The Definition of an Aboriginal Health Worker (2018_018) was updated after significant consultation, in line with recent national and state activity regarding training, qualifications and professional activities.
The NSW Health Aboriginal Health Worker Guidelines and the Decision Making Framework for Aboriginal Health Practitioners are aimed at strengthening the roles and supporting the career development of Aboriginal health workers in NSW Health.
These resources support the ongoing professional development and career pathway development of Aboriginal health workers in line with the Good Health – Great Jobs: Aboriginal Workforce Strategic Framework 2016-2020.
This initiative started in 2000 to support people employed as Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Health Practitioners (as outlined in Information Bulletin IB2018_018) to collaborate and share information on career pathways, professional development opportunities and workforce initiatives across NSW. In 2018 it included a forum with the aim to hold it every two years but was postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
More information including registration, agenda and presentations are available on the Aboriginal Health Worker and Aboriginal Health Practitioner Forum page.
The Aboriginal Health Worker Guidelines workshops across NSW Health local health districts and specialty hospital networks have been finalised. An overview report of the workshops has been developed by Francis Health in consultation with the Aboriginal Workforce Unit, NSW Ministry of Health.
The Guidelines are now under review by the Aboriginal Workforce Unit and will be sent out for discussion as soon as they are completed. An advisory group has been implemented for the review with Aboriginal staff from across NSW Health organisations.
The purpose of the survey report was to gather information regarding Aboriginal employment across NSW Health. This information was used to identify Aboriginal workforce issues and develop initiatives to support Aboriginal people working in NSW Health.
The aim of the 2012 survey was to:
The Aboriginal Health Workers' (State) Award was first introduced in 2015 and replaced the Aboriginal Health Education Officers' Determination (AHEO Determination).
The Aboriginal Health Workers' (State) Award covers the Identified Aboriginal workforce roles of: Aboriginal Health Workers, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, Senior Aboriginal Health Workers and to an extent Principal Aboriginal Health Workers.
