At a Glance
- Tasks: Support mental health recovery by sharing your lived experience and mentoring others.
- Company: Join Central Adelaide Local Health Network, a leader in innovative healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, salary packaging, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health while working in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Personal experience with mental health challenges and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Applications close on 27th June 2025; diverse candidates encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
Exciting career opportunity in mental health rehabilitation! We’re looking for health professionals to join us as we open a new, state-of-the-art Mental Health Rehabilitation Service (MHRS) at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH). This is your chance to be part of a new patient focussed service that prioritises recovery and the delivery of best-practice, trauma-informed care in a brand new 24-bed building. If you’re passionate about being part of a safe and connected organisation and looking for a rewarding career in mental health, apply today!
About the Role
As a Senior Lived Experience Worker, you’ll bring your own experiences of mental health recovery – either personally or as a carer – to truly make a difference in people’s lives. You’ll be working alongside a passionate team across inpatient, community, and rehabilitation services, supporting consumers to build hope, independence, and a strong sense of belonging. In this role, you’ll help others navigate their journey to recovery, while also providing leadership, mentoring, and guidance to our growing lived experience workforce. You won’t be replacing clinical staff – you’ll be bringing something unique and powerful to the team: the voice of lived experience. If you're ready to lead with heart, inspire change, and be part of a service that truly values connection and recovery, we would love to hear from you.
About You
You’ll bring a unique combination of personal experience, compassion, and leadership to this important role, along with a strong understanding of mental health recovery principles. To be successful, you will have:
- A personal lived experience of mental health challenges, or experience caring for someone with mental health challenges, with a genuine commitment to sharing insights and strategies to support others.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and guide others, work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, and contribute to planning and delivering recovery-focused rehabilitation services.
- A sound understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches, and the ability to model and promote strategies for positive mental and physical health.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with consumers, carers and service providers, while also managing your own wellbeing and professional boundaries in the workplace.
If you are passionate about making a difference in mental health rehabilitation, we’d love to hear from you!
About CALHN
At Central Adelaide (CALHN), we’re shaping the future of health through excellence in clinical care, research, and innovation. As South Australia’s largest health network, we deliver exceptional, safe and connected healthcare—for our patients, our community, and our people. With more than 17,000 dedicated employees, every day at CALHN presents an opportunity to make a real impact—not because it’s expected, but because our values guide us to be our best. Join us and be part of a team that’s driven by a commitment to a seamless safe and connected experience for all.
Benefits of joining CALHN
- Salary attractions: Flexible options for salary packaging covering living expenses, meal and entertainment allowances, and novated leasing.
- Annual leave: Enjoy paid recreation leave for essential rejuvenation each year.
- Flexible work arrangements: The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
- Health and fitness benefits: Access to Fitness Passport, a discounted workplace health and fitness program available to CALHN staff and their families.
- Career opportunities: Explore career growth within the SA Health system with opportunities for skill development and movement across various metropolitan and regional sites.
- Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counselling and support services are available via our Employee Assistance Program.
Join CALHN for a fulfilling career bolstered by comprehensive benefits and unwavering commitment to your success.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
CALHN is an equal opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion for all employees. We strongly encourage applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, culturally diverse backgrounds, disability, all genders, and LGBTQI+ community.
Application information:
Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and compliant Immunisation screening as indicated in the role description. SA Health Services are required to implement the Addressing vaccine preventable disease: Occupational assessment, screening and vaccination policy in the workplace. Please note that unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies or third parties will not be accepted for this position.
Application Closing Date: 11:55 pm Friday 27th June 2025
Senior Lived Experience Worker - TQEH Mental Health Rehabilitation Service (OPS4) employer: Hydro-Electric Corporation
Contact Detail:
Hydro-Electric Corporation Recruiting Team
karol.wills@sa.gov.au
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lived Experience Worker - TQEH Mental Health Rehabilitation Service (OPS4)
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your personal lived experience of mental health challenges or caring for someone with such challenges during any informal conversations or networking opportunities. This unique perspective is invaluable and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current employees or professionals in the mental health field through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences at CALHN and the role of a Senior Lived Experience Worker, as this can provide insights that will help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed care principles and strengths-based approaches. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently in conversations can demonstrate your commitment to the role and your understanding of the service's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider volunteering or participating in community mental health initiatives before applying. This not only enhances your resume but also shows your dedication to making a difference in the mental health sector, which aligns perfectly with the ethos of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lived Experience Worker - TQEH Mental Health Rehabilitation Service (OPS4)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Lived Experience Worker position. Reflect on how your personal experiences align with the role's focus on mental health recovery and leadership.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experiences, particularly those that showcase your lived experience with mental health challenges or caring for someone with such challenges. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous roles in mental health services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also shares your personal journey and commitment to mental health recovery. Use this opportunity to express your passion for the role and how you can contribute to the team.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hydro-Electric Corporation
✨Share Your Personal Journey
As a Senior Lived Experience Worker, your personal experiences are invaluable. Be prepared to share your journey of mental health recovery, as this will demonstrate your authenticity and commitment to helping others.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
Emphasise your leadership abilities during the interview. Discuss any previous mentoring or guiding roles you've had, and how you can inspire and support your colleagues in a multidisciplinary team.
✨Demonstrate Understanding of Trauma-Informed Care
Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches. Be ready to discuss how these principles can be applied in practice, showcasing your knowledge and dedication to best-practice care.
✨Practice Effective Communication
Excellent communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've engaged respectfully with consumers and service providers, while maintaining professional boundaries and managing your own wellbeing.