Peer Support Worker (50d)

Holyoake is a leading provider of counselling and support services for people impacted directly and indirectly by alcohol, other drugs, and related mental health issues. We operate through five locations in Victoria Park, Midland, Northam, Narrogin and Merredin, and employ over 110 staff. We’re not just any provider – we’re a leader in mental health and alcohol/drug support services. Our legacy over 50 years speaks volumes.

Northam is situated in the beautiful Wheatbelt region of WA and is literally just a hop, skip and a jump from the Perth Hills (about 30 minutes).  It offers a relaxed, country lifestyle, no peak hour traffic jams and everything you’ll need at your fingertips.    

We are recruiting for a permanent part-time (30 hours per week) Peer Support Worker based in our Northam office. This position is an identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position. Pursuant to a Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, only suitable candidates of the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds will be considered.

As a Peer Support Worker, you’ll be supporting Medicare Mental Health consumers, and working alongside your colleagues on the team which include specialist nursing, allied health professionals and other lived experience peer workers. You’ll also:

• be supported by our Medicare Mental Health Manager and Clinical Nurse Consultant
• have access to first class professional supervision, professional development, and support.
• have the opportunity to be innovative, helping us to find new ways to meet mental health service gaps in the region.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Provides support services to consumers of the Medicare Mental Health service in accordance with the service model with a focus on providing excellent support to our consumers who are from a First Nations background
• Develops and maintains connection with consumers ensuring establishment of relevant boundaries, with oversight and support from their supervisor. 
• Assists in the delivery of group programs as co-facilitator and where required, as the lead facilitator.   
• Inspires hope and encourages self-empowerment, to assist consumers in navigating their recovery pathway. 
• Facilitates discussions with consumers to identify strengths, needs, and goals to assist them in developing their support plan. 
• Provides information about community resources and services, and where appropriate, links consumers to other support agencies.

The skills you’ll need (selection criteria):

• Demonstrated lived experience as a consumer of mental health services and understanding of the challenges involved.  
• Where there is also lived experience of alcohol/drug use concerns, to be free of these concerns for a period of two years.  
• Understanding of peer support, self-determination, Person Centred Care, and the concept of consumer recovery.  
• Sound understanding of consumer confidentiality and appropriate conduct. 
• Ability to manage relationships and establish boundaries.  
• The ability to manage one’s own mental health and to demonstrate resilience strategies for maintaining good emotional and physical wellbeing that can be shared. 
• Ability to communicate one’s own experience safely and with purpose encouraging others to share their own experiences with the same understanding.  

You’ll also need:

• Post-secondary qualification in Peer Work or willingness to undertake a Peer Work course approved by Holyoake.
• National Police Clearance, no more than three months old.
• Current WA Driver’s Licence.

We offer:

• First rate work environment working with a passionate, committed, and supportive team.
• A progressive and diverse culture with a focus on being a workplace of choice for First Nation’s employees.
• Excellent opportunity to make a difference for others.
• Very competitive salary, including great salary packaging options.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Travel incentives to support regional locations (eligibility criteria may apply).
• Professional development opportunities.

If you are interested, Please submit your CV and a covering letter addressing the selection criteria outlined above.

Shortlisting will commence immediately, if you are interested in this role, please apply without delay.

For more information, please contact Steve Papadopoulos on (08) 9621 1055. 

Referrals from Recruitment Agencies will not be accepted at this stage.