Carer Peer Support Worker

An exciting opportunity exists for an enthusiastic, compassionate Family/Carer Peer Support Worker to join our team at Western Health’s Women's only acute inpatient psychiatric service. You will be a valuable addition to our multidisciplinary teams who continue to strive in the improvement and support we offer our families/carers and consumers and expand our lived experience workforce.This role requires lived/living experience of supporting someone with a mental illness and has/had involvement with mental health services. We are seeking people who are willing to walk alongside families/carers, sharing your own experiences in a way that inspires hope and possibility.Join our team in supporting the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations and making a meaningful contribution in driving positive change and advocating for family/carer needs.To be Successful in this Role you will have:

• A personal lived/living experience of supporting someone with mental illness and engagement with mental health services with a practical knowledge and understanding of the issues facing families, carers and consumers.
• Ability to mutually support families/carers in their journeys; sharing your own lived experience to inspire hope and possibility; providing linkages and resources where identified.
• Build an understanding of the effectiveness of the role of lived experience workforces within clinical mental health services.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to consult, liaise and work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.

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 Desirable: Experience of caring for someone with mental health challenges, resulting in accessing mental health services.
Desirable: Ability and resilience to support families and carers experiencing high level of stress.
Desirable: Ability to work independently or within a team