A Meaningful Health Career Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young People in Townsville

26 Apr

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, feeling safe, heard and understood in health care can make all the difference.

That is why roles like the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Advanced with Townsville Hospital and Health Service are so important.

This permanent full-time identified role sits within the Cultural Assessment and Liaison Team, supporting young people and families who are accessing Child and Youth Mental Health Services. It is a role grounded in cultural safety, trust, community connection and care.

At its heart, this opportunity is about making sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people do not have to leave culture at the door when they access mental health support.

Why this role matters

Mental health care works best when people feel respected, understood and safe enough to speak openly.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families, cultural safety is not an added extra. It is central to good care.

This role helps bridge the gap between clinical services, families, communities, Elders and young people. It supports culturally appropriate care planning, strengthens relationships with families and community organisations, and provides cultural advice to the broader Child and Youth Mental Health Service team.

The person in this role will help young people feel seen, valued and supported through their care journey.

What the role involves

As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Advanced, you will work as part of a supportive and community focused team.

The role includes supporting cultural assessments, contributing to culturally safe care planning, building relationships with families and carers, and helping clinical teams better understand the cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

You will also play an important role in strengthening engagement, trust and connection between the service and community.

This is work that requires both professional skill and cultural knowledge. It calls for someone who can walk alongside young people and families with respect, patience and care.

Who this opportunity is for

This opportunity would suit someone who is passionate about supporting young people, strengthening cultural safety and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

You may have experience in health, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, peer work, youth work, cultural support, family support or community services.

Most importantly, this role needs someone who understands the importance of culture, family, community and connection in supporting wellbeing.

Under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the successful applicant to be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Qualifications and support

Applicants will need to hold a relevant Certificate IV or Diploma qualification in areas such as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, Mental Health, Mental Health Peer Work, or Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service has also advised that suitable applicants without the Certificate IV may be appointed temporarily at the HWF3 no qualification level, with support to complete the required qualification under the Study and Research Assistance Scheme. Once completed, the appointee will progress to a permanent HWF3.1 level.

This means the role may offer a pathway for the right person who has the cultural knowledge, community connection and commitment, but still needs support to complete formal qualifications.

Salary, benefits and lifestyle

This permanent full-time role offers remuneration up to $121,351 plus benefits, with a base salary range of $77,342 to $106,358 per annum at HWF3 level.

Benefits include 12.75% employer superannuation contribution, 4 to 6 weeks annual leave with loading, cultural professional development allowance, salary packaging options, training and development opportunities, job security and a supportive team environment.

Based in Townsville, the role also offers the chance to enjoy a relaxed North Queensland lifestyle, shorter commutes, strong community connections and a family friendly environment.

Why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants should consider applying

This is more than a health role.

It is an opportunity to use your cultural knowledge, your voice and your community connection to help shape better care for young people and families.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers play a critical role in making services safer, more accessible and more connected to the communities they serve. In this role, your contribution will help ensure young people feel supported not only clinically, but culturally and personally.

For someone who wants to make a meaningful difference in child and youth mental health, this is a strong opportunity to step into work that matters.

Indigenous Job Match endorsement

Indigenous Job Match proudly endorses this opportunity with Townsville Hospital and Health Service.

We believe this role is important because it places Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledge, lived experience and community connection at the centre of care. These roles are essential in creating health services where our children, young people and families feel respected, heard and supported.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants with a passion for young people’s wellbeing, cultural safety, mental health and community care to apply. Your knowledge, your story and your commitment can make a lasting difference.