Aboriginal Mental Health Traineeship

Latrobe Regional Health is a leading provider of health care services across the Gippsland Region

About the role

Are you seeking a rewarding and diverse Aboriginal Mental Health Traineeship role in a leading regional hospital? Join the Education team at Latrobe Regional Health, where we value our employees by providing a safe and supportive workplace culture that enables you to thrive. 

Latrobe Regional Health is looking for Aboriginal Mental Health Traineeship to join our growing on a full time (1.0EFT) fixed term for 3 years commencing 2027.

The Aboriginal Mental Health Worker Trainee is a unique opportunity to commence a rewarding career in mental health while making a meaningful difference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As part of the Mental Health Services team at Latrobe Regional Health, you will undertake a structured three-year traineeship combining full-time employment with supported study towards a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) through Charles Sturt University.

Through a combination of workplace learning, clinical placements, supervision and academic study, you will develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to become a qualified mental health professional. Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible to apply for ongoing mental health positions within the health service.

This position is available only to persons of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander decent under the special measures provision, Section 12 (1) of the equal opportunity act 2010 Victoria.

Working Together | We will respond to challenges together to create a safe, quality health service

The role of the Aboriginal Mental Health Traineeship is to:

• Participate in a three-year rotational traineeship program across Latrobe Regional Health Mental Health Services, gaining practical experience in both inpatient and community settings.
• Complete a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) through Charles Sturt University, including required residential intensives and clinical placements.
• Develop skills in mental health assessment, risk assessment and mental health care planning under supervision.
• Participate in regular supervision, education sessions and professional development opportunities to support learning and career growth.
• Contribute to culturally responsive care by sharing knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal individuals, families and communities.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and actively contribute to a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

About you

Ideal candidates for this role will have:

• Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage and identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. This position is designated under the special measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).
• A genuine interest in mental health and a commitment to supporting positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
• Willingness and commitment to undertake and successfully complete a three-year Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) via distance education.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage study, workplace and placement requirements.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• A willingness to learn, seek feedback and actively engage in professional development opportunities.

Latrobe Regional Health offers a range of benefits including:

• Salary packaging up to $9,000 per annum.
• Meals/Entertainment benefit up to $2,650 per annum.
• Encouragement for professional development and ongoing education.
• A range of social club activities, discounts and diverse workplace activities.
• Free access to our Staff Wellbeing Centre offering health education and wellbeing
• Access to discounted gym membership and fitness services through Fitness Passport Services.

Interested about this exciting opportunity, but want more information? We encourage you to contact Ashleigh Hartwig, Psychiatric Nurse Consultant email on Ashleigh.Hartwig@lrh.com.au for a confidential discussion.

Please click here for a copy of the Position Description

About us

Located in the picturesque region of Gippsland, Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) offers the perfect balance between career and lifestyle. Enjoy easy access to Melbourne, stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and serene lakes. With flexible working hours, you can make the most of what Gippsland has to offer.

LRH cares for a population of about 300,000 and is the regional provider of specialist services. Our catchment covers 42,000 square kilometres, from Phillip Island to Mallacoota in the far east of Victoria. LRH offers cardiac care, surgery, medical, renal, emergency care, aged care, women's and children's services, pharmacy, allied health and rehabilitation. Medical and radiation oncology are offered by the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre.

Now is an exciting time to join the LRH team, with the $223.5 million expansion completed in March 2024, offering improved maternity and paediatric facilities, larger intensive care unit, increased medical and surgical beds and additional operating theatres.

Diversity and inclusion

We embrace workforce diversity and actively encourage applications from across our community including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with linguistically diverse backgrounds, people of all genders and gender identities and people with disabilities. LRH's Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer is available to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent applicants and can be contacted via email: AboriginalHealthUnit@lrh.com.au 

How to apply

Join us in our mission to provide exceptional healthcare services to our community. Apply today and make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. Please click the APPLY button to be directed to our Careers page for direct application. Applications should include a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and current resume.

Applications Close: 02 November 2026

Explore all the great things happening at LRH by visiting our Careers and Training page of our website www.lrh.com.au/Careers-and-Training/ and take the next step in your career journey.

Before commencement, the successful applicant will

Provide evidence of an original and valid National Police Record Check, an employee Working with Children Check, and a current season influenza vaccine (if applicable to work area), unless a valid medical exemption applies.