About Little Dreamers

Little Dreamers is working towards an equal world for Young Carers, delivering programs aiming to improve quality of life. With an estimated 1 in 10 children in Australia giving up their childhood to provide unpaid care to a family member, Little Dreamers delivers empowering and proactive support programs to reduce the risk factors that they face and increase their life opportunities.

All Little Dreamers programs have been developed by Young Carers, for Young Carers targeting each of the five main risk factors that these young people face - social isolation, poor mental health, unemployment, financial and educational disadvantage. Running for nearly 12 years, Little Dreamers supports thousands of Young Carers each year through direct support programs including Dream Experiences; holiday programs; mentoring and tutoring; in-school education and training; The Dreamers Hub; in-person peer support; and the Big Dreamers Personal Development Program.

Within the wider community we also focus on advocacy for policy change, for more support and recognition for Young Carers whilst also raising awareness of the prevalence of Young Carers and how the community, the education system, friends and family can rally around for increased support.

The Position

In 2021, Little Dreamers will continue to deliver In-Person Peer Support Groups for Young Carers in targeted areas across NSW as part of the wider Carer Gateway Services program. Young Carer peer support groups are an opportunity for Young Carers to meet with other young people in a similar caring role. Groups explore common issues and concerns for Young Carers and share ideas for managing challenges and enhancing well-being. We are excited to invite you to join our team of casual Peer Support Facilitators.

As a Peer Support Group Facilitator, you will lead the facilitation of peer support groups. You will be supported by a Little Dreamers co-facilitator who will operate under your direction. In accordance with structured session plans, you will create a safe and inclusive environment that encourages Young Carer participation and interaction.

This is a wonderful opportunity to use your lived Caring experience to connect with Young Carers and support them in improving their health and wellbeing. If you’re committed to supporting Young Carers, increasing community awareness and have experience in facilitation and/or public speaking and working with youth, then this is the job for you.

Training will be provided for all Facilitators prior to commencing the role. Each Peer Support Group will have anywhere between 4 to 15 Young Carers (depending on delivery format) and each group will run for eight consecutive weeks. Casual Facilitators will be allocated to at least one Peer Support Group at a time to deliver workshops and support.

Peer Support Group Delivery Format

The Young Carer Peer Support program launched in April 2020 and was designed to be delivered in person. Due to COVID-19, we have instead successfully delivered the program online. Our intention going forward is to deliver the programs in person; however, we are closely monitoring the advice from health authorities and are committed to ensuring the safety of program participants, their families, our volunteers and staff.

We expect to continue to deliver the program online in the short-term. This will require you to work-from-home. Ideally, facilitators will have a Driver’s License and vehicle to be able to transport themselves to In Person group locations. In Person Peer Support groups will be delivered across a range of locations in the South West Sydney and Nepean-Blue Mountains areas.

Online groups will be facilitated using web-conferencing software Zoom and Online groups will have between 4 – 8 participants, whilst In Person groups will have between 8 – 15 participants.

Full Position Description attached below.

Multiple positions available.

Shortlisted applicants will then be contacted for an interview. Applicants who are not selected for an interview will be notified by email.

If you have any questions about the role, please email [email protected], using the subject line: Peer Support Group Facilitators enquiry via EthicalJobs.