Farmgate Peer Support Worker

Be the helping hand that supports farmers and rural communities to thrive through life's toughest challenges.

Remuneration: $62,486 - $114,187 per annum + super

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time until June 2026

Position Classification: Health Educ Off Non Grad, Health Educ Off Grad

Location: Negotiable across the New England Northwest region

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ601172

Applications Close: Sunday, 21st September 2025

About us:

The Farmgate Support Program provides mental health and emotional support to farmers, farming families, local businesses and service providers affected by the many adversities faced by regional and rural communities. The support program is designed to meet the needs of individuals, couples, families and communities providing short term conversations and information, facilitating referrals for ongoing formal counselling options, opportunities to attend local events to build community cohesion and network with agricultural groups and other services which may involve travel. You will also promote wellness and encourage preparedness in communities across your region.

About the role:

As the Farmgate Peer Support Worker, you will be based at a community health centre preferably in the New England North West region. You will be a member of a team of Peer Support Workers and Counsellors across the Hunter New England Local Health District and work alongside other health service providers. You will engage with individuals, families, agricultural groups and communities across the Upper Hunter region who adversely affected by natural disasters to provide support, information and appropriate referrals for counselling if required.

You will be supported in your work by your colleagues, mental health professionals, provided with opportunities for education and training, including to undertake a Certificate IV in Peer Support Work.

About you:

The successful candidate will have a strong dedication to regional and rural communities and an understanding of the adversities they face working on the land including natural disasters such as droughts, economic pressures, infrastructure limitations, social isolation and changes in local industries. You will also have knowledge of, and commitment to, the mental wellbeing of the agricultural community and experience in helping others to navigate prolonged stress. Your high level communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team will be essential to your success in this role.

Requirements:

• Eligibility to drive in NSW and the willingness to travel in the course of employment and potentially staying overnight.

What we can offer you:

At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Additional information:

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
• This position is full time; however, job share and/or part time arrangements will be considered.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Need more information?

1) Click here for the Position Description

2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Melissa Rose on

Information for Applicants:

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit:

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health's commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.

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