• Part Time (19 hours per week), Maximum Term (until May 2026)
• Rotational placements at – St Kilda, Prahran, Cheltenham & Coburg
• Opportunity for people with lived/living experience to enter paid employment

About the opportunity

Peer Cadets will explore how to use lived experience learnings and apply their Mental Health Peer Work studies to support consumers within Uniting programs.

You will gain first-hand experience in supporting individuals with their mental health and well-being journey by shadowing experienced peer workers, planning, and offering direct support. Peer Cadets will be supported by a Senior Peer Mentor and the Victorian Peer Cadet Program Coordinator, working collaboratively to develop their peer practice and skills.

Cadets will develop knowledge, skills, practical placement experience and completion of work placement, and confidence in a structured and supported environment. Throughout employment, cadets will receive individual support, supervision, and reflective practice opportunities that are discipline specific and take part in appropriate Community of Practice activities. Additionally, Cadets will undergo training and have access to other training opportunities.

View the position description here.

About you

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Evidence of enrolment and progression through the Cert IV in Mental Health Peer Work.
• Personal experience of mental health challenges and recovery plus an awareness of how to draw on these learnings intentionally and purposefully to support others.
• Willingness to share and draw on lived experience purposefully in the role to bring confidence and hope to others about the journey of recovery.
• Ability to demonstrate functional coping skills and strategies that allow you to effectively maintain good health and wellbeing.
• Ability to develop respectful professional relationships, uphold confidentiality, and establish clear working boundaries.
• Ability to take responsibility for own learning, and to use direction and feedback to develop capabilities.

What’s on offer

We have three positions available, and the program offers a part time cadetship over a 10-month period.

In addition to receiving a salary commencing at $33.22 per hour + superannuation, you’ll also receive 17.5% leave loading and an ability to increase your take-home pay by accessing up to $15,900 in salary packaging benefits.

How to Apply

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your interest and we’ll be in touch shortly. We’ll be reviewing applications as they come through as we’re keen to engage with someone.

If you have questions about the opportunity, please contact Renae Harkness, Program Lead via email – [email protected] using the subject line: Lived Experience Peer Cadet x4 - Multiple Locations enquiry via Ethical Jobs.

About Uniting

At Uniting we are passionate about working together to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We have a 5,000 strong workforce of employees and volunteers who deliver a diverse range of services across Victoria and Tasmania.

Visit us: www.vt.uniting.org 

Uniting is a child safe organisation and is committed in everyday practice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children, at all times. As a ‘child safe’ organisation, employment with Uniting is subject to a satisfactory national (and international where relevant) police check and relevant Working with Children Check in your State prior to commencement of any paid or unpaid work and/or participation in any service or undertaking.

Uniting is also committed to equal opportunity and ensuring the workplace is reflective of the community. We encourage people from different backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability. 

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