Education level
Your role as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs 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 Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs 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 Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker, you’ll support people with their mental health and wellbeing. You’ll provide culturally safe counselling and support, help people access the right services, and work with health teams in hospitals and community settings.
This includes:
- providing cultural support and advocating for patients and their families
- making sure assessments and care plans respect culture and community
- supporting other mental health teams to deliver culturally safe care
- building and maintaining connections with community organisations
- helping develop and review mental health and alcohol and other drug programs.
How Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Workers are different to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners, Health Workers and Liaison Officers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Health Workers focus on health education, screening and clinical support.
- 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 start by checking in with patients in a hospital or community health service. You'll spend time talking with people about their mental health, alcohol or drug use, and what’s happening in their lives. You'll listen to their concerns, offer support, and connect them with the right services.
During the day, you'll work with nurses, doctors and other health workers to make sure care plans respect culture, family and community. You may also contact local organisations to help people get more support and follow up on referrals.
Qualifications
You can apply for a job without the following qualifications and study when you're working with us.
Certificate III, IV or Diploma in:
- Mental Health or Alcohol and Other Drugs Peer Work
- 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, such as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker.
If you decide to become an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner, you must meet registration standards before you're able to be registered including:
- having a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and, or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice
- identifying or being accepted as an Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander person.
If you plan to do more study, ask your training provider if your past studies can count towards a higher qualification.