Job Description

• Full Time or Part Time Opportunities
• Location: Waterloo, NSW
• Salary of $39.56 per hour + Super + NFP Salary Packaging
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all.

Find out more about us and our purpose

Your opportunity

Mission Australia is seeking a Peer Worker to join our Community Living Supports (CLS) service, working alongside people experiencing mental health challenges to live meaningful, self‑directed lives in the community.

CLS is grounded in recovery‑oriented and person‑centred practice, supporting participants to build skills, confidence and social connection. In this role, you will intentionally draw on your own lived experience of recovery to provide peer‑based coaching and group support, foster hope and self‑determination, and contribute to a service that values authentic relationships, inclusion and social justice.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Provide peer‑based individual and group support, purposefully drawing on your lived experience and recovery journey to foster hope, self‑determination and social inclusion
• Build and maintain trusting, respectful relationships with participants, using authentic connection while maintaining clear professional boundaries
• Deliver coaching and group activities informed by the Lived Expertise Practice Framework, including safe storytelling, mutual learning and empowerment
• Support participants to identify their strengths, goals and support needs, and to build meaningful connections within family, community and social networks
• Contribute to the planning, co‑facilitation and continuous improvement of peer‑led groups and programs, incorporating participant feedback and voice
• Provide outreach and community‑based support, collaborating with colleagues and external services to improve participant outcomes
• Complete required documentation, reporting and administrative tasks to ensure quality, accountability and compliance with service standards

Requirements for success

• A related degree or diploma or minimum Cert IV in Mental Health or Peer Work
• Current valid WWCC and Drivers’ licence
• Lived experience of recovery related to mental health challenges, disability, homelessness, addiction or substance use, and the ability to purposefully use this experience to support others
• Experience working in mental health and/or community services, with an understanding of recovery‑oriented and person‑centred practice
• Ability to use your personal recovery story safely and ethically, within a lived expertise framework and with strong professional boundaries
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and meaningful relationships with participants, colleagues and external stakeholders
• Strong written and administrative skills, including accurate record‑keeping and confident use of digital systems and Microsoft Office

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Your benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

Our culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at Deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you