Drug Court - Lived Experience Worker

Drug Court – Lived Experience Worker

2 x Full time fixed term contracts until 30th June 2026

Who we are?

Drug Court is a program that aims to break the cycle of substance use by providing treatment programs tailed for individuals with substance use issues. The program aims to help individuals address their substance use issues and lifestyle changes, thereby reducing the likelihood of future contact with the justice system.

Our team must be resilient and be able to work without judgement with a group of clients with complex needs and experiencing mental health challenges, substance misuse, challenging behaviours, justice involvement, family and domestic violence and risk of homelessness.

The role:

The role of the Peer Support Worker is responsible to provide support, education and assistance while drawing on their own experiences and learnings, with a focus on recovery-orientated support. The position is designed to promote and enable the personal and professional growth of the client, enhance their reflection skills, and enhance client outcomes as they progress through their journey.

The Peer Support Worker, will establish a relationship with the client built on mutual respect under a set of agreed expectations and will act as a mentor and guide, using their own lived experiences in guiding, educating, coaching, and supporting their growth. This Peer position brings the voice of lived experience to support clients to engage in pro-social activities, improve their self-agency and support their recovery journey.

The responsibilities:

• Provide Peer Support and Mentorship to clients drawing on personal lived experience with substance use and/or justice system involvement by demonstrating that recovery is possible.
• Work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team to achieve support participants with achieving their goals and reducing their risk of re-offending.
• Assist individuals in navigating the justice system and help them to connect with relevant social services, healthcare providers, and the community-based support resources.
• Support individuals in identifying personal goals and pathways to recovery, promoting strategies to manage triggers, challenges, and cravings.
• Facilitate/Co-facilitate support groups for the Drug Court Participants, such as SMART recovery Group.
• Promote hope and possibility of change by sharing personal recovery experiences, offering support, and fostering a positive outlook toward a substance-free lifestyle.
• Attend relevant committees and assist with presenting the consumer or carers’ perspective.
• Provide information about peer support and consumer and carer perspectives to new staff at orientation.
• Participate in internal and external training, skills and professional development to share best practice models and tools across Outcare.
• Develop personal networks and negotiate with services to identify the most pertinent service for a client’s particular issue.

What you’ll need:

• Lived experience of substance use and contact with the justice system.
• Demonstrate experience in recovery reintegration practices and programs.
• Experience and confidence in delivering mentoring, coaching, and modelling of culturally sensitive practices.
• High-level written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills that can be used to engage a wide range of people, including our participants and their families, internal staff, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Clear understanding of working in a person-centred manner whilst being culturally appropriate.
• 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.
• Western Australian Drivers Licence.
• A National Police Clearance within 3 months (no requirement for a clear record).
• NDIS Workers Screening Check.
• Working with Children Check.

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.
• Great culture and supportive work environment
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Great culture and supportive working environment.
• Flexible work arrangements.

How to apply:

To apply for this role, please send through your current resume and cover letter with your story of lived experience and experience of supporting individuals with complex needs. This could include, but not limited to, substance use, or interactions with the justice system and/or mental health challenges. Apply now on SEEK.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children, young people and the vulnerable. We invite applications from people from all walks of life, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those from diverse ages, cultures, faiths, abilities, gender, and sexuality. A criminal record does not automatically preclude applicants from this position.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Anastasia on (08) 62638622