Factors affecting job satisfaction of Aboriginal mental health workers working in community mental health in rural and remote New South Wales.

Conclusions Policy and procedural changes to the AMHW training program may address the lower remuneration and limited career opportunities identified with regard to the Bachelor Health Sciences (Mental Health) qualification. Delivering training to increase levels of understanding about the AMHW training program, and cultural awareness generally, to CMH staff and NSW Health management may assist in addressing the negative team, organisational and cultural issues identified.What is known about the topic? The Bachelor Health Sciences (Mental Health) qualification and traineeship pathway undertaken by AMHWs differs significantly from that of other health professionals working in NSW Health's CMH services. The health workforce literature identifies that each health professional group has its own culture and specific values and that forming and maintaining a profession-specific identity is an extremely important aspect of job satisfaction for health workers.What does the paper add? AMHWs working in rural and remote NSW CMH services commonly experience low levels of job satisfaction, especially while undertaking the embedded training program. Of particular concern is the health sciences qualification not translating into NSW Health's 'professionalised' workplace, as well as having negative effects with regard to remuneration and career opportunities within NSW Health. In addition, role challenges involving cultural differences and managing additional professional and personal bounda...

Source: Rural Remote Health - December 4, 2016 Category: Rural Health Authors: Cosgrave C, Maple M, Hussain R Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research