Justice Peer Researchers x2

• Casual position initially, which may transition to a fixed-term contract role.
• SCHADS Award Level 3.1 (with 25% casual loading during casual contract), NFP salary packaging available.
• Designated lived experience role for people with experience of alcohol and other drug use and engagement with the justice system.
• Entry-level peer research opportunity — no prior research experience required; ideal for someone keen to build skills in research, co-design and peer led practice
• Strong mentoring and on-the-job learning provided by SHARC and the Burnet Institute.
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful systems change while building confidence, skills and career pathways.

ABOUT SHARC

Established in 1995, SHARC is a community of people impacted by alcohol, drugs and gambling, including family, friends and supporters.

Together, we work towards an Australian society where our communities’ lived expertise is at the heart of inclusive communities, services, and systems.

Our Vision:  Lived expertise is at the heart of inclusive communities and services, where people proudly share their experiences and support each other in a society free of stigma and discrimination.

Our Purpose:  We transform lives, services and society through our community’s lived experience of alcohol and other drugs, gambling and related harms. We create change by being ourselves, supporting one another, telling our stories, sharing our knowledge, advocating and building allyships.

SHARC places a priority on a positive, supportive, and productive work environment. Our services operate within an empowerment framework which maximises clients’ and volunteers’ opportunities for self-responsibility, mutual support and participation.

SHARC is strongly committed to equity and inclusion, and we’re looking for people who share these values.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Association of Participating Service Users (APSU) is the peak Victorian consumer body for people who use, have used, or are eligible to use AOD services, including families and significant others. We exist to ensure the voices and expertise of people with lived experience are central in the systems that affect them.

Through training, advocacy, and peer-led engagement, APSU empowers individuals and shapes the policy and service landscape to better meet the needs of our communities.

These positions will support a funded project that is managed by APSU.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Utilising co-design methodologies and peer-led research, the project aims to contribute to the understanding of how peer-led models of support can meet the treatment and support needs of people with a history of drug use, who have been recently released from prison or otherwise involved with the justice system. The research findings will inform a proposed model of care. The project is a partnership between SHARC and the Burnet Institute.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an entry-level peer research role designed for a person with lived and living experience of alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges and engagement with the justice system who is interested in building skills in research and co-design.

The roles will initially commence on a casual basis, with the possibility of it becoming a part time role. The project will be delivered over 21 months, and the peer researchers will be engaged at different stages across the project.

You will be supported through mentoring, training and on-the-job learning from SHARC and the Burnet Institute. No prior research experience is required — curiosity, willingness to learn and a commitment to lived experience leadership are essential.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting recruitment and engagement of people with lived experience for interviews and co-design activities.
• Assisting with data collection, note-taking, reflection and emerging analysis, with guidance and support.
• Participating in the design and delivery of workshops, group discussions and project meetings.
• Contributing lived experience insights to strengthen research quality and relevance.
• Supporting development of project resources, summaries and outputs.
• Working safely, ethically and collaboratively within a lived experience–led team.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Lived and living experience of AOD challenges and involvement with the justice system (designated requirement).
• A genuine interest in learning about research, evaluation, co-design or community-led change.
• Openness to learning, feedback and reflective practice.
• Respectful communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Reliability, curiosity and a willingness to build new skills over time.

Desirable Experience 

Interest or emerging experience in peer work, community engagement, consultation, advocacy, research or study.

• Confidence (or willingness to build confidence) speaking with individuals and small groups
• Basic computer skills (email, Word, simple data entry)
• Interest in justice, health, social change or lived experience workforce development.

We understand gaps in resumes due to lived experience and applicants for this role will have a criminal record. We encourage you to apply for the role and advise that we have a process in place to support you through these processes.

What We Offer

SHARC offers employees a balanced package of meaningful benefits including:

• A supportive and inclusive team culture - 97% of staff say that SHARC is a great place to work!
• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives.
• Become part of the SHARC community.
• Access to supervision and professional development.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have meaningful and sustainable social impacts.

APPLICATIONS

Please email your cover letter and CV directly to SHARC at hr@sharc.org.au