• Part time (0.31), fixed term opportunities (30 June 2022) based in Illawarra / Shoalhaven, NSW
• SCHADS Award level 2.3, Schedule B ($30.94 per hour) + superannuation + salary packaging benefits + leave loading
• Support individuals to live a fulfilling and meaningful life in their own community

About this opportunity

Using Wellways Community Recovery Model, the Peer Practical Support Worker will provide intensive support to people with a mental health condition through the CLS program. This outreach focused program will include a structured peer education program delivered flexibly for both people and their families with a focus on community development, engagement and family capacity building.

The CLS program is designed to work with participants to address key areas that support the development of decision-making skills, social skills, independent living skills, belonging in the community, healthy lifestyle, self-identity, self-esteem and resilience. A key outcome will be supporting the participant to identify and nurture natural supports that sustain recovery and assist in the development of self-management skills.

This particular role is unique as it requires someone with a lived experience of a mental health condition to share their personal experiences of their recovery to engage and empower individuals in their recovery journey. Participation of people with a lived experience of mental illness is an important element of the way in which Wellways provides services. Utilising the Wellways Lived Experience Workforce Framework, the Peer Practical Support Worker will provide rehabilitation support and will act as a positive role model for program participants and their families in order to overcome stigma and encourage personal development.

The Peer Practical Support Worker will share their experience of mental illness in order to assist participants, their families, clinicians and the community better understand the participant perspective and to improve outcomes for participants.

What do you need?

• A contemporary understanding of mental health issues and recovery orientated mental health practice
• Ability and commitment to work with participants, carers, health workers, the community and community organisations
• Current valid Driver License and the ability to undertake some travel
• Approachable and accepting manner and attitude
• Ability to advocate for service improvement and/or ability to engage with others involved in this work
• Ability to support people living with a mental illness to advocate for themselves
• Ability to build effective partnerships with consumer networks and those managing service delivery in the organisation and the community
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to organise and meet deadlines
• Proven written and verbal communication skills including computer literacy in Microsoft Office
• Satisfactory Police Records Check
• Satisfactory Working with Children Check
• NDIS Worker Screening Check
• NDIS Orientation Certificate
• Right to Work within Australia
• An ability to work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities and individuals

About Wellways

Our Values: Honesty, Acceptance, Fairness, Commitment, Participation

Wellways Australia is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring all Australians lead active and fulfilling lives in their community. We work with individuals, families and the community to help them imagine and achieve better lives. We advocate for change to make sure people can access the best possible care and information when they need it. We provide a wide range of services and assistance for people with mental health issues, disabilities, youth and older Australians and those requiring community care.

Wellways is an equal opportunity employer that offers generous salary packaging and opportunities to undertake professional training and development. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

To apply and to download a copy of the position description please visit our Careers page via the Apply Now button.

You will be required to provide a cover letter addressing the below criteria;

• A personal lived experience of mental health issues, trauma or suicidality.
• A commitment to providing compassionate, person-centred and recovery-oriented support.
• Ability and capacity to listen and acknowledge discussion of mental health, trauma and suicide in a compassionate, non-judgmental way.
• Share with us how you would provide support that role models recovery and encourages mutuality and reciprocity.
• Ability to work within minimal supervision, or relevant experience working in an outreach program.
• Good time management and self-motivation skills.
• Certificate IV in Mental Health or other relevant qualification.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Justin Ratcliffe (he/him) - Program Coordinator on 0417 192 657 or [email protected], using the subject line: Peer Practical Support Worker - HASI enquiry via EthicalJobs.

We warmly encourage people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people with a lived experience of mental health and disability to apply.

Wellways Australia Limited is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people.

All applicants applying for roles within Wellways must undergo a screening process prior to their successful appointment. ​