Farmgate Peer Worker

About us
The Farmgate Support Program provides mental health and emotional support to farmers, farming families, local businesses, and service providers affected by the many challenges faced by regional and rural communities.

Our program offers:

• Short-term conversations and practical information
• Referrals for ongoing counselling and formal support
• Opportunities to attend local events that build community connection and resilience
• Collaboration with agricultural groups and other local services (which may involve some travel)
  

Our goal is to promote wellbeing, strengthen community networks, and encourage preparedness across rural regions.


What your day will look like:
As a Farmgate Peer Worker, you will be based at a community health centre, within Armidale, Tamworth, Moree, Glen Innes or Inverell. You’ll join a supportive team of Peer Support Workers and Counsellors across the Hunter New England Local Health District, working alongside a range of health service providers.

In this role, you will:

• Engage with individuals, families, and communities impacted by natural disasters
• Provide emotional support, information, and referrals to counselling where needed
• Build relationships with agricultural groups and other community networks

You’ll be supported by colleagues and mental health professionals and will have access to ongoing training and education opportunities, including the chance to complete a Certificate IV in Peer Work.

About you
You’re passionate about supporting rural and regional communities and understand the unique challenges they face, including:

• Natural disasters such as droughts
• Economic and industry pressures
• Infrastructure limitations and social isolation

You bring:

• A genuine commitment to the mental wellbeing of the agricultural community
• Experience helping others navigate stress and hardship
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

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:
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• 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, job share and/or part time arrangements will be considered.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
  
   

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 Eaowyn Vaughan-Johnson on eaowyn.vaughanjohnson@health.nsw.gov.au

Information for Applicants: 

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2 
 
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp 
 
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy. 

Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace.  Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact Rebecca.Caldwell@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.