About PANDA:

We are a not-for-profit organisation who has spent 40 years supporting individuals and families affected by perinatal mental illness, including anxiety and depression, through Australia’s only national Perinatal Mental Health Helpline.

PANDA grew from a small community-based organisation, founded by a group of women who had first-hand experience in what it was like to struggle with postnatal depression, and wanted to assist other women with the same experience. 

Funded primarily by the Commonwealth Department of Health and State governments, PANDA is the only national digital phone-based specialist perinatal mental health provider in Australia. The Helpline offers a range of free and accessible inbound and outbound services that are aligned with the ‘stepped’ model of care. The services are complimented by a range of digital resources and tools and complimentary education and training programs. 

PANDA’s vision is a world where perinatal mental health is understood and valued. Where the health care system meets the needs of all people and where stigma and barriers to seeking help no longer exist.

We want people to know how and where they can access support and empower themselves to be the best they can be in the perinatal period and beyond.

Through the voices of people who have lived experience, their family, carers, and supporters, we inform governments, planners, providers, employers and the wider community to understand and support people experiencing perinatal mental health issues.

About the role – Peer Support Worker

PANDA’s National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline has a dual workforce of peer support and clinical/professional counsellors that work collaboratively in provision of these services. The Peer Support Worker will use their lived experience in perinatal mental illness and recovery to provide support to expecting and new parents experiencing a broad range of emotional, mental health and transition to parenthood difficulties.  

About YOU!

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work or Alternative Peer Support training (Or willingness to be able to work towards this qualification within 18 months of obtaining the role).
• Have your own lived or living experience of significant mental health challenges in the perinatal period.  
• Possess a strong understanding of the importance of lived experience/peer support working in partnership with clinical perinatal mental health care. 
• Possess a demonstrated ability to use appropriate self-disclosure for the benefit of families experiencing similar challenges.   
• Demonstrated ability to maintain clear boundaries between own lived experience and the experience of consumers. 

Key Selection Criteria:

Applications must include your resume, cover letter and responses to key selection criteria below. Please note, applications that do not include the above may not be considered.

• Hold a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work or Alternative Peer Support training (Or willingness to be able to work towards this qualification within 18 months of obtaining the role).
• Own lived or living experience of significant mental health challenges in the perinatal period.  
• Strong understanding of the importance of lived experience/peer support working in partnership with clinical perinatal mental health care. 
• Demonstrated ability to use appropriate self-disclosure for the benefit of families experiencing similar challenges.   
• Demonstrated ability to maintain clear boundaries between own lived experience and the experience of consumers. 
• Confidence and skills in working with systems such as client record databases, online phone systems, and the Microsoft suite of applications.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

For more detailed information on this exciting opportunity, please refer to the position description, which can be found on the Working at PANDA page on our website.

Applications must include your resume, cover letter and responses to key selection criteria above. Applicants that do not address the selection criteria in a cover letter, may not be considered.

Equity and diversity are integral to PANDA and we are continually working towards attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that represents and supports the communities we serve. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, dads, young parents, people from regional and rural communities, people with disabilities, and people who identify as LGBTIQA+.

WHY PANDA?

• Work from home, anywhere in Australia
• Generous Not For Profit Salary Packaging available
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Flexible working arrangements
• Inclusive, supportive, friendly and positive team culture
• Access to a range of Professional Development
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Working in a rich learning environment among experts in the field of perinatal mental health

This role can be undertaken while working from the office, working from home or a hybrid model of both. Applicants must have access to reliable internet and a suitable home working office space in order to perform the duties of the role safely and effectively. A PANDA laptop will be provided to the successful candidate in support of PANDA’s secure and flexible working arrangements.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we intend to undertake interviews as required, pending applicant responses. People living interstate are encouraged to apply. 

We know that a typical recruitment process doesn’t work for everyone, so we can be flexible. If you would prefer to discuss the role before applying, we encourage you to contact us. Otherwise, to apply, you can send us your resume and cover letter.