Lived Experience Peer Worker

Why this role matters  

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is one of Australia’s largest providers of alcohol and other drug (AOD) programs including withdrawal management, residential and non-residential rehabilitation, and harm reduction programs. Salvos services go beyond addressing the core issues and challenges associated with problematic substance abuse and provide participants a place of hope, compassion, and dignity to recover safely. 
 

About the role  

We are seeking a values-driven Lived Experience Peer Worker  The Lived Experience Peer Worker supports the AOD team and Bridgehaven Program by assisting individuals with substance use challenges. They co-facilitate group sessions, share lived experience and hope, provide service information, and work under the guidance of AOD staff.

Reporting to the Senior AOD Practitioner , this is a Max term, Part-time  role, located in Preston, Victoria.

 You will sucessfully

• Provide recovery-oriented peer support and welcome new participants during induction
• Encourage and model self-advocacy and engagement in treatment and services.
• Offer peer learning opportunities and promote client dignity, rights, and confidentiality.
• Appropriately share personal experiences of recovery to empower and bring hope to participants.
• Contribute lived experience to group facilitation and team understanding of recovery.
• Support relapse prevention, goal setting, and holistic recovery planning.
• Assist participants in navigating health systems and accessing external services and community resources.
• Support participant engagement in creative, recreational, and recovery-based activities.
• Safely transport participants to services, events, and activities when required.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients, staff, and volunteers.
• Show respect and cultural sensitivity to all individuals.
• Follow workplace safety procedures, report incidents as required and participate in mandatory training and supervision.

You will have;

• Lived experience of addiction and recovery
• Knowledge of the alcohol and other drug sector in Victoria.
• Knowledge of the issues and challenges AOD clients experience and a clear understanding of harm reduction approaches.
• Understand and ability to demonstrate trauma informed practice.
• Evidence of completion of peer training (through DEN or SHARC)
• Values-Driven: Alignment with the values of integrity, respect, compassion, collaboration, and diversity. 
• Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a dynamic environment. 
• Completion of AOD Skillset Competencies or the willingness to obtain
• A National Criminal History Check is required
• A Victorian Employee Working with childrens check

What we offer 

The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including:  

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit; 

• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities; 

• Flexible (add hybrid WFH if applicable) working arrangements, access to Fitness Passport and consumer discounts; 

• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives 

• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency; 

• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts. 

Conditions 

For Award Based roles: 

Compensation is in accordance with SCHADS LEVEL 3.1 

About us 

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities.  We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, the Salvos are always there providing support, safety, community, and opportunity. 
 

How to apply
 

If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to join a team dedicated to creating positive change, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the requirements of the role.  Together we can build a brighter future. 

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration