• Part-time (0.8), fixed-term opportunities (30/06/2022) based in Orange, NSW
• SCHADS Award level 3.1, Schedule B ($31.75 per hour) + superannuation + salary packaging benefits + leave loading
• Support individuals to live a fulfilling and meaningful life in their own community

About this opportunity

Wellways, Pathways to Community Living (PCLI) and the Western NSW Local Health District have partnered together to provide additional support to people with a mental illness when they are transitioning Wattle Grove into the community. The PCLI Peer Worker will support people to develop and maintain community connections.

Building on the success of previous work which has shown the positive impact that peer workers have on the relationship between consumers and treating teams, Wellways will embed a Mental Health PCLI Peer Worker into Wattle Grove. The Pathways to Community Living Initiative (PCLI) is a coordinated state-wide approach to supporting people who have experienced a long stay in hospital and a severe and enduring mental illness to re-establish their lives in the community. Wattle Grove is a community-centred residential facility that works with people with a lived experience of mental illness to support their transition to the community. The team at Wattle Grove work with consumers to achieve their recovery goals including maintaining connections with families, carers and supporters, facilitating practical living skills and promoting social connections to consumers to live with purpose.

Modelling hope and recovery, the PCLI Peer Worker will provide intensive support to the consumer, will be instrumental in supporting the consumer and their carer to complete standardised assessments to inform the transition process, and work with the Consumer to increase levels of social participation and connectedness in preparation for leaving the hospital. The PCLI Peer Worker will operate as a member of the Wattle Grove multidisciplinary team and provide HASI-like supports focused on supporting consumers to transition to community-based living arrangements. The PCLI Peer Worker will have a particular focus on; informing the team about the role of HASI and supports available, advocating for the consumer perspective in all interactions, and providing practical advice and supports to consumers that facilitate their transition to community-based living.

What do you need?

• A contemporary understanding of mental health issues and recovery orientated mental health practice
• Personal lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery, either as a person with mental health issues or as a carer
• Ability and commitment to work with participants, carers, health workers, the community and community organisations
• Current valid Driver's 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.

To apply and to download a copy of the position description please click apply now & enter ref code: 5542049.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Denise Watmore Wellways Regional Manager on 0439198886

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. ​