Education level
Your role as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker
You must identify or be accepted as an Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander person to apply for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker role. You'll also need your birth certificate, a blue card, some mandatory vaccinations, and other pre-employment checks.
As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker, you’ll support your community while delivering essential care, including:
- helping patients access health services
- giving first aid
- developing and delivering community health programs
- doing health checks and screening
- giving vaccinations.
You'll also help people learn ways to stay healthy and make good choices for their wellbeing.
You'll work independently and with other health professionals to meet your patients’ needs.
How Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers are different to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners and Liaison Officers
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officers focus on cultural support and helping people access services. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners are registered health professionals and provide clinical care.
What your day might look like
Your day will often start in a clinic, checking schedules and talking with the team. You might welcome patients as they arrive, help them feel comfortable, and explain what will happen during their visit.
You'll support clinical care. This may include doing health checks, supporting doctors and nurses, or providing follow up care. Later in the day, you may update patient records and help with care planning.
Read more about working as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker on Your Career.
Qualifications
Our Health Workers often have the following qualifications, but you can apply for a job without them and get your qualifications when you're working with us.
Certificate III, IV or Diploma in Aboriginal and, or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care.
Pay and benefits
Your pay rate and benefits will depend on your role and your pay point. As a trainee you'll start at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Stream grade HWF1. If you're over 21, you'll start at grade HWF1.3.
If you have qualifications or experience, you may start at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Stream grade HWF3. You’ll get a different rate if you’re in a higher level role.
We also offer:
- regular wage increases
- a superannuation rate of 12.75%
- a supportive workplace with flexible working arrangements
- several types of leave
- salary packaging.
If you're moving to start a new job with us, you may be able to get help with moving and travel costs.
Rural and remote opportunities
If you work in regional, rural and remote areas you may have access to specialised training, helping you progress at a faster pace.
Read more about our training opportunities.
Career paths
Having more experience or qualifications can lead to other roles.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Officer
If you plan to do more study, ask your training provider if your past studies can count towards a higher qualification.