Peer Worker

• Permanent Full Time Contract
• Location: Boorloo (East Perth) WA 6004
• $78189 super NFP salary packaging benefits
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values we advocate for a fairer Australia to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together were building hope and possibility for all.

Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

Join us at Common Ground Perth our exciting brand-new service designed to provide safe stable housing and holistic support for people experiencing homelessness. Delivered in partnership with Nyoongar Outreach Services (NOS) this initiative represents a bold step forward in creating inclusive culturally responsive care that empowers individuals to rebuild their lives.

Common Ground features 112 self-contained apartments many are reserved for people who have experienced chronic homelessness. The site will also include communal spaces 24/7 support and integrated commercial areas all designed to foster a sense of safety dignity and belonging.

As a Peer Worker you will harness your lived experience and bring empathy to the forefront supporting residents as they navigate their recovery journey. This is an on-site position offering you the chance to make a tangible difference every day within a vibrant supportive community. You will be part of a team committed to trauma-informed recovery-focused practice helping people strengthen independence wellbeing and connection.

* Please briefly outline your personal lived experience in your cover letter

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Provide advocacy and practical support to residents ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
• Draw on your lived experience to inspire hope and foster trust creating meaningful peer-to-peer connections.
• Act as a liaison between clients and housing support practitioners linking residents to case management or other referrals as needed.
• Facilitate and co-facilitate small peer-led support groups and tenancy advocacy sessions feeding insights back to service delivery.
• Offer logistical assistance such as accompanying clients to appointments supporting grocery runs and helping with meal preparation.
• Support residents in developing independent living skills through activities that build confidence and capacity.
• Respond to challenging behaviours and mental health distress with de-escalation strategies maintaining safety and dignity.

Requirementsfor Success

• Certificate IV or higher in Peer Work or equivalent qualification/experience acceptable to Mission Australia.
• Preferably lived experience of homelessness or related challenges (family and domestic violence mental health AOD).
• Ability to manage personal triggers and maintain mental health and wellbeing while supporting others.
• Strong computer literacy and willingness to assist clients with digital skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed recovery-oriented practice and Housing First principles.
• Professional boundaries self-care strategies and resilience when working with people in crisis or under the influence.
• Flexibility to adapt within a new service environment and commitment to maintaining a peer-focused approach.
• Full driver licence with no restrictions.

Before starting work with us you will need to undertake a national police history check qualifications and referee checks and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Your Benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued empowered and celebrated we provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Rewarding work every day you know youre making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

Our Culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender age ethnicity race cultural background disability religion and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So whoever you are if youre skilled and actively support our purpose and values you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application please email or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application please contact us at

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia.

How to apply

Click Apply and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer we will respond to your application.

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received and we are interviewing through the advertising period. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.