Peer Advocate

Part Time | Permanent | 30.4 hrs per weekWork life balance with 4 days a week or reduced hours over 5 days!$72k + super + not for profit salary packagingLocation: Kempsey NSW 2440Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in needLife at Mission AustraliaWhen you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we stand together with anyone who needs us, for as long as they need us. Find out more and .Your OpportunityUtilise your lived experience to support people living with severe and persistent mental health.The Psychosocial Support Program (PSP) is a vital program in the community in partnership with the Healthy North Coast PHN supporting people living with mental illness.As the Peer Advocate with lived experience of mental health recovery, you will use your common experience to support and inspire hope and recovery in others, and ultimately to positively influence client outcomes. This role will focus on the following primary areas: a) facilitating small group capacity building activities for PSP clients; b) strengthening recovery-oriented approaches and c) supporting clients to prepare for NDIS.Your key responsibilities will be to:Undertake initial contact with clientsEngage participants to develop honest and trusting relationships whilst adhering to boundaries of care practicesLearn about each clients’ interests and their relationships with their family and friends in order to create a tailored approach to build these connectionsUtilise your lived expertise skills to support clients with their recovery journey. Help connect clients to meaningful activities and networks to keep them engagedFacilitate small peer led support groupsLiaison with the team and stakeholders to provide appropriate supports for clientsSupport the creation of individual recovery and safety plans with clients and recovery coordinators when requiredEnsure documentation is completed and updated in line with Mission Australia protocolsParticipate in special projects as agreed with the Program Manager and the teamRequirements for SuccessWith a significant background in Peer Work and/or Mental Health sectors, you will be confident in your client support and assessment processes. Other requirements include:Personal lived experience of mental illness or psychological distress and professional experience working from this expertiseExperience working collaboratively with lived experience, clinical and non-clinical teamsMinimum Certificate IV in mental health Peer Work or willingness to obtainKnowledge of community activities, programs, and networks in the local communityDemonstrated ability to build effective partnershipsWell-developed written and verbal communication skills, strong administrative skills and proficient use of technology (database, mobile devices);Demonstrated professional approach to the role including maintaining professional boundariesMust have a Full driver licence with no restrictions.Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.Our cultureOur innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible.So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.If you have a disability and need support to submit your application, please email or visit our for additional contact details.Find out more about a .Your benefitsRewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real differenceNot-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via )Free external, confidential counselling and access toVolunteering opportunitiesExtra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.How to applyClick ‘Apply’ and send your application today!As a committed employer, we will respond to your application.Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you