Peer Support Worker

Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Laptop and mobile phone

Wellbeing subsidies

Counselling services

3 wellbeing days

5–10 days study leave

One-to-one coaching

Group supervision

Job summary

Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa is seeking a peer support professional based in Invercargill to connect with whānau seeking wellbeing support. The role requires personal lived experience of mental distress or addiction and a commitment to empowering others through shared journey and hope.

You will work within a peer-led service delivering support, advocacy, and education, with access to coaching, supervision, and wellbeing subsidies.

Qualifications

• Personal lived experience of mental distress and/or addiction
• Ability to share personal journey to support others
• Demonstrated empathy and connection with diverse communities

Responsibilities

• Connect with people and whānau seeking peer support access across Murihiku
• Demonstrate understanding of wellbeing and recovery journeys
• Participate in training and supervision as required
• Hold a full NZ driver’s license and working rights
• Attend to deadlines and co-ordinate with teams and services
• Cover 3 wellbeing days, 5–10 days study leave and other leave provisions as offered

Skills

Lived experience

Interpersonal skills

Education

Level 4 Health & Wellbeing

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Use your personal lived experienceand make a difference every day at Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa.

Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa - Peer Services (formerly Mind & Body) is dedicated to strengthening whānau and communities using lived experience. Since 1998, we have provided peer-led support, advocacy, training, and consultancy, guided by hope, personal power, and connection. We support people facing mental health and addiction challenges to take charge of their recovery and wellbeing. Our work includes de-stigmatising mental distress, reducing marginalisation, fostering social inclusion, and delivering mental health education in workplaces, schools, and organisations, supporting people move forward and reach their full potential.

The role will see you connecting with people and their whānau who want to access the peer support service across Murihiku. We support people to achieve their goals and aspirations and to grow their autonomy through strong community connections. This role requires someone with personal lived experience of mental distress and/or addiction and a personal journey towards well-being and recovery to ensure deep connection and understanding.

We have one role available, permanent full-time based in Invercargill.

To be successful in this role you'll:

• Bring personal lived experience of mental distress and/or addiction challenges and have the ability to share your journey of taking control of your wellbeing and the insights and personal awareness you built*
• Have either a Level 4 Certificate in Health & Wellbeing or equivalent.
• Must hold and maintain First Aid certification including CPR (or be willing and able to complete this).
• Demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, especially Māori and Pasifika communities and their whānau, aiga, kainga, and family
• Be a positive and encouraging person with a good sense of humour, and the ability to role model how to move forward in a journey towards well-being and healing
• Have a willingness to undertake training, and effective time management skills to manage competing demands and deadlines
• Hold a full NZ Drivers License and working rights

*In your cover letter, please include a half-page introduction/biography about yourself and what you have learnt from your personal experience of mental health and/or addiction challenges, and your journey to wellbeing. What value has it added in your life?

• Additional paid leave allowances including, 3 wellbeing days, 5-10 days study leave
• Laptop and mobile phone.
• One-to-one coaching/supervision and group supervision.
• Wellbeing subsidies and access to the use of our other services such as counselling, budgeting, and mental health workshops