Peer Practitioner

Mind Australia Limited; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

EAP

Fitness Passport

Banking benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Mind Australia is seeking a Peer Practitioner to support young people aged 12–25 who are experiencing, or have recently experienced, a first episode of psychosis. Drawing on your lived experience of mental health and/or AOD, you will walk alongside young people to build hope, strengthen connections and support their recovery journey in an outreach-based role across Mackay.

This permanent full-time position offers a base salary from $80,008 plus super, with salary packaging options to boost

Qualifications

• Lived experience of mental health and/or AOD challenges.
• Qualification in mental health or peer work is required or in progress.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented practice welcome.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual peer support to build hope and recovery.
• Utilise IPS framework to support distressed youth.
• Help navigate services, education, employment, and community supports.
• Engage families and carers where appropriate, in a family-inclusive approach.
• Participate in service improvement and ongoing professional development.

Skills

Lived experience

Empathy and listening

Communication

Advocacy

Education

Certificate IV or higher in Mental Health

Peer Work qualification

AOD qualification or study

Job description

Use your lived/living experience to support young people’s recovery journey and create meaningful connections within their community.

• Permanent full-time role | Monday to Friday
• Base Salary from $80,008 + Super 12%, with salary packaging options to boost your take-home pay
• Outreach-based role supporting young people across Mackay

Mind strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with a lived experience of mental ill health and recovery, and applicants from all cultures, genders, sexualities, bodies, abilities, spiritualities, ages and backgrounds.

Mind Australia is one of Australia’s largest providers of community-managed psychosocial services, supporting people experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges to find help, hope and purpose in their lives. Operating for almost 50 years and employing more than 1,300 staff around Australia, Mind is a leading employer of people with lived experience of mental health challenges, recognising their unique ability to connect with and motivate clients and guide recovery.

About the role

We are seeking a Peer Practitioner to support young people aged 12–25 years who are experiencing, or have recently experienced, a first episode of psychosis.

Drawing on your lived/living experience of mental health and/or alcohol and other drug challenges, you will walk alongside young people to build hope, strengthen connections and support their recovery journey. This is a recovery-focused, outreach-based role where you will use your lived expertise to develop meaningful peer relationships, support self-determination and empower young people to explore what is possible in their lives.

You will champion the voice of lived experience, advocate for human rights and contribute to a service environment where young people, families and carers are valued as partners in recovery.

Key responsibilities

• Provide individual peer support using your lived/living experience in a safe and purposeful way to build hope, connection and support recovery.
• Utilise the Intentional Peer Support (IPS) framework to walk alongside young people experiencing distress.
• Support young people to navigate systems and connect with services, education, employment and community supports.
• Work in a family-inclusive way, supporting young people to strengthen connections with families, carers and natural supports where appropriate.
• Champion co-design and co-production practices, contribute to service improvement activities, and participate in ongoing professional development including regular peer co-reflection.

What you’ll bring

• Lived or living experience of mental health and/or AOD challenges, and a desire to use this to support others.
• Certificate IV or higher in Mental Health, Peer Work, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), or another relevant health-related field, or currently working towards a relevant qualification in one of these areas.
• Completion of Intentional Peer Support Core and/or Advanced Training is desirable.
• Previous experience in a dedicated Peer role is highly desirable.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed approaches and family-inclusive practice.
• A current unrestricted driver’s licence and access to a roadworthy vehicle for outreach work (kilometre reimbursement provided).
• Ability to provide proof of vaccination against vaccine preventable diseases or willingness to obtain required vaccinations per Queensland Health partnership.

Benefits

• Generous not-for-profit salary packaging - up to $15,899 p.a.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - support for you and your immediate family.
• Fitness Passport - access to a wide range of fitness facilities for you and your family.
• Workplace Banking Portal - access to a variety of banking and lifestyle benefits through our CommBank program.
• Professional development - ongoing training and career growth opportunities.

Mind is committed to a barrier-free recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to complete your application, please email [e-mail]

Position Description

PD Peer Practitioner (EPPS) - 20260423 (LE approved).pdf

The successful applicant is required to complete comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check, and NDIS Workers Screening Check.