We are seeking a Lived Experience Peer Worker to provide practical guidance, mentorship and peer-based support to Start Court participants.

Peer Worker (Start Court)

About Outcare

Outcare is a leading provider of community services in Western Australia, supporting people, families and communities to build stronger, more stable futures. Guided by our focus of guiding growth for stronger futures, we work alongside people to create practical pathways that support safety, housing stability, wellbeing, connection and positive participation in community life.

We are deeply committed to child safeguarding, culturally safe practice, and bringing new thinking to complex social challenges. Outcare is part of PeopleKind Group, a diverse and growing group of organisations delivering services across justice, disability, housing, allied health, child protection and reintegration.

The role

We are seeking a Lived Experience Peer Worker to provide practical guidance, mentorship and peer-based support to Start Court participants. Drawing on your own lived experience of substance use, justice involvement and/or mental health challenges, you will support participants to build confidence, strengthen personal goals and take positive steps in their community journey.

In this role, you will build respectful, trust-based relationships with participants and use your lived experience to support, coach and encourage them in a way that promotes hope, self-agency and meaningful engagement. You will bring an important lived experience perspective to the Start Court program and work alongside the broader team to support participant wellbeing and connection.

The responsibilities

•  Provide peer support and mentorship to participants by drawing on your lived experience of substance use, justice system involvement and/or mental health challenges.
•  Support participants to identify their strengths, goals and interests, and take practical steps towards achieving them.
•  Facilitate or co-facilitate group sessions, including programs such as Wellness, Money Minded and SMART Recovery.
• Provide practical guidance, self-help resources and empowerment tools to participants and their support networks.
• Assist participants to connect with relevant community resources, services and supports.Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support participants in progressing towards their goals
• Represent participant, consumer and carer perspectives to inform service planning and decision-making.
• Engage in ongoing training and professional development to strengthen peer practice.

What you will need

•  Lived experience of substance use, contact with the justice system and/or mental health challenges.
•  Qualifications in Peer Work and/or Mental Health Peer Work.
• Demonstrated experience in recovery reintegration practices and programs.
• Experience and confidence in mentoring, coaching and modelling culturally responsive practice.
• High-level written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with participants, support networks, internal staff, government agencies and other stakeholders.
• A clear understanding of person-centred, culturally appropriate practice.
• Proficient in the use of technology including email and Microsoft Office.

Other employment requirements

• Must hold Australian Citizenship or be a permanent resident of Australia
• Australian Drivers Licence
• National Police Clearance
• Working with Children Check
• First Aid and CPR

What will you get in return? 

• Salary packaging of up to $15,899 for general living expenses and an additional $2,650 for entertainment benefits per annum. 
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your lived experience and how it has shaped your ability to support individuals with complex needs.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals from diverse cultures and abilities, and those with varied lived experiences. For further information, please contact Tarryn Shaw on (08) 6263 8622.

Requirements