Early Career Wellbeing Navigator Peer

Wellways Australia; Wangaratta; On-site; AUD 50,000 - 62,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,899

Meal and Entertainment allowance

Leave loading 17.5%

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Wellways Australia invites applications for an Early Career Peer Worker role designed for individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, substance use, addiction, or related experiences. This paid graduate opportunity offers structured, mentored entry into the peer workforce.

You will develop skills across peer support, participant engagement, and strengths-based approaches, with a view to future permanent opportunities within Wellways.

Qualifications

• Evidence of lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use, addiction or related experiences.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in practice.
• Eligibility to work in Australia and relevant checks will be completed.

Responsibilities

• Utilise peer support to assist participants in navigating mental health journeys.
• Build mutual relationships emphasizing participant voices and strengths.
• Empower participants through intentional peer support and mentoring.

Skills

Lived/Living experience

Willingness to use lived experience

Commitment to diversity & inclusion

Effective communication

Education

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

Certificate IV in Mental Health

100 points of identification

Job description

Wellways is committed to reconciliation, lived experience and inclusivity. We strongly encourage and warmly welcome people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with a lived experience of mental health and disability and people who identify as LGBTIQA+ to apply. Even if you only meet some of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

• Commence your career in the rewarding mental health peer work sector
• Part time (equiv. 4 days a week) opportunity to apply your studies in a supportive, practical setting
• Paid graduate opportunity until 30th June 2027

About The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to utilise your Lived experience and relevant study to engage in a supported and structured entry level role in the peer workforce.

This Early Career role is specifically designed for individuals who have lived and living experience of mental health challenges, substance use, addiction, and/or a relationship with suicide.

Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills to:

• Utilise peer support to work with participants in navigating their mental health, substance use or distress journeys.
• Build mutual relationships with participants that focus on strengths and their personal journey. Working to uphold participant voices wherever possible.
• Empower participants in their journey by utilising intentional peer support.

By the end of the program, you will have grown your confidence in embarking on a more permanent role within the peer workforce. We'll support you to explore opportunities that are meaningful to you, including future opportunities with Wellways where they become available.

To be successful in this role

• Lived/Living experience of mental health challenges, substance use, addiction, and/or a relationship with suicide
• Willingness to intentionally and purposefully use this experience to support others and a commitment to working in a way that supports diversity and inclusion
• Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work prioritised. Some relevant certificate level qualifications will be considered e.g. Certificate IV in mental health
• 100 points of identification
• Right to Work within Australia
• Driver licence or willingness to obtain within the first 3 months of employment
• Satisfactory National Police Records Check or willingness to obtain
• We know that people's life experiences are diverse and may include contact with the justice system. Having a disclosable outcome does not automatically prevent you from working with Wellways. Each National Police Check is considered individually based the requirements of the role and our commitment to providing a safe workplace and services
• Satisfactory NDIS Worker Screening Check and Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate

About Us

Wellways is a for purpose mental health and disability support organisation working nationally to support people of all ages experiencing challenges to their social and emotional wellbeing. Across Victoria, Wellways works alongside partners to deliver Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals that respond to the diverse needs of communities. Guided by lived experience, inclusive practice and strong collaboration, we help create welcoming and supportive spaces that are deeply grounded in the communities we serve.

What We Offer

• A structured learning environment with guidance from experienced mentors
• An individualised learning plan that fosters both personal and professional development
• A purpose driven culture where people can thrive, everyone is respected, and differences are valued
• An equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment
• Salary packaging up to $15,899 enables you to spend a portion of your salary before it is taxed to pay for things like rent, mortgage repayments, car leasing
• Meal and Entertainment allowance via salary packaging up to $2,650 per annum
• Receive 17.5% leave loading every time you take annual leave
• Access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program

For a confidential discussion about the role, we encourage you to contact Sonya Fraser, Building Community Capacity Team Lead on 0419 024 964.

We'd love to get to know you!

We value the diverse experiences and perspectives people bring to our team. We value the diverse experiences and perspectives people bring to our team and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, including those whose lived experience has been shaped by barriers, discrimination or disadvantage.

We value the diverse experiences and perspectives people bring to our team. We value the diverse experiences and perspectives people bring to our team and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, including those whose lived experience has been shaped by barriers, discrimination or disadvantage.

You’re welcome to share at a level that feels right for you -

Wellways is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. Successful applicants must undergo a comprehensive screening process prior to their commencement.

Job Description Summary

Begin your mental health career with paid learning, supportive mentoring, and opportunities to use your lived experience to create meaningful impact.

Contract End Date

30/06/2027

Culture

We’re passionate about our work, which is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. All of our teams work to ensure everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential. We know that people are unique and the experts on their life and are not defined by impairments, diagnosis or labels. We aim to specifically promote safety and inclusivity for LGBTIQ+ and First Nations communities.

Applications Close

15/11/2026