Senior Carer Peer Worker | Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

Barwon Health; Geelong; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional health service in Geelong is seeking a Senior Carer Peer Worker to provide peer support to individuals experiencing mental distress. The role involves developing new programs and facilitating group sessions. Ideal candidates should have lived experience in mental health and a deep understanding of peer support principles. This position offers a permanent part-time contract with opportunities for professional growth and a vibrant workplace culture.

Benefits

Excellent working conditions

24/7 Employee Assistance Program

Professional development opportunities

Attractive salary packaging benefits

Qualifications

• Experience with public mental health services.
• Ability to draw upon lived experience to inform practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support and facilitate groups.
• Provide supervision to peer support workers.
• Liaise with clinical teams.

Skills

Lived experience of caring for a young person with mental illness

Understanding of personal recovery process

Deep knowledge of peer support principles

Experience supporting others through intentional sharing of lived experience

Previous experience as a peer worker

Job description

Overview

Employment Type - Permanent Part Time

Hours per fortnight - 64

Req Id - 6079

Responsibilities

• Provide expert input into the development of new peer programs in MHDAS
• Draw upon your lived experience of supporting others with mental distress/illness to inform your practice
• As the Senior Carer Peer Worker, provide one-on-one peer support and facilitate groups as programs are established
• Provision of carer perspective supervision to MHDAS peer support workers
• Involvement in MHDAS educational activities designed to promote greater understanding of lived experience work
• Liaising with the MHDAS clinical teams, for example within the mental health inpatient units, drugs and alcohol services and the community

About Barwon Health

Barwon Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive regional health services in Australia, providing care at all stages of life and circumstance. Services available through Barwon Health cover the full spectrum from primary care, community services, aged care, rehabilitation, mental health, emergency and acute care. We serve more than 500,000 people through the efforts of more than 9000 staff and volunteers across more than 20 sites. Barwon Health is committed to developing a vibrant culture of education, training and research that advances health and wellbeing for all.

About Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services (MHDAS)

MHDAS provides integrated and recovery oriented mental health, drugs and alcohol assessment, treatment and community support to people of all ages within the Barwon region experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, mental health and drug & alcohol issues, and their families.

Our service is internationally recognised for its innovative clinical programs and integrated models of practice that are client centred, accessible and family inclusive. We are fortunate to enjoy terrific internal relationships and have developed excellent partnerships with the local community that provide for seamless integrated care for our clients.

MHDAS is entering a new phase of co-design of our service system with people who access our services and our wider community. This will build on our nationally recognized unique cultural approach to the challenges of recovery-oriented service delivery to redesign our service system.

About The Facility

Our major sites include University Hospital Geelong in Geelong’s CBD, the McKellar Centre precinct in North Geelong, Barwon Health North in Norlane, and residential aged care facilities spanning the region. Comprehensive mental health, community health and dental services are delivered through various programs across the Barwon South West Region, including Torquay and Colac.

About You

• Lived experience of caring for a young person with mental illness (distress) and/or drug and alcohol use
• Lived experience of engagement with public mental health services
• Previous experience as a peer worker and/or senior peer worker
• Understanding of personal recovery process
• Experience supporting others through intentional sharing of lived experience
• Deep knowledge of peer support principles

About The Role

As the successful applicant, you will draw upon your lived experience of supporting others with mental distress/illness and accessing mental health and/or alcohol and other drug services to inform your practice. As guided by the Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service Manager and Lived Experience Discipline Lead, you will provide expert input into the development of new peer programs in MHDAS. As programs are established, the Senior Carer Peer Worker will provide one-on-one peer support and facilitate groups. The role also includes:

• Provision of carer perspective supervision to MHDAS peer support workers
• Involvement in MHDAS educational activities designed to promote greater understanding of lived experience work
• Liaising with the MHDAS clinical teams, for example within the mental health inpatient units, drugs and alcohol services and the community

Please note Barwon Health will only contact you via our official email and never use unconventional means, such as text messaging or other services.

The Culture

You will have the opportunity to be part of a highly skilled, professional and dedicated team who take pride in providing high quality services. We promote positive, respectful relationships and strong partnerships within the workplace. Grow and develop your capabilities with Barwon Health’s commitment to professional development.

Barwon Health staff benefits

• Excellent working conditions with a high sense of job satisfaction.
• A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.
• Wide-range of professional development opportunities to enhance your career.
• Attractive salary packaging benefits. Living expenses capped at $9010 and meals and entertainment capped at $2650.

About Geelong

Derived from the local Wadawurrung Aboriginal name for the region Djilang, Geelong is thought to mean ‘Tongue of Land’. Geelong offers a range of lifestyle choices including inner city, coastal, suburban and rural homes.

• Geelong is home to world class schools and education providers.
• Doorstep to the Great Ocean Road, Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast
• Appreciate our vast and abundant parklands, sports and entertainment attractions, and thriving dining and shopping complexes.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and talents of our team members, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity strengthens our ability to provide compassionate and equitable care to all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, abilities and identities. We are committed to providing positive employment opportunities and a workplace that promotes wellbeing, and we welcome and encourage applications from those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. We actively encourage individuals with disabilities and diverse backgrounds and identities to apply for our positions. Should you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, we are here to assist you every step of the way. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Click here for further information on the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards.

How to apply

If you need assistance with your application for this role, please email the Mental Health recruitment team at [e-mail] with your preferred contact method and details, and we will get in touch with you. Please note we do not accept resumes via email.

Contact person: Natalie Lanyon | Manager | Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service | MHDAS
Email: [e-mail]

Contact person: Anna Sowden | Lived Experience Lead | MHDAS
Email: [e-mail]

Application closing date: Wednesday 29, October 2025

Position Description