Lived Experience Worker – Drug Court

Who we are?

Outcare is a leading provider of services across the justice, child protection and family support systems in Western Australia.

Outcare is part of PeopleKind Group, parent company to a diverse and growing group of for purpose organisations that deliver services encompassing disability, housing, allied health, justice, child protection and reintegration.

We support people experiencing mental health issues, family and domestic violence, the impacts of trauma and intergenerational disadvantage, vulnerable housing and a range of other complex issues. Outcare particularly focuses on these issues across the justice and child protection systems either through working to address the factors leading people into these systems, diverting them from entering or assisting them when they are in.

At Outcare we are committed to working alongside some of the most vulnerable West Australians and do this with a strong sense of focus, commitment and respect. Outcare is embarking on a period of organisational transformation through its recently launched Outcare 2028 project. This project will see significant changes across key priority areas positioning Outcare for sustained success into the future.

Drug Court is a program that aims to break the cycle of substance use by providing treatment programs tailed for individuals with substance use issues. The program aims to help individuals address their substance use issues and lifestyle changes, thereby reducing the likelihood of future contact with the justice system.

Our team must be resilient and be able to work without judgement with a group of clients with complex needs and experiencing mental health challenges, substance misuse, challenging behaviours, justice involvement, family and domestic violence and risk of homelessness.

The role:

The role of the Peer Worker is responsible to provide support, education and assistance while drawing on their own experiences and learnings, with a focus on recovery-orientated support. The position is designed to promote and enable the personal and professional growth of the client, enhance their reflection skills, and enhance client outcomes as they progress through their journey.

The Peer Worker, will establish a relationship with the client built on mutual respect under a set of agreed expectations and will act as a mentor and guide, using their own lived experiences in guiding, educating, coaching, and supporting their growth. This Peer position brings the voice of lived experience to support clients to engage in pro-social activities, improve their self-agency and support their recovery journey.

The responsibilities:

Peer Support and Mentorship

• Provide peer support and mentorship to clients by drawing on personal lived experience with substance use and/or justice system involvement.

• Promote hope and the possibility of change by sharing personal recovery experiences, offering support, and fostering a positive outlook toward a substance-free lifestyle.

• Support individuals in identifying personal goals and pathways to recovery, promoting strategies to manage triggers, challenges, and cravings.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team to support participants in achieving their goals and reducing their risk of re-offending.

• Attend relevant committees and assist with presenting the consumer or carer perspective.

• Provide information about peer support and consumer and carer perspectives to new staff during orientation.

Client Navigation and Advocacy

• Assist individuals in navigating the justice system.

• Help clients connect with relevant social services, healthcare providers, and community-based support resources.

• Develop personal networks and negotiate with services to identify the most pertinent support for a client's specific needs.

Group Facilitation

• Facilitate or co-facilitate support groups for Drug Court participants, such as SMART Recovery Groups.

Training and Professional Development

• Participate in internal and external training, skills development, and professional development opportunities.

• Share best practice models and tools across Outcare.

Risk Management and Safety

• Conduct risk assessments and implement intervention strategies to ensure client and community safety.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete administrative tasks including documentation, rostering, risk assessments, and Justice Stars.

• Ensure all reporting is completed in a timely manner and meets contractual requirements.

What you'll need:

• Lived experience of substance use and contact with the justice system.

• Tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience, in one or more of the human services fields (Cert IV in Peer Work or Community Services)

• Demonstrate experience in recovery reintegration practices and programs.

• Experience and confidence in delivering mentoring, coaching, and modelling of culturally sensitive practices.

• Demonstrated strong organisational and analytical skills and ability to plan and prioritise workload in order to achieve expected outcomes and meet deadlines.

• High-level written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills that can be used to engage a wide range of people, including our participants and their families, internal staff, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Clear understanding of working in a person-centred manner whilst being culturally appropriate.

• Proficient in the use of technology including email and Microsoft Office.

Other Employment Requirements:

• Must hold Australian Citizenship or be a permanent resident of Australia.

• Australian Drivers Licence.

• National Police Check. Prior Justice involvement should not prevent any application

• NDIS Workers Screening Check.

• Working with Children Check.

What will you get in return?

• Competitive salary and salary packaging benefits package.

•       Great culture and supportive work environment

• A laptop and mobile phone to support your role.

•       Access to our Employee Assistance Program.

•       The opportunity to work within a values-driven organization.

• Professional development and career progression opportunities.

• The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals.

• Flexible work arrangements

• Great culture and supportive work environment

How to apply:

To apply for this role, please send through your current resume and cover letter with your story of lived experience and experience of supporting individuals with complex needs. This could include, but not limited to, substance use, or interactions with the justice system and/or mental health challenges.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children, young people and the vulnerable. We invite applications from people from all walks of life, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those from diverse ages, cultures, faiths, abilities, gender, and sexuality. A criminal record does not automatically preclude applicants from this position.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Nicolette on