Aboriginal Safe Haven Peer Worker - Kempsey District Hospital

NSW Health; Kempsey; On-site; AUD 68,000 - 98,000; Part time

Job summary

Mid North Coast Local Health District invites applications for an Aboriginal Safe Haven Peer Worker at Kempsey District Hospital. This 16-hour-per-week, temporary Part Time role offers peer support to Aboriginal people experiencing suicidal distress, helping them access services and fostering a culturally safe environment.

You will draw on lived experience to support others and work with clinicians to navigate pathways, advocate for consumer-led recovery, and strengthen community partnerships.

Qualifications

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage is required.
• Lived experience navigating suicidal ideation or attempts and using this experience to support others.
• Strong commitment to consumer-led recovery and culturally safe mental health care.
• Ability to advocate for individuals and contribute to systems change.
• Strong communication, organisation and teamwork skills.
• Certificate IV in Peer Work – Mental Health, or willingness to undertake.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Current Australian Driver’s Licence and willingness to travel between locations.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to Aboriginal people experiencing suicidal distress and assist them to access appropriate services.
• Help people navigate complex mental health pathways and advocate for culturally safe care.
• Support collaboration with clinicians and the broader Peer Workforce to strengthen services and partnerships.
• Contribute to quality improvement, service development and growth of Aboriginal Peer Services.

Skills

Lived experience

Cultural knowledge

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Driver's license

Education

Certificate IV in Peer Work – Mental Health

Job description

Aboriginal Safe Haven Peer Worker - Kempsey District Hospital

Employment Type:TemporaryPart Time until 31 July 2027, with the possibility of ongoing employment
Position Classification:Health Education Officer - Non Grad
Remuneration:$67,584 - $97,733
Hours Per Week:16
Requisition ID:REQ689388
Advertising Closes: 28 September 2026

Employment with Mid North Coast LHD requires candidates to hold a valid authority to work in Australia (Australian Work Rights Visa). You must attach to your application in order toprogress.

Use your lived experience, culture and voice to make a real difference. Join our Aboriginal Led Safe Haven and help create a culturally safe, welcoming space where Aboriginal people experiencing suicidal distress can feel heard, supported and empowered.

About the Role
As an Aboriginal Peer Worker, you’ll draw on your own lived experience as an Aboriginal person navigating suicidal ideation or attempts to provide peer support to others on their mental health journey.

Working alongside clinicians and the broader Peer Workforce, you’ll help people navigate complex mental health pathways, advocate for culturally safe care and connect people with the right services and supports. You’ll also play an important role in strengthening the cultural capability of the service and building meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal communities and organisations.

The Safe Haven operates Thursday to Sunday, including public holidays, with opportunities to contribute to quality improvement, service development, training and the growth of Aboriginal Peer Services.

About You

We’re looking for an Aboriginal person who brings lived experience, cultural knowledge, empathy and a genuine commitment to supporting others.

You will have:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage (a genuine occupational qualification under S21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977).
• Lived experience of navigating suicidal ideation or attempts and the ability to use this experience constructively to support others.
• A strong commitment to consumer-led recovery and culturally safe mental health care.
• The ability to advocate for individuals and contribute to broader systems change.
• Strong communication, organisation and teamwork skills.
• A Certificate IV in Peer Work – Mental Health, or willingness to undertake the qualification.
• Basic computer literacy and the ability to work independently.
• A current Australian Driver’s Licence and willingness to travel between locations as required.

Applicants must be of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island descent. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under S21 of Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Salary will be accordance with NSW Health State Awards for the advertised classification/s. These awards are available athttp://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/conditions/pages/default.aspx.

AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FROM THIS RECRUITMENT ACTIVITY MAY BE CREATED FOR FUTURE VACANCIES

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion liesat the heart of how we recruit.
Mid North Coast Local Health District is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects and understands the community we serve. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels respected, valued and that they belong. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from candidates of all cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

We encourage you to reach out if you require any adjustments or assistance during the recruitment process to ensure you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Please contact ***************@health.nsw.gov.au.

This is aCategory A position.Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive for CategoryA positions prior to offer.

All new employeesmust agree to comply with the requirements outlined under the General questions section at Occupational assessment screening and vaccination - FAQ

Are you interested in moving to the MidNorth Coast? Learn more atThe Welcome Experience. A free service supporting businesses, essential workers and their families who are considering moving or have made the move to regional NSW.