How to become an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Health Worker

Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander health workers provide clinical and primary health care for individuals, families and community groups. They deal with patients, clients and visitors to hospitals and health clinics, and assist with arranging, coordinating and providing health care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community health clinics. Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander health workers may choose to specialise in particular health areas such as optical, hearing, women's health or infant care.

Personal requirements for an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Health Worker

Strong communication and negotiation skills
Strong organisational skills
Cultural awareness and sensitivity
Able to work independently and as part of a team

Education & Training for an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Health Worker

To become an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander health worker you usually have to complete a VET qualification in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care practice. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander health worker through a traineeship in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice. Entry requirements vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional information

Applicants must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. In order to use the title Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner, Aboriginal health practitioner or Torres Strait Islander health practitioner, you need to register with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia. Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander health workers who are not required by their employer to use one of these titles do not need to register with the board. Visit their website for more details.

Duties & Tasks of an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Health Worker

Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander health workers:

Treat diseases or injuries
Maintain health records and statistics
Act as a communicator and/or interpreter on behalf of clients and other health workers
Take part in case management and follow-up, independently or with other healthcare providers
Provide health education to individual clients and health staff
Provide cultural education to people outside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community
Provide life skills education to the community they serve
Provide counselling and referrals for problem cases
Contribute to the planning, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all health programs in the community
Carry out administrative duties, including budgeting and correspondence.

Tasks

Providing counselling and referring clients to other health care providers where necessary
Maintaining health records and statistics
Acting as an advocate in the community they serve, and as a communicator and interpreter on behalf of clients and other health workers
Providing cultural education to persons outside the cultural community and life skills education to the community they serve
Providing clinical functions, such as case management and follow-up, independently or in consultation with other health care providers
Providing health education to individual clients and staff in health facilities

Working conditions for an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Health Worker

Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander health workers often work in remote communities, but are also found in metropolitan areas. There is often shift work and long distances to visit remote communities.

Employment Opportunities for an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Health Worker

Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander health workers are employed in hospitals, health clinics and other health services in metropolitan and rural areas. They work in teams with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. With experience, and sometimes further training, Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander health workers may take on management responsibilities.

Specializations

Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Hospital Liaison

An aboriginal/torres strait islander hospital liaison provides support and assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families in hospitals and other healthcare facilities to help them feel comfortable and safe during their treatment. They help patients communicate with healthcare professionals, government agencies and other staff while they are in hospital.

Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Health Worker

Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Hospital Liaison

Average age
44
Future Growth
Decline
Gender Share
0% female
Average full-time
41 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,398
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
100%
Employment Size
1,100
Employment by state
ACT: 0.4%
NSW: 27.1%
NT: 11.2%
QLD: 27.5%
SA: 8.7%
TAS: 1.4%
VIC: 9.2%
WA: 14.5%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.8%
20-24: 6.7%
25-34: 19.8%
35-44: 24%
45-54: 29.7%
55-59: 10.4%
60-64: 6.1%
65 and Over: 2.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 24.4%
Bachelor degree: 9.7%
Certificate III/IV: 34.1%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 5.2%
Year 10 and below: 12.9%
Year 11: 4.9%
Year 12: 8.8%