Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) is seeking enthusiastic applicants for multiple casual mentor positions in our new, youth-focused Peer Support Program.

As a Casual Youth SCI Peer Support Mentor, you will join our Peer and Family Support team, sharing your lived experience of spinal cord injury (SCI) and assisting young people and their families in developing practical knowledge and skills to navigate life after injury.

The program is dedicated to developing and piloting a community-based peer support framework for young people with SCI across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.

This casual position is classified as Level 2, Pay Point 1, under the Social, Community, Home Care, and Disability Services Industry Award. The role involves working remotely from home, with occasional visits to the community to engage with clients. SCIA will provide a laptop, headset, and adaptive equipment if required.

SCIA is collaborating with several esteemed organisations, including the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (VPRS) at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the NSW Paediatric Spinal Outreach Service (PSOS) at Northcott, the SpineCare Foundation (a division of Northcott), and the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (QPRS).

Your responsibilities include:

• Provide one-on-one, individualised support and practical guidance to young people with SCI in NSW and VIC, drawing on your lived experience.
• Facilitate informal, semi-structured peer support groups and/or group education sessions.
• Contribute to developing resources and information tailored to young people with SCI.
• Collaborate with the Project Team and the SCIA Adult Peer Support Team to support effective program implementation and share feedback.

About you

• Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) acquired before the age of 18, who have been living with their disability for more than five years and who want to make a difference in the lives of other young peers, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and Word.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Committed to supporting individuals in achieving their personal goals
• Willing to learn a rights-based, social justice approach to promoting the participation and inclusion of people with disabilities in mainstream services
• Flexible availability, including some Saturday afternoons and after-school hours on designated weekdays
• Willing and able to travel to local community sites to meet with mentees if required.
• Skilled in applying a person-centred approach, including actively listening to and taking direction from peers
• Capable of sourcing and using relevant resources and information efficiently, particularly in relation to spinal cord injury (SCI)
• Able to meet key performance indicators (KPIs) collaboratively established
• Accurate and timely completion of administrative tasks and records
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Able to report clearly on progress and outcomes
• Complies with SCIA policies, procedures, and all relevant government legislation and standards, including workplace health and safety
• Maintains a professional image and upholds SCIA’s reputation through all aspects of the role.

The successful applicant will need to obtain a National Police Check, Working with Children Check clearance and National Disability Insurance Scheme Worker Check.

SCIA has a dedicated, supportive and innovative culture and so we are looking for someone who will fit well into our team by having a positive attitude, strong relationship building skills and a passion for improving the life of young people with SCI, their families and carers.

If this opportunity excites you and you’d like to be part of a purpose-driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you. Please click the "Apply Now" button to submit your CV/resume and a short cover letter telling us why you’re interested in this role and our work.

Please contact Liala Cadelli at [email protected] using the subject line: Youth SCI Peer Support Mentors enquiry via EthicalJobs if you have any queries regarding this role- always happy to chat.

Interviews will be conducted as applications are received.