• Do you want to make a difference in the field of Indigenous health issues?
• This is a hugely rewarding role supporting our Aboriginal Health Worker Trainee's and working with Indigenous communities to improve primary health
• HUGE range of benefits to significantly improve your remuneration, including accommodation allowance, annual flight allowance, salary sacrifice and more!
• 5 weeks annual leave per year PLUS additional 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

Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service (OVAHS) is looking for a Senior Aboriginal Health Practitioner to join their team in Kununurra, WA on a full-time basis.

Reporting to the Clinical Services Manager, you will be providing primary health care and support to doctors, nurses or other allied health staff to ensure care is patient-focused and centred on the needs of Aboriginal patients, in line with their cultural identity, family and social circumstances.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Completing initial health checks, assessing health literacy and collecting pathology samples;
• Providing general clinical care across all areas of the health service, including child health, chronic disease, antenatal and emergency care;
• Assisting doctors, nurses and other health professionals with appropriate communication, treatments and any advice relevant to a client’s care needs;
• Providing active supervision for Cert IV Aboriginal Health Worker Trainees; and
• Providing education about disease prevention, how to mitigate risk factors and self-manage health conditions, ensuring treatments and care management plans are understood by all clients.

Please note: Due to the nature of the Aboriginal Health Practitioner role, applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as a genuine occupational qualification in accordance with section 50 (d) of the Equal Opportunity Act (1984).

To view the full position description, please Senior AHP JDF

For more information on the role contact Clinical Services Manager, Cecil Stones, on 08 9166 2200 or pnc@ovahs.org.au 

About You

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced AHP that is passionate about the next generation of Aboriginal Health Workers!

To be considered for this position you must hold current registration with AHPRA as an AHP and a Diploma in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Primary Health Care .

You must also hold Current registration and Practicing Certificate as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner with AHPRA and Certificate 2 in Medications, be willing to apply for a Medicare Provider number for OVAHS and current clinical assessment skills.

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.

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 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: ACCHS Award 2020 Grade 4 ($88,000 - $92,400) 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
• $1,800 Annual flight allowance 
• Accommodation allowance
• 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. Make a positive difference - Apply Now!

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.