Lived Experience Peer Cadet

• Part time3 days per week flexibility with daysmax termto June 2027.
• Bring your lived experience and gainvaluableskillspaid employment.
• Multiple locationsinSt KildaPrahran Cheltenham CoburgandPreston.

Your new role

This cadetship is open to people with lived or living experience of mental health challenges who are currently studying or enrolled to commence the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work. The cadetship forms part of the course requirements.

As a Lived Experience Peer Cadet youll build your capability as a future peer worker by combining your studies with hands-on experience in real-world settings. Youll learn how to use your lived experience safely intentionally and purposefully to support others in their recovery journeys.

Youll work alongside experienced peer workers andlivedand living experience (LLE) staff gradually building confidence to contribute to team environments and provide peer support.

Cadets are expected to be well-progressed in their own recovery journey to support safe participation in placements and team environments.

Throughout the program youll be supported by a Senior Peer Mentor and the Victorian Peer Cadet Program Coordinator to develop your practice strengthen your skills and grow your professional identity as a peer worker.

This is a structured and supportive learning environment where you will:

• Build practical skills in peer work
• Apply your studies in a supported placement
• Develop confidence using lived experience in practice

Youll also receive regular supervision reflective practice opportunities and access to training such as Intentional Peer Support.

At Uniting cadets are part of our lived and living experience workforce and may be placed across:

• Adult Mental Health and Homelessness
• Voices Vic (Hearing Voices groups and training)
• Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) programs
• Carer programs
• Outreach mental health services

Roles are based across St Kilda Prahran Coburg Preston and Cheltenham.

Benefits of working at Uniting

We are offering three part-time Peer Cadetship opportunities over 10 months designed to support your learning growth and development as a peer worker.

You will have one study day and two working days per week while completing your certificate before transitioning to three working days per week once the certificate is completed.

You will also have access to:

• Up to $15900 in salary packaging benefitsthat can be used for living expenses such as groceries bills clothing and streaming services.
• Save on dining out and drinks with a meal entertainment benefitof$2650 annually.
• Opt in or out of public holidays andbe respected for your unique background.
• Employee discounts at Uniting Early Education services and Uniting op shops.
• Employee Assistance Program(EAP) for wellbeing and counselling support.

Your skills and experience

Youll bring with you:

• Current enrolment in or confirmed enrolment to commence Cert IV in Mental Health Peer Workand commitment to completing the qualification during the cadetship.
• Personal experience of mental health challengestraumaAODand recovery plus a willingness to draw on these learnings intentionally and purposefully to support others.
• A well-developed recovery journey enabling you to safely and meaningfully participate in team placements and contribute to the peer workforce.
• Emotional resilience ability to sit with complexityanda commitment to self-care reflection and ongoing learning.
• Strong communication skillsand the ability tobuild respectful relationships and maintain boundaries.
• Confidence working collaboratively in a teamand a compassionate andnon-judgemental approach.
• Basic digital skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Teams)and ability to work across sites and/or remotely as required.

View the position description here.

How to apply

ClickAPPLYto submit your interest and well getin touch this role sounds like a good fit for you apply soon. Wellbereviewingapplications as they come in andmay closethe advertearly.

If you have questions about the opportunity please email Jasmine McLennan Program Lead:

About Uniting

At Uniting we are passionate about working together to inspire people enliven communities and confront injustice. We have a 5000 strong workforce of employees and volunteers who deliver a diverse range of services across Victoria and Tasmania.

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Uniting is a child safe organisation and is committed in everyday practice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children at all times. As a child safe organisation employment with Uniting is subject to a satisfactory national (and international where relevant) police check and relevant Working with Children Check in your State prior to commencement of any paid or unpaid work and/or participation in any service or undertaking.

Through the recruitment process we will ask you for personal information. Disclosure is optional however it can help us support you better. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal a person with disability from a diverse background or LGBTIQA. You will be given an opportunity in the application form to request additional support. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can support you.