Job Description

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.

If you’d like to know more about our reconciliation commitment, click here Reconciliation | Wellways

• Draw on your lived experience of suicide bereavement to support others in our community
• Full time (negotiable) opportunity based in Shepparton or Ballarat
  (travel between regions required)
• $38.65 – $41.45 p/hr (SCHADS Level 3) + 17.5% leave loading + 12% superannuation + NFP salary packaging benefits!

About the opportunity

The purpose of a Lived Experience Peer Worker isn’t about therapy or having to talk about suicide; it is about connecting with someone who has some shared experience of suicidality, bereavement, and recovery.

This role will have a focus on empowering people by providing support, education, information, referrals and, above all, offering a lived experience perspective while creating a supportive space for people to process and explore their deeply personal bereavement to suicide.

Please click here to download a copy of the position description to see further details relating to this role.

An opportunity exists for this role to being a part time (0.8FTE, equivalent to 4 days per week) role for the right candidate to fit your best work / life balance. Pro rata salary would apply.

How we will support you

What matters most in your new role as our Lived Experience Peer Worker is your passion and willingness to draw on your personal lived experience of losing a close loved one through suicide to support others on their own journey.

If your previous professional experience hasn't specifically focused on suicide bereavement or postvention, that's okay. We'd value someone who brings experience working in a peer role within the mental health or community sector - someone who understands the principles of peer work, including mutuality, empathy and safe self-disclosure. You'll be confident in holding safe, compassionate conversations, creating supportive spaces and using your own story of recovery in ways that promote hope and connection for others.

Training and ongoing support to help you develop the knowledge and confidence needed for this role, this includes learning opportunities through your leadership teams, as well as access to regular peer and professional supervision.

About the program

StandBy operates nationally by partnering with local organisations, engaging their expertise within the community to deliver the most effective and culturally suitable support following a suicide, for each individual circumstance. Locally tailored community workshops and education programs are provided to increase awareness of suicide and suicide bereavement to help enable communities to support one another.

To be successful in this role, you will possess the following

• Personal lived experience of suicide bereavement (essential)
  If this doesn’t reflect your background, we respectfully encourage you to explore other opportunities with Wellways that may be a better fit.
• An understanding of and experience in suicide postvention service provision and associated challenges, bereavement and/or related disciplines such as trauma, grief and loss with demonstrated evidence of sector engagement, community development and partnerships
• Appropriate IT skills
• Evidence of working rights within Australia
• Current valid Driver’s License and the ability to undertake travel for the role
• Evidence of, or willingness to obtain, a National Police Check (no older than 12 months), Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check and NDIS Worker Orientation Module completion certificate

Desirable

• Intentional Peer Support, Roses in the Ocean Suicide Prevention Peer Worker Training, Our Voice in Action, Voices of Insight and/or, Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

About Us
Wellways connects people, strengthens families, and transforms communities for individuals of all ages experiencing disabilities or challenges to their social and emotional wellbeing. A leading for purpose mental health and disability support organisation operating nationally, our services span mental health, disability and community care and reach more than 7000 people each year!

Working with a diverse range of people, Wellways creates an inclusive community where everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential.

What we offer

• 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 the role, we encourage you to contact Emma Knapp, StandBy Program Coordinator on 0422 079 393 | eknapp@wellways.org.

We'd love to get to know you!
Please include your resume/CV as well as a cover letter, describing what draws you to this role and how your lived experience has shaped your interest or approach to this opportunity.
- You’re welcome to share at a level that feels right for you -

Wellways is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. Successful applicants must undergo a comprehensive screening process prior to their commencement.

The role of the StandBy Lived Experience Peer Worker of the Murray StandBy region is responsible for providing peer support, practical assistance, education, information and referrals for people bereaved or impacted by suicide, as well as other events and activities.

Culture

We’re passionate about our work, which is enjoyable, challenging and rewardingAll 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.

Applications Close

31/05/2026