal health and wellbeing.
• Advocating for Aboriginal consumers and their families, ensuring their cultural needs, preferences and voices are recognised throughout their healthcare journey.
• Strengthening care coordination and connections between inpatient mental health services, Emergency Departments, community services, primary care, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other support services.
• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, families, healthcare professionals and external partner organisations.
• Providing clinical leadership, education and cultural supervision to nursing staff to strengthen culturally safe practice.
• Identifying gaps in service delivery and developing practical strategies to improve access, continuity and coordination of care.
• Contributing to quality improvement, research, service development and relevant District and State working groups.
• Supporting the ongoing development of mental health services that recognise and respond to the unique needs of Aboriginal people, families and communities.

About You

You are an experienced Aboriginal Registered Nurse with a strong connection to Aboriginal communities and a passion for improving mental health and social and emotional wellbeing outcomes. You bring cultural knowledge, clinical credibility and the ability to build trusted relationships, influence practice and advocate for culturally safe care.

You will demonstrate:

• Strong cultural knowledge, connection and understanding of Aboriginal mental health and social and emotional wellbeing.
• Experience in mental health nursing and an understanding of the factors influencing the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, families and communities.
• The ability to provide cultural leadership, advocacy and guidance to multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with consumers, families, communities and service partners.
• Strong clinical judgement and the ability to navigate complex healthcare systems.
• The confidence to work autonomously, identify service gaps and develop practical solutions to improve care coordination and patient outcomes.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to strengthening culturally safe, recovery-oriented and person-centred mental health services.

Experience with specific organisational systems, local processes, governance requirements and quality improvement methodologies is not essential, as support and development will be available in the role.

Essential Requirements

• This position is identified for applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (AHPRA).
• At least five years' full-time equivalent post-registration nursing experience.
• Eligibility and willingness to drive and travel as required.

A relevant post-registration nursing qualification is preferred. However, equivalent relevant qualifications or experience may be considered. Opportunities for further professional development and postgraduate study may be supported following appointment, where appropriate.

What We Can Offer

• The opportunity to contribute to a brand-new, purpose-built mental health facility co-designed with consumers, carers, Aboriginal stakeholders and staff.
• A meaningful senior clinical leadership role where you can influence culturally safe mental health care and improve outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
• Opportunities to strengthen partnerships across mental health, community and Aboriginal health services.
• Ongoing professional development and opportunities to further develop your clinical leadership and cultural expertise.
• Access to the usual Hunter New England Local Health District employee benefits and professional support.
• 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
• The Welcome Experience helps you and your family connect with local people and resources, making it easier to settle in and feel at home in your new community. Learn more at www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

Additional Information

To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.

We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full time vacancies.

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.

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 [email protected] for confidential support.

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 Gina Blyton on [email protected]

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 Websiteis 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 withNSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseasesfor 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 Hunter New England Health 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 [email protected] or 1300 40 25 23.

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range ofbenefitssuch 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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