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.
Commence your career in the rewarding mental health peer work sector
Full time (flexible) opportunity to build your skills in a supportive, practical learning environment
Paid 12 month cadetship with access to not-for-profit salary packaging and annual leave loading benefits
About the Opportunity
This is an opportunity to begin your career in an environment where learning comes first. You will be supported to build your confidence, develop your practice and grow your skills through a structured learning plan, supervision and day to day guidance from experienced team members.
This Cadet role is specifically designed for individuals who have lived and living experience of mental health challenges, substance use, addiction and/or suicidality. Whether your experience comes from personal journey or from supporting someone close to you, this role provides an opportunity to channel that experience in a safe and supported way while you learn what peer work looks like in practice.
Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills to:
Learn how to provide peer support to participants navigating mental health, substance use, addiction and/or suicidality challenges
Build reciprocal and supportive relationships with participants that focus on strengths and recovery. Working to uphold participant voices wherever possible
Grow your understanding of how lived and living experience can be shared with intention using frameworks such as Intentional Peer Support
Observe, participate in and gradually contribute to peer support activities, including one to one support and group programs
Flexibility to complete this program across part‑time hours is available (minimum four days a week) with rosters designed to support your study and life commitments.
By the end of the program, you will have developed a strong foundation in peer work practice and a clearer understanding of how you would like to grow your career within the mental health and wellbeing sector.
Be currently enrolled in, or willing to enrol in, the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work or a relevant certificate level qualification
Lived/Living experience or a personal experience of supporting someone with mental health challenges, substance use and or addiction or suicidality
Willingness to intentionally and purposefully use this experience to support others
100 points of identification
Right to Work within Australia
Satisfactory National Police Records Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check and Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain
NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate
About the Service
Wellways, in partnership with Gippsland Lakes Complete Health and Latrobe Regional Health, is excited to be working together across East Gippsland to strengthen mental health and wellbeing support across the region. Together, we're aiming to offer services that meet the unique needs of individuals in our community, whenever and wherever they are needed. Lived experience, inclusivity, and genuine collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are free, voluntary and easy to access, with no referral needed. With a “no wrong door” approach and a focus on choice and connection, these safe and welcoming spaces make it easier for people to get the support they need - close to home, family and community.
What we offer
A structured learning environment with guidance from experienced mentors
An individualised learning plan that fosters both personal and professional development
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
Access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program
For a confidential discussion about the role, we encourage you to contact Ellen Hamilton, Peer Work Program Coordinator at .
Wellways is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. Successful applicants must undergo a comprehensive screening process prior to their commencement
Job Description Summary
Begin your mental health career with paid learning, supportive mentoring and opportunities to use your lived experience to create meaningful impact.
Contract End Date
29/06/2027
Culture
We’re passionate about our work, which is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding.All ofourteams work to ensure everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential. We know that people are unique and the experts on their life and are not defined by impairments, diagnosis or labels. We aim to specifically promote safety and inclusivity for LGBTIQ+ and First Nations communities.
How to Apply
This is your opportunity to join a values based, growing, innovative and nationally recognised organisation with over 2,000 staff members across 93 sites.
Please select "Apply" below to complete your application.
