Peer Worker

• Max Term Part Time until 30th June 2027
• Salary: $49K + Super + NFP Salary Packaging
• Location: Hornsby, NSW
• 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 stand together with anyone who needs us, for as long as they need us. 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 draw on your own recovery journey to build genuine relationships with people experiencing challenges such as mental health issues, homelessness, disability, addiction or substance use.

Through coaching, mentoring and group facilitation, you'll empower individuals to build confidence, strengthen their wellbeing, reconnect with their communities and achieve their personal goals.

This is a 3 day a week on a max term contract with possibility of extension.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Build trusting relationships with clients through empathy, authenticity and shared lived experience
• Provide one-on-one coaching and facilitate peer-led groups that promote recovery, resilience and self-determination
• Support clients to identify their strengths, goals and pathways towards greater independence
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners to deliver person-centred support
• Contribute to creating a safe, inclusive and recovery-oriented service environment
• Assist with outreach activities, client documentation and maintaining accurate records
• Share your lived expertise to help improve services and ensure client voices shape program delivery

Requirements for Success

• Personal lived experience of recovery from mental health challenges, homelessness, disability, addiction or substance use, and the ability to use this experience safely and purposefully within a professional framework
• Cert IV or higher qualification in Mental Health Peer Work, community services, mental health or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience
• A genuine passion for supporting others on their recovery journey
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• An understanding of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practice
• Sound computer skills and the ability to maintain accurate client records
• Mental Health First Aid Desirable

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

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 
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave

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 prioritize 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]

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