Wandakalawa, Minyang, “Welcome” Yaama, Anikanya, “Hello” and Dhanggana  “How are you?”                      

Hunter New England Mental Health Services respectfully acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the custodians of the land in which our mental health facilities are located. We pay our respects to our Elders who are the knowledge holders of our culture and who keep our traditions, rituals, song lines alive. We respect the continuing connection to sky, land, rivers, seas and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and its interconnectedness to social, emotional, physical, spiritual mental health and wellbeing. We acknowledge the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within our district, the staff who work with us and the Aboriginal services and organisations who partner with us to improve mental health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our footprint. We ask all those that walk, work and live on traditional Aboriginal lands to be respectful of culture and traditions. 

YAMHS “Yimamulinbinkaan Aboriginal mental health service & social emotional wellbeing (SEWB) workforce” is a clinical in reach speciality service that are seeking applicants who are passionate about improving the mental health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accessing mental health services. YAMHS is a  multidisciplinary team that is a specialised Aboriginal mental health service that aims to deliver collaborative culturally responsive holistic care. YAMHS are currently advertising a Aboriginal MH & SEWB professional trainees and we would love you to come and work with us!!

About the role: 

The week involves working across various mental health specialties, including emergency, inpatient, community, and rehabilitation settings, to gain hands-on training and provide cultural consultations to ensure safe clinical care in Hunter New England Mental Health services. Each week offers different learning experiences.

YAMHS employs seven trainees who are supported by peers and senior clinicians. Graduates of the traineeship program now work as senior clinicians, offering mentorship and guidance. Trainees receive a study day and lecture day each week, working from home, and must attend University intensives twice a year in Bathurst (April) and Wagga Wagga (August) for 6 days, with all expenses covered.

Support includes Aboriginal service managers, senior Aboriginal clinicians, and non-clinical staff, as well as trainee colleagues. As an Aboriginal staff member, you’ll have opportunities to engage with Aboriginal mental health forums and collaborate with local Aboriginal services and communities. YAMHS offers the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Cultural Clinical Supervision framework to support your success. This framework promotes cultural responsiveness and sustainable employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, emphasising reflective practice, lifelong learning, and leadership development. It values diversity and provides a culturally safe and supportive work environment where you can feel happy and connected.

Where you’ll be working: 

YAMHS (Yimamulinbinkaan Aboriginal Mental Health Service) seeks passionate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals for a 3-year traineeship to enhance mental health and social-emotional wellbeing within the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). This role involves providing culturally responsive mental health care, supported by on-the-job training and a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) through the Djurruwang Program at Charles Sturt University, with HECS fees covered by the employer. Trainees will contribute to a 4.6% Aboriginal mental health workforce, developing culturally safe practices and supporting the local community. YAMHS is dedicated to fostering culturally safe partnerships, eliminating racism, and ensuring equitable access to mental health services.

About you: 

• You are passionate about improving mental health through a sustainable model that incorporates social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the local community.
• You are dedicated to creating a supportive and culturally safe environment within the team while modeling self-care practices.
• You are driven to enhance engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers by listening to and learning from their lived experiences.
• You act as a voice for the Aboriginal community, working in partnership with Aboriginal organisations to improve culturally appropriate mental health service delivery.

Requirements and additional information: 

• This is an identified Aboriginal position. Applicants must be of Aboriginal descent. Exemption is claimed under section 14d of the anti-discrimination act 1977.
• Current licence to drive in NSW and the ability to travel as required.
• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.

Need more information?

• Click here for the Position Description
• Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Bron Rose on Bron.Rose@health.nsw.gov.au