We are One Team IPC Health, we are passionate, creative and we make a difference.

We deliver innovative high-quality services that are client centred, collaborative, coordinated and demonstrate value through measured impact. We are a not-for-profit community health service committed to working with the rapidly growing areas of Melbourne’s middle and outer West, where population will grow by 400,000 in the coming 15 years. By year 2035, we anticipate that the total population served will be approximately 1.2 million.

In response to the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the mental health of individuals and communities across Victoria, the Australian government has provided funding for more than 15 dedicated mental health HeadtoHelp Hubs which have now been established across Victoria.

In the north west of Melbourne the North West Melbourne Primary Health Network have partnered with IPC Health. DPV Health and Clarity Health Care to establish three HeadtoHelp Hubs to deliver holistic care for anyone of any age experiencing emotional distress, crisis, mental ill health and/ or addiction along with their families and carers.

The Opportunity

In collaboration with the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC), the NWMPHN the IPC Health hub will be the lead provider in a pilot to engage a worker with lived experience of mental health issues to pilot peer support at each of the Hubs. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of an initiative to bring lived experience into the heart of HeadtoHelp’s multi-disciplinary team care approach across all three HeadtoHelp Hubs.

• You will support consumers through the CHECK-IN peer support program, which supports consumers who experience mental health challenges due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.
• You will play a vital role in the development and education of clinical staff at HeadtoHelp Hubs to embrace peer support as part of multidisciplinary service delivery approach.
• Assist in transitioning the delivery of peer support within the three HeadtoHelp Hubs located in the Wyndham Vale, East Brunswick and Broadmeadows.

• Fixed term (special project) opportunity until 31 December 2021– Peer Support pilot project
• Access to an ADO to enjoy a long weekend every four weeks
• Full time

This position is classified as a SACs Level 5 (Stand Alone Services) Social and Community Service Employees Multi Enterprise Agreement 2017

You will make a difference by

• Providing support to consumers in accordance with the CHECK-IN model in one-to-one and group settings, both over the phone, via video call and in-person.
• Taking a strengths-based approach informed by Narrative Therapy and Intentional Peer Support, encourage consumers to be involved in their own care, treatment or rehabilitation program.
• Where appropriate, refer consumers to services that may be better equipped to meet their needs.
• Contribute to program content and innovative activities that support the wellbeing of consumers.
• Facilitate group programs with other peer support workers taking Art and Narrative Therapy approaches, internally or in partnership with stakeholder organisations.
• Attend Team Meetings, contributing to the growth and development of the team by providing feedback, information, raising issues to discuss and identifying training needs, unless required elsewhere as a priority.

To succeed, you will need

• A lived experience of mental health issues is essential for this role.
• Knowledge or experience of the issues facing consumers of mental health services.
• Tertiary education in community services, community development or other relevant areas or an equivalent combination of experience, education, or training.
• Demonstrated experience delivering advocacy (or similar) services within community development programs, in Mental Health.
• current Victorian driver’s licence and Working with Children certificate

What next?

If you are passionate, creative and want to make a difference, we want to hear from you. All you need to do read the role’s Position Description and submit your resume, cover letter and a document outlining how you meet our minimum ‘to succeed’ criteria. To find out more about the role, please contact:

Sylvia Grant,
Manager Wellbeing and Counselling Services
0412 030 746

We are committed to maintaining a barrier-free environment for all and welcome individuals of diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to, those from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and the LGBTI communities to apply for our job opportunities.

If you require a reasonable workplace adjustment to support you during the interview process please email [email protected] with your request. Reasonable workplace adjustments are changes that are necessary and achievable to enable a person to efficiently perform their role to the best of their abilities.A reasonable workplace adjustment can be requested at any time in the recruitment process or as a part of employment with IPC Health.

Position Description - Peer Support Worker