Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers

Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers

Students often have little or no understanding of the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers or Liaison Officers prior to placement. Clinical educators can encourage students to develop an understanding of the role to maximise their development of skills and understanding throughout the placement.

A number of excellent resources are available to introduce students to the profession. Many of these resources highlight the diversity and broad scope of the role in different contexts. Students need to be aware of the benefits of developing effective genuine relationships with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers or Liaison Officers. They also need to recognise the significant demands and time limitations often experienced by these professionals.  The Australian Indigenous HealthInfonet site provides some useful text resources and references that may assist students with their learning, and there are several multimedia resources explored below.

A Unique Profession: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers

This documentary showcases the unique and significant role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and aims to bring greater understanding to the integral role they play in ‘closing the gap’ for their people.

The half-hour, free access, online documentary was filmed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services around Australia. It features filmed interviews and case studies with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers who are making a significant difference to the spiritual, emotional and cultural wellbeing of their communities.

A Valued Profession: Cultural Expertise in the Health Team

This resource is a 60-minute panel discussion video about the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers. The panel explores the broad scope of practice and the significance of strong inter-professional relationships.

The discussion focus is on the broad scope of the role, the need for a culturally safe way of engaging and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the impact of the health workers in improving the access to health services for their communities and the improvements in health outcomes achieved as a result.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers: Case Studies

This resource is a series of ten filmed case studies and interviews illustrating the range of practice and work environments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers. Segments range from 8-20 minutes in length.

A Unique and Valued Profession Learning Guide

This downloadable Learning Guide incorporates the material from the documentary, the panel discussion program, and the ten case studies described above. The Guide includes reflection activities and discussion questions.