Outcare - Lived Experience Worker

Outcare – Lived Experience Worker

1x Full time contract

Who we are?

Start Court is a diversion court program designed to provide support to adults with mental health challenges who are engaged with the justice system. The program takes a holistic approach to recovery, addressing the underlying causes of offending behavior to improve participants’ health, wellbeing, and overall outcomes—reducing their likelihood of reoffending.

Our team is committed to delivering compassionate, non-judgmental support to individuals facing complex needs, including mental health concerns, substance use, challenging behaviors, and risk of homelessness.

The role:

We are seeking a Lived Experience Peer Worker to provide mentorship, guidance, and recovery-oriented support to Start Court participants. Drawing on personal lived experience of substance us and / or justice involvement and mental health challenges to empower participants, fostering resilience, and promoting community reintegration with a focus on recovery-oriented support.

The Lived Experience Peer Worker, will establish a relationship with the participant built on mutual respect under a set of agreed expectations and will act as a mentor and guide, using your own lived experiences of prior substance use and / or justice and / or mental health challenges involvement in guiding, educating, coaching, and supporting their growth. The Lived Experience Peer Worker brings the voice of lived experience to support Start Court participants to engage in pro-social activities, improve their self-agency and support their recovery journey.

The responsibilities:

Provide peer support and mentorship to participants drawing on personal lived experience with substance use, justice system and/or mental health challenges by demonstrating that recovery is possible.

Assist Start Court participants in identifying their strengths, goals, and interests to support recovery.

Facilitate or co-facilitate support groups for participants, such as Wellness, Money Minded, and Smart Recovery Group.

Offer self-help resources, empowerment tools, and guidance to participants and their support persons.

Support participants in connecting with community resources and services.

Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to help participants achieve their goals.

Advocate for consumer and carer perspectives in service planning and decision-making.

Participate in ongoing training and professional development to enhance best practices.

What you’ll need:

•       Lived experience of substance use and contact with the justice system and /or mental health challenges.
•       Qualifications in Peer Work / Mental Health Peer Work.
•       Demonstrated 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 supports, 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.
•       Australian Drivers Licence.
•       National Police Clearance.
•       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, 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. A criminal record does not automatically preclude applicants from this position.

For further information, please contact Anastasia on (08) 6263 8622.