Aboriginal careers

Working in WA Health is more than just a job – it’s about making a difference to our people, families and communities.

To improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Western Australians, we need more Aboriginal people to be a part of our team.

WA Health is committed to building a strong, skilled and growing Aboriginal health workforce from entry level to leadership roles across the WA health system.

We need Aboriginal people from all professions and disciplines including psychologists, procurement officers, doctors and nurses, lawyers, clerical officers, ICT, allied health professionals, financial officers, business analysts and health promotion officers.

Currently we have 1.6% of Aboriginal people working in health and our aim is to increase this to 3.2% by 2026. Increasing the number of Aboriginal employees plays an integral part in the delivery of a culturally safe health services for Aboriginal people in Western Australia.

The recruitment and retention of Aboriginal staff across all employment levels and in all types of roles is a priority for WA Health.

Aboriginal people are advised that the following videos may contain images and voices of people who have died.

Aboriginal Careers – Department of Health WA – YouTube (external site)

Meeting of three Department of Health workers

Project Support Officer: Aboriginal Careers – Department of Health WA – YouTube (external site)

Department of Health employee sitting in meeting room with two indoor plants in the background.

Aboriginal Mental Health Worker: Aboriginal Careers – Department of Health WA – YouTube (external site)

Aboriginal Mental Health worker standing in office and smiling

Registered Nurse: Aboriginal Careers – Department of Health WA – YouTube (external site)

Registered nurse smiling in hospital with stethoscope around her neck.

Director for Aboriginal Health: Aboriginal Careers – Department of Health WA – YouTube (external site)

Director for Aboriginal Health sitting in meeting room wearing an orange blazer with a lime green sofa in the background.

Aboriginal Cadetship Program – applications open

The Aboriginal Cadetship Program offers Aboriginal university students the opportunity to gain paid work experience while completing an undergraduate degree.

Apply now

Working in WA Health

By working in WA Health you can be part of a 45,000-strong team that is committed to providing world-class public health care to ensure healthier, longer and better lives for all Western Australians.

A job with us offers:

  • a culturally safe workplace 
  • is supportive of family and cultural commitment 
  • opportunities to work in rural and remote areas 
  • competitive salaries  
  • a meaningful and rewarding place to work
  • flexible work and leave arrangements 
  • education and training opportunities 
  • experience in a range of clinical and non-clinical settings
  • opportunities for a lifelong career and making a difference for your people. 

WA Health is committed to achieving a culturally respectful and non-discriminatory workplace for Aboriginal people. We have mandatory online Aboriginal cultural learning training for all health employees staff to complete.

Growing the Aboriginal Health Workforce

Increasing the number of Aboriginal employees in WA Health plays an integral part in the delivery of culturally safe health services for Aboriginal people in Western Australia.

The recruitment and retention of Aboriginal staff across all levels is a priority for WA Health.

WA Health is growing the Aboriginal workforce through a range of strategies and initiatives including:

  • Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Framework 2015-2030
  • Aboriginal Workforce Policy
  • Aboriginal Workforce Strategy 2014-2024
  • Sections 51 & 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to some of the job opportunities offered
  • Mandatory Aboriginal employment targets 
  • Aboriginal Graduate and Cadet programs 
  • Aboriginal professional development programs such as the Aboriginal Leadership and Excellence Development Program for emerging Aboriginal leaders.
Employment Pathways

There are numerous ways for seeking employment in WA Health

Applying for jobs:

  1. Look for advertised jobs on the WA job board (external site)
  2. If you find a job that interests you please ring the direct contact for further information. Find out as much as you can about the job first, before you apply.
  3. Apply for the job through the online link provided. 
  4. Put together a CV and written application – read the Application Information Pack to guide you on how to apply for the job.
  5. Make sure you check where the job location is and if it suits your personal commitments.
  6. Also make sure you read the job description whether it is full-time, part-time, fixed-term contract or a permanent position.

Graduate Program

What is a WA Health Graduate Program?

If you have completed or are about to complete your degree at a recognised university you can apply for a place in one of WA Health’s Graduate Programs.

Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Program Graduate (GradConnect)

GradConnect helps you get employment in either the nursing or midwifery workforce, while putting your nursing skills into practice.

Through GradConnect, newly qualified enrolled nurses, registered nurses and midwives can apply to join a fully paid graduate program at a public hospital.

Graduate Development Program (GDP)

The GDP program is designed to give graduates a head start in Health by developing their skills and abilities based on their academic background and areas of personal and professional interest.

Who are we looking for?

  • Graduates interested in a career in WA Health and working with one of the State’s largest employers.
  • Well-rounded graduates who are innovative thinkers and self-motivated high performers.
  • Graduates who are good communicators; able to work in a team; and show a commitment to learning and developing their skills.

What does the program offer Aboriginal graduates?

  • A 12 month paid contract with WA Health. 
  • Extensive professional development including training workshops, executive shadowing and career coaching. 
  • A fully-funded, industry recognised qualification. 
  • Three non-clinical rotational placements, providing an opportunity to gain experience in a variety of areas across WA Health. 
  • Personal support networks consisting of a dedicated program coordinator, supervisors at each placement, an experienced mentor and a buddy who is a past graduate of the program. 
  • Interactions with fellow graduates who can provide insights and support.

Cadetship Program

WA Health offers talented Aboriginal university students from a range of academic disciplines the opportunity to apply for our Aboriginal Cadetship Program. Students earn an income and gain valuable work experience while

Who are we looking for?

  • Students with good communication and interpersonal skills who have shown commitment and application to their studies.
  • Motivated achievers who are interested in improving their job prospects and growing a future career in health. 
  • Students from a range of disciplines including public health, social sciences, health sciences, business/commerce, information technology, human resources, psychology, public relations and communications.

What does the Cadet Program offer?

  • Income while studying 
  • Great employment opportunities and future career pathways
  • Opportunity to develop skills and abilities 
  • Grow personal and professional support networks
  • Gain valuable workplace experience
  • Group and individual mentoring support.

Am I eligible for a Cadetship?

To be considered for a Cadetship you must be:

  • An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student
  • Enrolled in a full-time undergraduate course at a recognised university; and have completed at least one semester but require two or more semesters to complete it.

More information

Aboriginal Health Policy Directorate at the Department of Health WA

Email: PHD-AboriginalHealth.RoyalSt@health.wa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 9222 2478

Other opportunities

Look out for information on traineeships and other Aboriginal employment opportunities in other health service organisations in WA Health.

If you are interested in the types of jobs available in the public health sector, refer to the Aboriginal Pathways Guide (PDF 890KB) for further information.

Last reviewed: 22-04-2022
Produced by

Aboriginal Health