Peer Family Support Worker

Wellways Australia; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 66,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,899

Meal and Entertainment allowance up to

17.5% leave loading

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Wellways Australia is seeking a Peer Family Support Worker to walk alongside families during crises, offering tools and guidance for healing. The role is peer-led and community-based, providing information, resources, and advocacy to families in distress.

You will support carers and family members, develop connections with local services, and lead peer groups to promote safety, care, and hope in challenging times.

Qualifications

• Lived experience of supporting a loved one with mental health concerns or crisis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across diverse backgrounds.
• Police Records Check satisfactory.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to families affected by suicide attempts or crises.
• Connect families with community services and practical resources.
• Lead supportive peer groups and conduct follow-ups.
• Advocate for families' needs and navigate services.

Skills

Lived experience

Communication

Right to Work Australia

Education

Police Check

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 lived experience of mental health and disability and people who identify at LGBTIQA+ to apply. Even if you only meet some of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

• Have you supported a loved one with a mental health issue and/or suicidal crisis or attempt?
• Join a meaningful role where your lived experience can make a real difference!
• SCHADS Level 3B ( $33.49 - $43.42 ) + Leave loading + salary packaging benefits

Have you experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide or had a close friend who has struggled with suicidal thoughts? This is your chance to support and connect with families facing similar challenges. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide peer support for families deeply affected by a loved one’s suicide attempt or crisis.

About Your New Role

As a Peer Family Support Worker, you’ll have the opportunity to walk alongside families during some of their most challenging times, connecting them with community support services and offering tools and guidance to create an environment of care, understanding, and hope. Through heartfelt and courageous conversations, you’ll help individuals explore their feelings and discover what truly matters in their family’s healing journey.

This role is peer-led and community-based, allowing you to provide meaningful support through personal connection during times of crisis. You’ll share valuable information and practical resources, lead supportive peer groups, offer proactive follow-ups, and assist with navigating services and advocating for families’ needs.

Carer Peer Support is all about fostering mutual understanding, compassion, and empowerment, helping carers find the strength and confidence to support their loved ones through moments o crisis and beyond.

What do you need?

• Lived experience of supporting a loved one experiencing suicidal ideation, crisis and/or suicide attempts
• Relevant qualifications or commensurate experience in working in a support role for people with mental health conditions
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively interact with people from a variety of backgrounds
• Satisfactory Police Records Check
• Drivers Licence with ability to undertake some travel and be away overnight
• Blue Card – Working with Children Check
• NDIS Worker Screening Check
• NDIS Workers Orientation Module – Quality Safety and You – free online course
• Right to Work within Australia

What We Will Offer You…

• 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 $15,899enables 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 loadingevery time you take annual leave
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Monique Holland | [e-mail]

Candidates may be interviewed and selected prior to the closing date

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

This role offers a unique opportunity to provide peer support for families deeply affected by a loved one’s suicide attempt or crisis.

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

11/10/2026