• $58,000 – $60,000 + super + not for profit salary packaging
• Permanent Part Time
• Work life balance with 4 days a week or reduced hours over 5 days!
• Location: Coffs Harbour NSW
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need!

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we stand together with anyone who needs us, for as long as they need us. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

Utilise your lived experience to support people living with severe and persistent mental health.

The Psychosocial Support Program (PSP) is a vital program in the community in partnership with the Healthy North Coast PHN supporting people living with mental illness.

As the Peer Advocate with lived experience of mental health recovery, you will use your common experience to support and inspire hope and recovery in others, and ultimately to positively influence client outcomes. This role will focus on the following primary areas: a) facilitating small group capacity building activities for PSP clients; b) strengthening recovery-oriented approaches and c) supporting clients to prepare for NDIS.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Undertake initial contact with clients.
• Engage participants to develop honest and trusting relationships whilst adhering to boundaries of care practices.
• Learn about each participant’s interests and their relationships with their family and friends in order to create a tailored approach to build these connections.
• Provide emotional support to the participants by harnessing your own lived experience.
• Help connect the participants to meaningful activities and networks to keep them engaged.
• Co-facilitating and collaborating in planning peer-based groups.
• Liaison with the team and stakeholders to provide appropriate supports for consumers.
• Create individual recovery and safety plans with consumers when required.
• Ensure documentation is completed and updated in line with Mission Australia protocols.
• Participate in special projects as agreed with the Program Manager and the team.

Requirements for Success

With a significant background in Peer Work and/or Mental sectors, you will be confident in your client support and assessment processes. Other requirements include:

• A personal lived experience of mental illness and recovery in which you have experienced your own mental health challenges and utilised services from a mental health service or individual provider or:
• Minimum Certificate IV in Peer Work or relevant qualification or currently working towards e.g., Certificate IV in Mental Health, Community Services
• Knowledge of community activities, programs, and networks in the local community
• Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, strong administrative skills and proficient use of technology (database, mobile devices).
• Demonstrated professional approach to the role including maintaining professional boundaries.
• Must have a Full driver licence with no restrictions.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Our Culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.

We’re committed to the safety and wellbeing of each other and the people we serve.

We recognise and respect diversity. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia.

We encourage applications from people with disability and Indigenous Australians.

If you have a disability and need support to submit your application, please email [email protected].

Your Benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Rewarding work – every day you know you are making a real difference.
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Generous employee discounts with health insurance and major retailers
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support.
• Volunteering opportunities
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.

How To Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, click “‘Apply Now” and send your application today!

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received. Be quick to apply for this important and gratifying role.