Aboriginal workers within the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector play a vital role in providing culturally responsive support to people who use alcohol and other drugs. Aboriginal AOD workers work to achieve better health outcomes for Aboriginal people and help bridge the gap between the community and the services they need, ensuring better access and improved outcomes for those who need help with their alcohol and drug use.
Discover how you can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities through a career in the AOD sector. Whether you're passionate about counselling, healthcare and advocacy, or supporting others through lived experience, there's a pathway that's right for you.
Apply for training, scholarships and programs to enhance your skills and build a rewarding career within the AOD sector.
Apply for AOD training programs
Take the next step in your career and search for AOD roles at NSW Health.
Search for AOD roles at NSW Health
There are four Aboriginal health worker categories. While these are generalist roles, they can specialise in alcohol and other drugs through work placements or training courses.
As the roles get more senior, you’ll take on more responsibilities and work closely with others, including training or guiding your colleagues.
Note: The definition of an Aboriginal health worker (AHW) was updated after significant consultation, in line with recent national and state activity regarding training, qualifications and professional activities.
Aboriginal health workers provide non-clinical services such as health education, cultural support, advocacy, community outreach and assistance in navigating the healthcare system. They also provide flexible, holistic and culturally sensitive support to Aboriginal clients and communities.
As an AHW working in the AOD sector, you will:
As an AHP working in the AOD sector, you will:
Senior Aboriginal health workers are cultural navigators with extensive experience working in the NSW health system that ensure the provision of holistic and culturally appropriate care through collaborating with a range stakeholders and services.
As a Senior Aboriginal health worker in the AOD sector, you will:
Principal Aboriginal health workers hold a university degree and are leaders responsible for providing culturally safe health services that improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people.
As a Principal Aboriginal health worker in the AOD sector, you will:
In the AOD sector, you can work in many different settings. These include both public and private sectors as well as non-government organisations.
Some of the settings include:
This flowchart shows the different ways Aboriginal people can start a career in AOD, the options to move through education pathways and opportunities for employment during further study. Three education pathways can lead to a Principal Aboriginal Health Worker:
All pathways can lead to valuable and rewarding employment and careers in the AOD sector.
In addition to Aboriginal specific qualifications, there are a range of other options in the health sector that could prepare you for work in the AOD sector. Some are listed below:
There are guides and resources available to support you when applying for jobs. A few of these are listed below:
For more information on how to apply for roles within NSW Health, you can also visit:
There are a range of services and programs available for Aboriginal people completing vocational education and training. These initiatives can provide support through mentorship, fee-free training and local networks.
Learn more about:
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Are you a manager, or aspiring manager, looking to develop your skills to support yourself, your team and your organisation?
Below is a list of existing leadership development opportunities available to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander staff members.
NSW Health does not run these training courses; they are collated for your reference. For further information, please contact the organisations directly. If you know of other relevant courses, please email MOH-AODWorkforceDevelopment@health.nsw.gov.au .
Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) Leadership Program – A 9-month program for aspiring leaders that promotes a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership.
National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP) Leadership Masterclass – An intensive ten-day program designed to strengthen leadership skills and support career progression into managerial and executive roles.
Parliament of NSW: Young Aboriginal Leaders Program – A tailored four-day residential program empowering Aboriginal leaders aged 18–25 across NSW through leadership, networking and community impact.
NSW Public Service Commission: Aboriginal Career and Leadership Development Program (ACLDP) – A 9-month program offering networking, career and leadership development opportunities for high-potential NSW public sector employees in ongoing roles.
The Next Generation of Leaders and Managers within NSW Health Program – A 2-year program designed to develop leadership and management capability in emerging health leaders and managers.
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