• Do you want to make a difference in the field of Indigenous health?
• This is a hugely rewarding and autonomous role working with Indigenous communities to improve antenatal and child health care
• HUGE range of benefits to significantly improve your remuneration, including accommodation allowance, annual flight allowance, and more!
• 5 weeks annual leave per year PLUS additional paid leave over Christmas/New Year giving you time to explore the magnificent sights of the Kimberley region!

About the Organisation

OVAHS provides a comprehensive Primary Health Care service to Aboriginal people in the East Kimberley region in Western Australia using a holistic approach that includes a high standard of service delivery, the promotion of social justice and the overcoming of the health issues that affect so many people in the region.

Preventative and public health programs include Maternal and Child Health, Women’s Health, Chronic Disease, Sexual Health and along with the OVAHS Social Support Unit which offers AOD, Mental Health Services, health promotion and education programs in the areas of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders prevention, smoking cessation, chronic disease prevention, childhood health promotion and sexual health.

Staff include: SMO, GPs, Nurse Practitioner, Aboriginal Health Workers, Aboriginal Liaison Officers, Registered Nurses, Midwife, Child Health Nurse, Mental Health workers, Allied Health staff, and Health Promotion workers, together with Senior Managers, Administration staff, Maintenance workers and Field Officers.

Most importantly, OVAHS approaches involve community people taking part in controlling their own health and wellbeing. Management and governance, staff selection, and service delivery priorities are directed by the organisation’s Board of Directors and the organisation proudly boasts ISO 9001 and AGPAL accreditation.

OVAHS provides a fulfilling and stimulating work environment in a diverse range of areas for those seeking an exciting career in Indigenous Health. 

About the Opportunity

The Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service now has a fantastic opportunity for an experienced RN-Midwife to join their team of dedicated health professionals in Kununurra, WA on a full-time basis.

Reporting to the Clinical Services Manager and working within the Maternal and Child Health Team, your primary responsibility will be providing quality and client focused Primary Health Care services to Antenatal and Postnatal clients and families in the context of their cultural identity and social circumstances.

Specifically, you will be responsible for:

• Providing comprehensive Midwifery care, support and education to support women and families to achieve optimal levels of health during Pre-conception, Antenatal and Postnatal periods;
• Providing education, screening and referral for clients to encourage and support a healthy pregnancy including FASD prevention; QUIT Smoking in pregnancy, and Psychosocial risks;
• Promoting OVAHS service areas: Sexual Health, Maternal and Child Health, Women’s Health and the Social Support Unit, FASD and Tackling Indigenous Smoking programs to clients;
• Working with external agencies to deliver best practice client care including: Community Health, Mental Health, Department of Child Protection and family support, Environmental Health, and Hospital Services; and
• Collaborating with relevant agencies/services and act as a client advocate for the provision of early prevention and intervention programs/plans to achieve desired health outcomes.

To view the full position description, please RN-Midwife JDF

Please note: OVAHS is closed for a two-week period in December-January. Applicants progressing to interview will be contacted in early January 2025.

About You

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Midwife that will give you more freedom of practice and more autonomy in the way maternal health services are delivered. 

To be considered for this position you must hold current registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse and Midwife, with at least two years post-graduate midwifery experience. 

Previous antenatal and/or Aboriginal health experience would be preferred and you will need to be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the issues pertaining to the health of Aboriginal people in rural and remote areas.

Whilst you will be very well supported by the OVAHS team, you will be living and working in a remote part of Australia, therefore you will need to be resilient, with good communication skills and the ability to build trust within the local communities in which OVAHS operates.

Importantly, you will be committed to providing culturally sensitive healthcare and demonstrate an interest in working closely with Aboriginal communities, to understand their health issues and work with them to find solutions.

OVAHS is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As a measure to achieve equality and support, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position. Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

About the Benefits

OVAHS is an organisation that truly values its team, and is committed to improving employee knowledge, skills and experience. It offers a stable, safe and supportive work environment with a large, multi-disciplinary team including doctors, nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers, an audiologist, dietitian, mental health workers and a social support unit.

This is a rewarding role that will offer you a high degree of autonomy in Midwifery Care based on the Australian College of Midwives National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral together with the In Principle Agreement with Kununurra District Hospital.

Your dedication will be rewarded with an attractive remuneration package circa $129,000 (commensurate with qualifications and experience) plus a range of benefits to significantly increase the value of your overall remuneration package including:

Specific benefits include:

• Base Wage: Nurses Award 2020 Grade 3 ($101,700 - $116,093) per annum pro rata + Super
• 5 weeks annual leave per year
• An additional 2 weeks of paid leave during the end of year closure period, inclusive of public holidays
• Relocation assistance
• $1,800 Annual flight allowance 
• Accommodation allowance or subsidised accommodation, based on availability
• Sociable hours (Mon-Fri office hours)
• Salary packaging plus more!

Additionally, working at OVAHS in Kununurra has lifestyle benefits that are unique to the Kimberley Region. With Australia’s most stunning landscapes on your doorstep and an incredible outdoor lifestyle on offer, the Kimberley is the place to be to make the most of life’s adventures.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills, advance your career and enhance your cultural knowledge in a stunning outback location. 

*OVAHS reserves the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is identified.

About Kununurra

As the gateway to Western Australia's magnificent Kimberley region, Kununurra is the heart of a bustling community supported by agriculture, tourism and mining industries. Blessed with a balmy climate, breathtaking scenery, unique flora & fauna and a huge range of adventure & cultural experiences, Kununurra offers a fantastic lifestyle.

Located in the East Kimberley, 3200km from Perth and 800km from Darwin, the picturesque town is home to approximately 6,000 people. During the tourist seasons, this swells to approximately 10,000 people. Kununurra has well developed infrastructure, including a modern hospital, leisure and aquatic centre, shopping centre, and specialty shops.

Kununurra was formed in the early 1960's to service the construction of the Ord Irrigation Scheme. The town has seen the transformation of ancient river plains into one of the most diverse and productive agricultural areas in Australia. Harnessing the mighty Ord River opened up the area to horticulture, aquaculture, eco-tourism and agri-tourism. The area is also a paradise for fishing, boating and outdoor enthusiasts.

Kununurra is also the perfect base to explore the Kimberley region, one of Australia's most spectacular tourist destinations.