At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in their mental health recovery journey and help them achieve their goals.
- Company: Flourish Australia, a leading community mental health organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, professional development, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to mental health recovery and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while using your own lived experience.
- Qualifications: Certificate IV or relevant experience; lived experience for Peer Worker role.
The predicted salary is between 26912 - 32892 £ per year.
Use your passion for mental health and play a key role in supporting people to achieve their recovery goals! Flourish Australia has an exciting opportunity for a Peer Worker or Mental Health Worker to join our Penrith team!
The position available is:
- Casual
- Based in Penrith
- Working days between Monday and Friday
- Level 3 on the Flourish Australia Enterprise Agreement (2018) hourly rates equivalent to $40.49 - $43.42/hour + Super + Casual loading!
About the Opportunity
As a Peer Worker or Mental Health Worker, you will support people accessing our services who have a lived experience of mental health challenges to achieve their hopes and dreams. You will play an important part in assisting people to maintain wellness and realise their goals.
On a day to day basis you will:
- Effectively and appropriately hold recovery and social citizenship conversations with people who access our services in order to connect with them, support them and build reciprocity, via mutual understanding, trust and shared experience.
- Effectively and appropriately guide and support each individual in their recovery and be strengths, ability and possibility focused, whilst ensuring they are the leads in their own recovery journey.
- Effectively contribute to decreasing stigma and discrimination around having a lived experience of a mental health challenge.
- Support the person to access activities and opportunities that promote independence.
- Support skill development at every opportunity through self-directed learning, information, training, and education.
We value lived experience and believe peer support is a powerful part of the mental health recovery journey. Therefore, our Peer Worker roles are for those willing to use their personal lived experience of a mental health challenge and recovery. Your personal lived experience of mental health challenges, trauma, recovery and navigating services is recognised as a form of Lived Experience Expertise. You use this expertise intentionally, safely, and purposefully to build relationships grounded in mutuality, shared understanding, respect, and hope. Through authentic connection and values-aligned self-disclosure, you support people to explore their strengths, rights, choices, and self-defined recovery goals, always honouring their roles as the expert in their own life.
It is not a requirement for Mental Health Workers to use their lived experience of a mental health challenge in their everyday work. To learn more about becoming a Peer Worker with Flourish Australia, we encourage you to review An Introduction to Peer Work at Flourish Australia, which provides a clear overview of the role. You can also deepen your understanding of our Peer Work model by exploring our Peer Workforce Framework.
Full position descriptions for each role can be found below:
- Peer Worker Position Description
- Mental Health Worker Position Description
Please note - Successful candidates must maintain a Class C drivers license and proof of comprehensive insurance must be provided when required. You may be directed to use your private motor vehicle in the course of performing your duties when an organisational pool motor vehicle is unavailable. You will receive the Travelling Transport and Fares Allowance when using your private vehicle for work related purposes.
Who we are
Flourish Australia is one of Australia’s most experienced community mental health organisations. Our purpose is to support people to flourish, believe in their futures, and become contributing members of the community. Our services are comprehensive and highly personalised because each person’s experience will be different and their needs, as an individual, are unique. Together we set goals, connect individuals with the right people, support services and opportunities to meet their needs. Our positions are open to all suitably qualified applicants. We have a strong commitment to the participation of people with lived experience of mental health challenges in our workforce. We value diversity and encourage applications from suitably qualified people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities, LGBTQ+ communities and mature age candidates.
Selection Criteria
Essential:
- A Certificate IV or above in a relevant field OR a minimum of 2-years full-time experience working in the human services field (as recognised by Flourish Australia).
- A personal lived experience of a mental health challenge and recovery (Peer Worker only).
- Willing and able to effectively, respectfully, and appropriately use your lived experience of a mental health challenge and recovery (Peer Worker only).
- Demonstrated alignment to Flourish Australia’s values.
- A strong understanding and commitment to recovery-based practice in the workplace.
- Understanding of the challenges faced by people with a lived experience of mental health challenges.
- Understanding of, and ability to effectively use, Microsoft Office and knowledge of data information management systems.
- Maintain a current Australian Driver’s Licence.
For further information, please contact Kirsty Sinclair, Manager. E: kirsty.sinclair@flourishaustralia.org.au (please do not email applications).
The Benefits
Flourish Australia recognises and values its people as demonstrated by:
- Level 3 (SCHCADS) on the Flourish Australia Enterprise Agreement (2018)
- Family-friendly and flexible working conditions
- Opportunities for career progression, professional development and training such as Mental Health First Aid and ASIST
- Employee Assistance Program for confidential wellbeing support
- Workplace Community Groups such as our Rainbow Network for LGBTQ+ staff members & allies and YarnUp for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
- Exclusive personal Fleet pricing discounts with our preferred automotive supplier
- Employee discounts at 400+ popular retailers (Woolworths, Expedia, Myer, Kmart etc)
All appointments with Flourish Australia's Mental Health Services are subject to an NDIS Worker Screening clearance, a National Criminal History Check, a WWCC, previous employment reference checks, satisfactory Australian residency status and other background checks. All successful applicants will be required to declare any private or secondary employment prior to commencement in line with Flourish Australia's Private or Secondary Employment Policy.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please complete all the questions asked. You will then be required to attach a copy of your resume on the following page, we encourage you to have your resume up-to-date and available before you commence the application. Interviews held on a rolling basis. Apply Now!
Peer Worker or Mental Health Worker in Penrith employer: Flourish Australia
Flourish Australia is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to flexible working conditions and comprehensive training opportunities, including ASIST and Trauma-Informed Care, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they support. The supportive work culture fosters collaboration and encourages personal development, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about mental health recovery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Worker or Mental Health Worker in Penrith
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Flourish Australia. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Flourish Australia.
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Worker or Mental Health Worker in Penrith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Flourish Australia:Take some time to research Flourish Australia and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Flourish Australia
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Flourish Australia's values and approach.
