Job Reference No V0145

Make a difference in the new Family Carers Led Centre in the Southeast of Melbourne. The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System has created opportunities to think beyond current ways of doing things to deliver a new mental health system. The Royal Commission findings identified the need for carers to have their own unique services and spaces. New Carers Peer Support and other roles are now available in the Family Carers Led Centre (FCLC) in the SE.

The FCLC is seeking applications for 2 Carers Peer Workers. The roles will require you to draw on your current or past experience and knowledge of supporting a person with mental illness and/or AOD , and provide compassionate support to people in a similar situation to you in a purpose led and supportive setting.
As a foundation member of this team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of improved supports for carers in this exciting new space.
Work true to your values, supporting families in mental health, in the new Family Carer Led Centre.

This service will be provided in a warm and welcoming environment in 5 Centres that will be established in the South East by December  2023, including a major hub in Dandenong and satellites in South Melbourne, Frankston, City of Cardinia.

Tasks within these roles may include:
• One to one support and referral either in person or via phone,
• Facilitation of support groups,
• Development of resources,
• Community education,
• Advocacy,
• Other ideas you may bring from your own lived experience as a carers.

Skills and experience sought:
Your role will be to draw on the mutuality and compassion of a shared experience as peers and listen effectively to the needs of other carers seeking support, with compassion. You will assist others to identify their own needs within the experiences they are currently facing in their life.
Those with lived experience as a family carers in mental health and alcohol and drug use (including informal / unpaid) combined with a range of backgrounds, skills and qualifications – including those without formal qualifications – are encouraged to apply.
You may have worked in peer work before or have a qualification in social work, community or welfare work. You may have another qualification such as communication, marketing or other diverse backgrounds. Personal skills and attributes are most important, including your expertise gained within life lived alongside systems such as the mental health and community service supports.

Benefits
• Positive, affirming culture for Carers Peer Workers, acknowledging your expertise
• Professional Development and regular team reflective practice, and a supportive team approach
• Family-friendly flexible workplace including monthly ADO for eligible full-time staff
• Attractive tax-free salary packaging arrangements

What makes BHN Tick?
Better Health Network (BHN) encompasses more than 22 locations and has over 800 staff work in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver health and disability outcomes. BHN is a responsive and agile community health service, providing a wide range of healthcare, social support, disability, and welfare services for all members of the community.
BHN provides services spanning all periods of life including specialist childhood, youth, and aged care services. In achieving its vision of health and wellbeing for all, BHN is guided by our distinct service principles which include working with people and communities to achieve their health goals, understanding the context in which people live their lives, providing friendly, affordable, and holistic service.

We welcome applications with your resume and a cover letter no longer than two pages addressing the following:

• your values alignment
• your skills and experience 
• your key skills and expertise against the relevant criteria listed above.

Please note that prior to any commencement of employment, pre-employment checks must be complete. These will include reference checking, a national criminal history and right to work check, proof of vaccinations and a working with children check.

For information about the role, please contact Shamus Goble, Coordinator of Manager Family Carers-Led Centre on 03 9525 1300 or email [email protected].

Closing Date: Monday 28th August 2023