Peer Worker

• Permanent Full Time| 38 hours/week
• Location: Botany, NSW
• Salary: $81K + Super + Salary Packaging
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your opportunity

At Mission Australia, we believe lived experience is a powerful source of hope, connection and change. As a Peer Worker, you will use your personal journey of overcoming adversity to inspire, support and empower people facing similar challenges. Through authentic relationships, coaching and group facilitation, you will help individuals build confidence, strengthen their wellbeing and work towards achieving their personal goals.

As a Peer Worker, you will work alongside clients to provide recovery-oriented, person-centred support that promotes independence, resilience and social inclusion. Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the planning and delivery of peer-led groups, outreach activities and service improvement initiatives, ensuring the voices and experiences of clients remain at the centre of everything we do.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Provide one-on-one coaching and facilitate peer support groups using recovery-oriented and lived expertise practices
• Support clients to identify their strengths, develop practical life skills, and strengthen connections with their communities
• Use your lived experience to inspire hope, promote recovery, and support clients in achieving their personal goals.
• Build trusting, respectful relationships with clients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan, deliver and continuously improve peer-led programs and activities
• Deliver outreach support to clients in community settings as required
• Advocate for client voice and contribute to creating inclusive, person-centred services
• Maintain accurate client records, case notes and program documentation in line with organisational and accreditation requirements
• Contribute to a positive team culture by participating in meetings, training, service improvement initiatives and reflective practice
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, community organisations and external stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for clients

Requirements for success

• A relevant qualification in community services, social services or a related discipline, or equivalent experience along with Cert IV in Mental Health Peer Worker (willing to obtain)
• Lived experience of mental health challenges, disability, homelessness, addiction or substance use, and a willingness to use this experience safely and purposefully within a lived expertise framework
• Experience working in mental health, community services or a related field
• An understanding of recovery-oriented practice, the consumer movement and person-centred support
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage people from diverse backgrounds
• Sound administration and computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and client management systems
• The ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment while managing competing priorities
• Driver’s Licence and Valid WWCC

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks.

Your benefits

• Rewarding Work- every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities 
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

Our Culture  

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.  

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email [email protected] or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at [email protected]  

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia. 

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you