Peer Support Worker

Peer Support Worker

Two part-time (22.8 hours) vacancies available in Greater Geelong.

Provide 1:1 and group peer support to consumers, families, and carers.

$44.58 to $47.97 phr (SCHADS Level 4B) + leave loading + super + salary packaging.

About this Program

The Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System has challenged us to think beyond incremental improvement to deliver a mental health system that helps all Victorians live their best lives. In a region characterized by fragmentation, complexity, and access barriers, implementing the Greater Geelong and Borough of Queenscliff (GGQ) Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Service is a key step in realizing this goal.

The GGQ Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Service is delivered by a consortium of equal partners: Barwon Health, Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd, Wellways Australia and ERMHA365.

The GGQ Local Service is underpinned by positivity, hope and inclusion. No matter whether a consumer, carer or provider enters or seeks assistance via digital platforms, contact centre, or physical locations, the first engagement will always start with a simple question: "Welcome, how can we help?". Drawing on established services, networks, and pathways, the GGQ Local Services provides seamless integration between local, area and wellbeing services for the benefit of consumers, carers, and providers. This is supported through standardised assessment tools, treatment and support processes, care plans and care coordination, colocation of services and regional navigational pathways.

About the Opportunity

The Peer Support Worker will form an integral part of the GGQ Mental Health and Wellbeing Local Service, providing recovery-focused support to consumers, families, and carers through an Intentional Peer Support (IPS) framework. Drawing on your own lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery, you will work alongside individuals to help them make sense of their experiences, build hope, and develop self-management strategies. You will walk beside people throughout their journey at the GGQ Local, offering support that is grounded in empathy, mutuality, and empowerment.

In this role, you will provide both one-on-one and group peer support, helping your peers to address their psychosocial, emotional, and physical wellbeing needs. A typical day may include reviewing support plans and case notes, collaborating with other team members to plan care, and supporting consumers through various stages of their engagement with the GGQ Local, from initial assessment to clinical sessions and community connections. You will actively contribute to a multidisciplinary team, bringing a unique peer perspective that enhances understanding and promotes holistic recovery. Through your lived experience, you will foster trust, advocate for individual needs, and support community members to build the skills and confidence needed to achieve their recovery goals.

You will need:

• Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
• Completed or willing to undertake Intentional Peer Support training
• Current valid Driver's License and the ability to undertake travel for the role
• Current Working with Children Check and NDIS Workers Screening Check
• Right to Work within Australia
• Satisfactory National Police Records Check (less than 12 months old)
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate

About Us

Wellways connects people, strengthens families, and transforms communities for individuals of all ages experiencing disabilities or challenges to their social and emotional wellbeing. A leading for purpose mental health and disability support organisation operating nationally, our services span mental health, disability and community care and reach more than 7000 people each year!

Working with a diverse range of people, Wellways creates an inclusive community where everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential.

What we offer

• A purpose driven culture where people can thrive, everyone is respected, and differences are valued
• An equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment
• Salary packaging up to $15,899 enables you to spend a portion of your salary before it is taxed to pay for things like rent, mortgage repayments, car leasing
• Meal and Entertainment allowance via salary packaging up to $2,650 per annum
• Receive 17.5% leave loading every time you take annual leave
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program

For a confidential discussion about the role, we encourage you to contact Natalie Valys on +61 (418) 205379.

Wellways is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. Successful applicants must undergo a comprehensive screening process prior to their commencement.