Mental Health Peer Worker - Targeted

Be the voice of recovery in a supportive inpatient team making real change, every day.

Employment Type: Temporary Part Time until October 2026.
Position Classification: Health Education Officer Non Grad, Health Education Officer Grad.
Remuneration: $32.77 – $59.89 per hour + 12% super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 35
Requisition ID:  REQ629945
Applications Close: Sunday 22nd February 2026.

Whilst this position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion.  


Where You’ll Be Working
Hunter Valley Lower Mid North Coast Mental Health Services (HVLMNC MHS) delivers specialist psychiatric community and inpatient care for adults across Taree, Forster, Gloucester, Bulahdelah and surrounding Hunter Valley regions.

Our service provides comprehensive assessment, treatment and referral pathways for consumers and their families, with access to specialist supports including perinatal mental health, eating disorders and other complex needs. We offer brief interventions, care coordination (acute, rehabilitation and recovery-focused), and therapeutic group programs.

This position is based within the Taree Mental Health Inpatient Unit (MHIPU), located adjacent to Manning Base Hospital. You will work collaboratively with a skilled multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality, person-centred care for consumers during their inpatient admission and transition back into the community.

About the Role

As a Mental Health Peer Worker, you will work within the Mental Health Inpatient Unit, using your lived experience of recovery to support and inspire consumers on their own recovery journeys. You will act as a positive role model, sharing practical strategies, skills and insights that promote hope, choice and self-determination.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will support consumers through goal setting, advocacy, referrals to community-based supports, and recovery-oriented conversations. Your role will contribute to a safe, inclusive and recovery-focused inpatient environment.

About You 

You will bring a strong understanding of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practice, along with the ability to work respectfully and collaboratively within a diverse team.

Ideally, you will have demonstrated knowledge of, and connection with, local Aboriginal communities and a commitment to engaging Aboriginal consumers and communities during inpatient care and when transitioning back into the community.

You will act in accordance with the HNE Health Values Charter and NSW Health Code of Conduct, model behaviours aligned with the Excellence Framework (Every Patient, Every Time), and demonstrate cultural respect consistent with HNE Health’s Closing the Gap Strategy.

Support

You will be supported by the Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) and Nurse Manager (NM), alongside regular supervision, professional development and role-specific training. You will work within a supportive multidisciplinary team within the MHIPU, committed to collaboration, learning and high-quality consumer care.

Requirements:

Eligibility to drive in NSW and ability to travel and work across different locations as required.

What we can offer:
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 
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part 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 part time vacancies
• 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.     Personal lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery, as well as a lived experience of secondary mental health services and ability to meaningfully and purposely apply lived experience to provide support to consumers"

2.     Commitment to recovery orientated and trauma informed practice: Demonstrated experience in using recovery-oriented and trauma-informed principles in providing support to people and improving services."

3.     Completion of or willingness to undertake and successfully complete Certificate IV Peer Work Mental Health qualification within 12 months after employment

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 Crystal Jarrett on Crystal.Jarrett@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 HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au  for confidential support.  

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