Wellways is committed to reconciliation, lived experience and inclusivity. We strongly encourage and warmly welcome people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with a lived and living experience of mental health and disability and people who identify as LGBTIQA to apply. Even if you only meet some of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you! Use your lived/living experience of mental health challenges to support others in the community while completing a Certificate 4 in Mental Health Peer Work. Fixed term, part time (22.8hrs per week) opportunity. 2 days' work, 1 day study. Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS) Level 2.2 Location: Various Wellways Sites across Victoria. About Wellways We have more than 40 years’ experience working with individuals, families, carers and the community to identify their needs and goals and attain a great life in their community. We were founded by families advocating to improve the services, information and support available to people with mental health issues and their carers . Making sure lived and living experience is at the heart of all we do remains key. All Wellways services focus on community inclusion; a commitment to ensuring all the people we serve have opportunities to fully participate in the community, without stigma and discrimination. About the Peer Cadet Program: The Lived Experience Peer Cadet Program was created in response to the Royal Commission's recommendation to increase the number of entry points into the lived/living experience workforce (LLEW) and provide a supportive and structured environment for learning. The program offers an opportunity for people with lived/living experience to enter paid employment while undertaking Certificate IV Mental Health Peer Work within a participating community mental health organisation . Please click here to read further about this program. About the Opportunity The Peer Cadet Program at Wellways offers a 10-month paid cadetship for individuals with lived/living experience who are enrolled in the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work. This entry level employment opportunity provides Peer Cadets with the chance to develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence in 1-3 service areas across Wellways including General Mental Health, Specialist Mental Health, Outreach, and Phone Support. Peer Cadets will b enefit from discipline-specific supervision, placement support, peer mentoring and regular reflective practice opportunities. They will work alongside experienced professionals, in both Peer roles and non-peer roles and expand their professional networks. As valued members of the Lived/Living Experience Workforce at W ellways , Peer Cadets will contribute to the ongoing development of the Peer Cadet Program, gaining invaluable experience and support during a significant period of Mental Health Reform in Victoria . Please click here to download a copy of the position description to see further details relating to this role. What you bring to the role? Lived or living experience of mental health challenges, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and/or psychosocial disability, with a willingness to intentionally and purposefully draw on these experiences to support others . Evidence of enrolment and undertaking the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work Ongoing Commitment to completing the certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work. Basic IT skills and willingness to develop further as to meet workplace requirements ( i.e Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams) Uphold ethical behaviour , consistent with the Wellways values Ability to receive and respond to feedback to grow and develop Ability to develop respectful professional relationships, uphold confidentiality, and establish clear working boundaries Willingness to travel to different Wellways services around the Inner North West , East and South East of Melbourne What we offer in return: A 10-month program, whereby you will gain work experience in various Wellways services A comprehensive and engaging on-boarding experience Ongoing extensive in-house Learning and Development Programs and lived experience specific learning and skill-building Professional development through Community of Practices, Peer Supervision and mentoring from experienced peer workers. A purpose driven culture where people can thrive, everyone is respected, and differences are valued. What the role requires prior to start date: 100 points of ID Current Satisfactory Police Check (disclosable outcomes considered) Current Satisfactory Working with Children Check Right to Work within Australia NDIS Worker Orientation Module completion certificate Current Satisfactory NDIS Worker Screening Check Wellways Australia Limited is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. All applicants applying for roles within Wellways must undergo a screening process prior to their successful appointment. Wellways is committed to the health and safety of its employees and participants and strongly encourages all workers to be fully vaccinated including relevant boosters for COVID-19. If you’d like to know more about our reconciliation commitment, click here Reconciliation | Wellways Culture We’re passionate about our work, which is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. All of our teams work to ensure everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential. We know that people are unique and the experts on their life and are not defined by impairments, diagnosis or labels. We aim to specifically promote safety and inclusivity for LGBTIQ and First Nations communities. What you need to apply 1. Current Resume 2. Cover Letter, addressing, answering the following questions: What attracted you to apply for the Lived Experience Peer Cadet Program? This role may involve sharing some of your lived and living experience. How would you use your lived and living experience to support people? What are your favourite things to do that support your wellbeing? Are you currently enrolled in or undertaking the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work? Which RTO are you enrolled in? Do you identify as having Consumer lived experience? Why would you like to work at Wellways ? Are you available available early August to start the program? What are your communication preferences for this application, and what can we do to make this a safe and supportive experience for you? Do you currently have any of the following screening requirements? ☐ Working with Childrens Check ☐ National Police Check ☐ Current Victorian Driver's Licence ☐ NDIS Worker Screening Check ☐ None of the above 3. Click Apply Below! For a confidential conversation about this exciting opportunity, please contact Chloe Berkovic – Peer Cadet Coordinator on 04 22 606 084 or email cberkovic@wellways.org . Step by Step Hiring Process Submit Your Application Apply following the steps outlined above. Initial Phone Discussion Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for a brief phone conversation about their application. Those not progressing will be notified by email. Formal Interview Following the phone discussion, selected candidates will be invited to attend a formal interview. Reference Checks Preferred candidates will be contacted to provide references for checking. Next Step All interviewed candidates will be informed on the outcome of their formal interview and reference checks. Compliance and Formal Offer Successful candidates will be supported to complete all compliance requirements before receiving a formal employment contract. Job Description Summary The Peer Cadet Program at Wellways offers a 10-month paid cadetship for individuals with personal lived and living experience who are enrolled in the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work. This entry level employment opportunity provides Peer Cadets with the chance to develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence through exposure and experience in 1-3 Wellways service areas, including: general mental health, specialist mental health, outreach, and phone support. Peer Cadets will benefit from discipline-specific supervision, placement support, peer mentoring and regular reflective practice and professional development opportunities. They will work alongside experienced professionals, in both peer roles and non-peer roles and expand their professional networks. As valued members of the Lived/Living Experience workforce at Wellways, Peer Cadets will contribute to the ongoing development of the Peer Cadet Program, gaining invaluable experience and support during a significant period of Mental Health Reform in Victoria. Note: This program includes 2 days (15.2 hours) of on-site work and 1 day (7.6 hours) of paid study leave (working from home or on-site). Upon completion of study requirements, paid study leave becomes a working day. Contract End Date 05/06/2026 Culture We’re passionate about our work , which is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding . All of our teams work to ensure everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential. W e know that people are unique and the experts on their life and are not defined by impairments, diagnosis or labels. We aim to specifically promote safety and inclusivity for LGBTIQ and First Nations communities. How to Apply This is your opportunity to join a values based, growing, innovative and nationally recognised organisation with over 2,000 staff members across 93 sites. Please select "Apply" below to complete your application. Applications Close 30/05/2025
