Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Peer Suppor

The AOD Peer Support Worker is a unique and valued member of the broader AOD service delivery team and contributes positively to people's recovery. The key function of this role is to develop authentic connections with clients by offering companionship, empathy and empowerment so as to promote a sense of hope, safety and a belief in personal control.Staff members in this role may be based across different AOD services at Western Health as required, including Westside Lodge Dual Diagnosis Rehabilitation Unit, Adult and Adolescent Community Residential Withdrawal Units, Mental Health & AOD Hub at Sunshine Hospital ED, and the Mental Health & AOD Outreach Service Team.Your responsibilities will include:

• Instilling a sense of hope, safety and a belief in personal control for our client group
• Promoting the principles and practices of harm minimisation
• Ensuring our client group are well informed of their rights and the treatment options available
• Helping to improve the delivery of healthcare for our client group

About YouAs a motivated Peer Support Worker, you will:

• Have a personal experience of accessing public AOD services and overcoming the impacts of drug and alcohol use
• Be willing and able to support others' journey to consumer-led recovery
• Have the ability to work effectively in both community and inpatient settings
• Have completed, or willing to complete, formal Peer Support training.

About UsOur workforce of over 11,000 employees are driven by our values of ‘Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Safety’ (CARES). We value our people and provide them the opportunity to grow and develop. Our teams are friendly and supportive, ensuring we deliver a safe, person-centred and connected patient experience.
Western Health is in a period of rapid growth. Our services comprise of four acute public hospitals: Footscray Hospital, Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women's and Children's), Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh & Melton Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Day Hospital, Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care, as well as community health centres in Melton, Caroline Springs and Bacchus Marsh and a range of mental health and community-based services. We care for a diverse community of more than 1 million people with complex care needs ranging from Neonates to Geriatrics.Our employees enjoy a wide range of benefits such as:

• Professional development support
• Career advancement opportunities
• Salary packaging including novated vehicle leasing
• Work-life balance

Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation status clearance (including evidence of COVID 19 vaccination) and (if applicable) a Working with Children’s Check.Western Health do not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Selection Criteria Essential: Have a personal experience of accessing public AOD services and overcoming the impacts of drug and alcohol use
Essential: Be willing and able to support others through respectful and intentional sharing of own lived experience
Essential: Have capacity to relate to consumers and inspire hope and a belief in recovery
Essential: Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to Peer Support principles and consumer led recovery
Essential: Ability to establish effective working relationships and maintain appropriate boundaries with others
Essential: An ability to separate and contain personal experience from that of others
Essential: The ability to work effectively in both community and inpatient settings
Essential: Well-developed problem solving and conflict resolution skills
Essential: Well-developed oral and writing skills
Essential: Have a positive, non-judgemental attitude towards all people with substance use and mental health issues
Essential: Ability to model positive behaviours, emotional maturity, positive coping skills and resilience
Desirable: Completed the Certificate IV Mental Health Peer Support Work, Intentional Peer Support training or other relevant education/training, or an intention to complete such education/training
Desirable: Experience working in a recovery-oriented healthcare environment
Desirable: Familiarity with use of the Microsoft Office Suite
Desirable: Ability to learn and adapt to new electronic systems/hospital record keeping systems
Desirable: A current Victorian driver's licence.