Peer Support Worker

**Description**:

- Be part of the forefront of major systemic change in mental health service delivery
- Work both independently and as part of support groups, consistent with the IPS model
- Assist consumers through their journey using your own lived experience

About the new service
The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System has challenged us to think beyond incremental improvement to deliver a mental health system that helps all Victorians live their best lives. In a region characterised by fragmentation, complexity, and access barriers, implementing the Greater Geelong and Borough of Queenscliff (GGQ) Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Service is a key step in realising this goal.

The GGC Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Service is delivered by a consortium of equal partners: Barwon Health, Watharoung Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd, Wellways Australia and ERMHA365.

The GGC Local Service is underpinned by positivity, hope and inclusion. No matter whether a consumer, carer or provider enters or seeks assistance via digital platforms, contact centre, or physical locations, the first engagement will always start with a simple question: “Welcome, how can we help?” Drawing on established services, networks, and pathways, the GGC Local Services provides seamless integration between local, area and wellbeing services for the benefit of consumers, carers, and providers. This is supported through standardised assessment tools, treatment and support processes, care plans and care coordination, colocation of services and regional navigational pathways.

The three core elements of our service are people, purpose, and place and we are seeking mental health professionals ready to be part of a central and accessible service that understands the needs of their community.

About ermha365
ermha365 exists to ensure that people experiencing mental illness and cognitive disability, and their carers, can thrive in and become part of the community. We choose to work with people experiencing mental illness and cognitive disability who have fallen through the gaps in the system and where there is no obvious support. We are often considered the provider of last resort.

We are a child safe and equal employment opportunity employer. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged.
We are excited to partner with Barwon Health, the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operation and Wellways to create the GGC Local Service

About the Role
The vision of the Locals Service for the GGQ region is a unified, mental health and wellbeing system that is underpinned by the approach of “How can we help?’

Using your own lived experience of mental health, the role of the Peer Support Worker will entail the following:

- Initially the service will operate from Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm. Over time it is hoped the service will be expanded to broader operating hours to cater to the needs of the people we support and the growth of the service.
- Work in collaboration with a large network of stakeholders such as Barwon Health, Watharoung Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd, Wellways Australia
- Support consumers through their journey using your own lived experience
- Provide 1:1 and group support, consistent with the Individual Placement and Support model
- SCHADS Level 4 ($39.26-42.25/hr +super), Full Time

It is a requirement of this position to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and meet all compliance requirements in relation to background checks such as a police check, NDIS Work Screening check, Working With Children’s Check, work rights and possess a current & valid driver’s licence.
While ermha365 continues to operate services through COVID-19, we are taking appropriate actions to ensure that our staff and the people we support are as safe as possible. You will be expected to adhere to all COVID-19 standards, requirements and processes, including (but not limited to) wearing appropriate PPE and regular hygiene and cleanliness practices.

What we offer
- Located in the centre of Geelong's CBD, we offer an easier commute from the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, rather than travelling across the city
- Flexible working arrangements
- Professional development
- Access to the ermha365 staff benefits program which includes access to a 24/7 EAP service, discounts with over 380 retailers and an online wellbeing centre
- A competitive salary including attractive salary packaging benefits

Diversity and Inclusion