Think of them as communication agents in a healthcare setting. The main responsibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers is to liaise between medical professionals and Indigenous patients to improve the quality of health services provided.

In Western Australia, there are about 167 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers. Around 29% work in the Kimberley region, 20% in the South East, 23% in the Perth metropolitan, and 21% Pilbara and Mid-West regions of the State.

About 60% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers are female, however, there is an increasing demand for male Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers.

Each year, a small number of people commence the Certificate IV in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Work not unlike the number who undertake the Certificate III in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Work.

Bridging The Gaps

Feelings of discomfort, anxiety and confusion are common experiences for patients when visiting the doctor. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, these feelings may be heightened by factors such as a lack of understanding of the respective cultures and values of practitioner and patient. By helping to bridge the cultural differences that may exist, the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers is one of great importance.


Just What the Doctor (and Patient) Ordered

The many tasks that health workers perform all have a common objective: to improve the state of health within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, by assisting them to take a strong role in controlling and managing their own health and lifestyles.

One important responsibility Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers have is to enhance communication between the medical staff and the Indigenous patients. Health workers can act as interpreters so that the doctor is clear about the symptoms and the patient has a good understanding of the diagnosis, treatment and medical advice given by the doctor. They can also promote a better understanding of the cultural beliefs and medical practices of both parties.


Between medical appointments, patients are often visited in their homes by health workers to monitor patient progress. They keep progress notes, which are then stored in the client's medical file and on a database for access by their doctors.

An equally important aspect of their work is to encourage Aboriginal families to become aware of the health of the whole community. They are encouraged by health workers to attend community meetings where they can learn more about health issues in general and about how to help prevent diseases prevalent in the Aboriginal community in particular.


Shared Understanding

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers need to have a good understanding of Aboriginal cultural and lifestyle patterns. They must be of Aboriginal descent as this aids a shared understanding of the beliefs of their clients and that of the larger Aboriginal community.


The role of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker is demanding. You need good communication and negotiation skills, especially when relating to other health professionals. You also need to be supportive of clients and family members when helping them deal with health problems.


Making A Difference

''It's rewarding to know that you have helped to educate people about health issues and that they are applying some of that knowledge. You see people watching what they eat and exercising because they are fully aware of their health problems and understand what they have to do to improve their condition,'' says an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker employed in East Perth.


Overall employment opportunities in this occupation are good, particularly in non-metropolitan locations.

The major employers for this occupation, the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australian and government health services, are able to recruit people directly from the community and provide them with training and support until they are qualified.

Once qualified, people receive a full salary at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker entry level. With additional training, and through promotion, health workers can advance to the position of a senior health worker or a manager, who supervises a team of health workers, carries out administrative tasks and liaises with other key organisations in the interests of promoting Aboriginal health.


For more information regarding salaries in this field, please go to the Australian Government Workplace Authority website (see link below).

Employers prefer applicants to have completed Year 10 or equivalent and to have good literacy and numeracy skills before entering this occupation. This will help when studying for the Certificate IV in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Work to become a fully qualified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker.

The Diploma in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practice, for which the Certificate IV is a pre-requisite, is offered through the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council (KAMSC) and Marr-Mooditj Aboriginal College.

KAMSC, Marr-Mooditj Aboriginal College, Bega Garnbirringu Aboroginal Health Service, and Ngaanyatharra Health Service also offer the Certificate III and Certificate IV in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Work. It may be possible to do the courses via correspondence.

The Curtin University Centre for Aboriginal Studies also offers studies in Aboriginal health such as the Associate Degree in Aboriginal Health, the Bachelor of Applied Science - Indigenous Health, the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Healing Arts, and the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Health Promotion.

The Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia may also employ people who have completed a Certificate III in Aboriginal Environmental Health Work. This is offered through the Tom Price campus of Pilbara TAFE and the Derby campus of Kimberley TAFE.

In addition, a Certificate II in Indigenous Family Health and Wellbeing is offered through the Peel and Rockingham campuses of Challenger TAFE. This qualification will enable successful applicants to gain employment under direct supervision within a community service organisation as well as allow them to go on and complete the Certificate III in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Work.

	Other Training Providers
	National Training Information Service website.
	Universities
	Homepage links and contact details for all Universities in WA.

Office of Aboriginal Health - Health Dept of WA
189 Royal Street East Perth WA 6004 Ph: (08) 9222 2455

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service
156 Wittenoom Street East Perth WA 6004 Ph: (08) 9421 3888

Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia
Unit 2A-4, 200 Wellington St Perth WA 6000 Ph: (08) 9202 1393 Fax: (08) 9202 1383 URL: http://www.ahcwa.org

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