AOD Carer Peer Worker

Wellways is committed to reconciliation, lived experience and inclusivity. We strongly encourage and warmly welcome people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with a lived experience of mental health and disability and people who identify as LGBTIQA+ to apply. Even if you only meet some of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

• Rewarding opportunity to join values driven, not-for-profit organisation
• Draw on your real-life experience to support families & carers in our community
• Part time (3 days a week) role until 26th June 2026

About the Opportunity

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Frankston is welcoming and inclusive support service for people aged 26 years and over who are experiencing mental health challenges, including people with co-occurring alcohol and drug addiction treatment and care needs. This service is delivered in partnership between Wellways, Mentis Assist and Peninsula Health to provide innovative mental health and wellbeing supports to ensure everyone can access treatment and care closer to home.

As our new AOD Carer Peer Worker, you'll be part of our Building Community Capacity Team — a dedicated group working to reach and engage with communities who might otherwise face barriers to care. Drawing on your own lived experience of supporting a loved one through both mental health and AOD-related challenges, you’ll walk alongside families, friends and carers to help them feel understood, equipped and supported.

This is a unique opportunity to offer one-on-one peer support, facilitate group sessions and coordinate peer-led network meetings that help build resilience and connection. You’ll be part of shaping a more compassionate system, where carers are seen, heard and empowered.

About you

This role is identified for someone with a personal story of supporting a loved one through mental health recovery that included substance use or dependence.

You have a first-hand understanding of the complexity of caring, feel comfortable sharing your journey in a safe way, and can create spaces where others feel heard, supported and empowered.

You’re empathetic and relish opportunities to make meaningful difference in the lives of your peers in our community. You will also have the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team, including alongside fellow peer workers, clinicians and community partners.

You will require the following prior to commencement in this role:

• Personal experience of supporting a person with a mental illness, or psychological distress and recovery in addition to substance use or dependence
• Certificate IV/Diploma in Mental Health, AOD or related tertiary qualification in social science or 1+ year relevant work experience in mental health sector or intentional Peer Support Training Demonstrated understanding of community development principles
• Evidence of right to work in Australia
• National Police Check
• International Police (if required)
• Current Working with Children Check - Employee
• NDIS Workers Screening Check
• NDIS Workers Orientation Modules – free online course

What we will offer you…

• A purpose driven culture where people can thrive, everyone is respected, and differences are valued
• An equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment
• Salary packaging up to $15,899 enables you to spend a portion of your salary before it is taxed to pay for things like rent, mortgage repayments, car leasing
• Meal and Entertainment allowance via salary packaging up to $2,650 per annum
• Receive 17.5% leave loading every time you take annual leave
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program

For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Matt Taylor, Team Lead Building Community Capacity on 0466 421 278.

Wellways Australia Limited is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. All applicants applying for roles within Wellways must undergo a screening process prior to their successful appointment.

Wellways is committed to the health and safety of its employees and participants and strongly encourages all workers to be fully vaccinated including relevant boosters for COVID-19