Using your lived experience to support & educate clients, consumers and stakeholders about support services.

Your new company
This highly regarded federal government service is responsible for the delivery of mental health services for veteran and defence force communities and their families. You will be working as part of an Australian wide team who provide face to face counselling, telephone based support and case management to individuals and their families. You would be joining a large team of passionate and highly professional specialist staff, within a supportive working environment which provides clinical supervision, professional development opportunities and peer and management support.

Your new role
The role of Community and Peer Advisor requires someone with lived experience of mental health issues and Australian Defence Force (ADF) service, as either an ex-ADF member or partner/carer of a current or ex-ADF member (spouse, ex-partner or widow/widower). The position entails using one’s lived experience to respectfully support and educate clients, consumers and stakeholders about strengths-based, recovery oriented practices and community support services. The Community and Peer Advisor will work collaboratively within a regional Community Engagement Team to provide direct support to Open Arms clients. The position will also work with key internal and external stakeholders to influence a recovery approach to service delivery for veterans and serving ADF members and their families, and in doing so foster wellbeing.

Employment Principles:

• In line with Open Arms policy and procedures, provide personalised peer support services to current and former ADF members and their families

• Where appropriate, share knowledge gained through one’s relevant lived experience and recovery to promote awareness, understanding and service improvement.

• Role model behaviours which promote mental health recovery and wellness for the purpose of client, community, and stakeholder education and engagement.

• Co-facilitate relevant group programs.

• Work effectively and cooperatively as a member of the Community Engagement Team

• Represent Open Arms and the peer workforce to strengthen the organisation’s public profile, in order to further enhance Open Arms’ responsiveness and reach.

• Work with key internal and external stakeholders to influence a recovery approach to service delivery for veteran, current ADF and their families.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of Open Arms’ Clinical Practice and Governance policies and Accreditation.

What you’ll need to succeed

• Lived experience of mental health issues and ADF service, as either an ex-ADF member or partner/carer of a current serving or ex-ADF member (spouse, ex-partner or widow/widower).

• Ability to respectfully and effectively utilise this experience to promote a recovery focused approach to support others

• Willingness to undertake relevant training and professional development, including completion of certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

• Working with Children (WWC) and/or Vulnerable People Checks/Clearance must be obtained prior to commencing in the position.

What you’ll get in return
In return, you will receive a competitive hourly rate in a rewarding role. This position is for an initial 12 months with the option to extend for up to 3 years.

What you need to do now
If you’re interested in this role, click ‘apply now’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

Linda McGovern D: +61 (0)2 8860 1693
E: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]

SA Licence number : LHS 297508