Farm Gate Peer Worker

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time - Until June 2027
Position Classification: Health Education Officer Non-Grad
Remuneration: $64,985 - $93,974 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ677068
Location: Negotiable within HNE
Applications Close:  Wednesday, 12th August 2026

The Welcome Experience helps you and your family connect with local people and resources, making it easier to settle in and feel at home in your new community.

Learn more at www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience 

Where you'll be working

The Farm Gate Program is part of Hunter New England Mental Health's disaster recovery and wellbeing response. The program provides outreach, support, information, and practical assistance to farming communities impacted by drought, natural disasters, and other significant challenges affecting rural life.

Our team works across regional and rural communities throughout Hunter New England, partnering with local services, community organisations, and primary producers to strengthen resilience, improve wellbeing, and connect people with the support they need. We are a passionate team committed to making a meaningful difference for rural communities.

The Opportunity

The Farm Gate peer Worker is responsible for engaging directly with farmers, farming families, and rural communities to provide wellbeing support and facilitate access to relevant services and resources. Farmgate peer workers will be welcomed into a supportive and experienced team environment. From day one, you'll be supported with a comprehensive orientation and onboarding program, including a structured introduction to the Farm Gate Program and local service networks. You'll receive ongoing supervision and regular one-on-one support from the Program Manager, along with access to professional development and training opportunities focused on community engagement, wellbeing, mental health, and disaster recovery. You'll also benefit from the knowledge and experience of established Farm Gate and disaster recovery colleagues, while having the opportunity to connect with statewide networks and communities of practice to enhance your learning, collaboration, and professional growth.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Conducting outreach and engagement activities across rural and remote communities.
• Building trusted relationships with farmers, landholders, community groups, and service providers.
• Identifying community needs and connecting individuals to appropriate health, wellbeing, financial, and social supports.
• Supporting local recovery and resilience-building initiatives.
• Coordinating and participating in community events, forums, and information sessions.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to reporting requirements.
• Working with internal programs, government agencies, NGOs, and local stakeholders.
   

The role has no direct reports and reports to the Farm Gate Program Manager.

About you

Our ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about supporting rural communities and can build genuine relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.

Attributes

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills within agriculture communities 
• Ability to engage with and build trust among farming and rural communities
• Empathy, sensitivity, and a person-centred approach
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently across large geographic areas.
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
   

Skills that can be developed on the job:

• Knowledge of mental health, disaster recovery, and community resilience frameworks.
• Understanding of local service systems and referral pathways.
• Experience with program reporting and data collection systems.
• Specific knowledge of the Farm Gate model and NSW Health procedures.

Candidates with experience in community engagement, rural services, agriculture, health, social services, disaster recovery, or related fields are encouraged to apply. This role provides a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in rural communities while enjoying the flexibility and benefits of working within NSW Health. Some of the benefits include

• Flexible and autonomous work arrangements
• Opportunity to work across diverse rural and regional communities
• Use of fleet vehicles for work-related travel
• Access to salary packaging benefits
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• Supportive and values-driven team culture
• Meaningful, purpose driven work that positively impacts farming families and communities
• Employee wellbeing programs and support services
• Access to modern technology and systems to support remote and mobile working

 Requirements 

• Eligibility to drive in NSW and the willingness to travel in the course of employment and potentially staying overnight.

What we can offer you:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero

• Relocating? The Welcome Experience offers free support to help you and your family settle into your new community.

• Proximity to shopping and other services

• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)

• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance

• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing

• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
   

 Additional information 

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part-time vacancies.  
• This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered.
• To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position
   

How to apply

Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.

1. Demonstrated understanding of the agricultural and social impacts of drought in rural and remote communities.
2. Experience in working collaboratively within a team and of building and maintaining effective relationships.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the mental wellbeing of the agricultural community and experience in helping others to navigate prolonged stress.

Need more information? 

  1) Click here for the Position Description 
  2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Joshua Louis on Joshua.Louis@health.nsw.gov.au

Information for Applicants: