Lived Experience (Carer) Peer Support Worker

• Permanent Part-Time (38 hours a fortnight)


• Box Hill Location


• Be a part of Victoria's mental health system transformation

Eastern Health

Eastern Health is one of Melbourne’s largest public health services. We provide a range of emergency, surgical, medical and general healthcare services, including maternity, palliative care, mental health, drug and alcohol, residential care, community health and state-wide specialist services to people and communities that are diverse in culture, age, socio-economic status, population and healthcare needs.

About the role

The Hospital Outreach Post suicide attempt Engagement  (HOPE) Team provides support for people referred that are identified as experiencing thoughts of suicide or who have attempted to end their lives.  Whilst there are many reasons a person may attempt suicide or harm themselves, HOPE acknowledges that there will be reasons for living. The aim of the service is to prevent avoidable suicide attempts and death by suicide by providing assertive, tailored postvention/aftercare and psychosocial support in the community for a period of up to three months. The program also supports the person’s carers and families to identify and build upon what has worked for them, or to try something different to support themselves and their person in life.  The Consumer and Carer lived experience workforce is an integral component of the Mental Health Program and this exciting role has been developed specifically for people with lived experience of caring for someone who has experienced mental health issues. The role will be part of the Central East (CE) Hospital Outreach Post-Suicidal Engagement (HOPE) Team.   The Carer Peer Support Worker will, in collaboration with other staff and management, utilising relevant and evidence based models of suicide intervention and postvention/aftercare, work within the CE HOPE service to:

• Provide peer support services to carers and families following a consumer’s presentation and referral to CE HOPE.


• The Carer Peer Support Worker has the intention of BEING with the person’s carer; rather than “doing”


• Assist in the identification of  family and carer support and wellbeing needs


• Support carers towards their preferred future, maximise recovery and self-care


• Facilitate the improvement of the mental health service’s responsiveness to family and carer needs as part of the consumer and family recovery journey.


• Support the inclusion of carers/nominated persons in the development of consumers’ recovery, wellness and safety plans.


• Build understanding of the effectiveness of the role of the peer workforce in clinical mental health services.

About you 

To be successful in this role you will possess:

• Lived experience as a person who has been a carer of a consumer of public mental health services.


• Understanding of mental health peer support principles and ability to use peer support to provide hope and a belief in recovery.


• Understanding and appreciation of the principles of recovery, including social connectedness, holistic care provision and peer based examples of wellness.


• Willingness to participate in identified suicide intervention and postvention/aftercare training.


• Understanding a strengths based model of recovery – specifically the Collaborative Recovery Model used at Eastern Health and a Solution-Focused approach used by HOPE teams at Eastern Health.


• Demonstrated understanding and empathy of the broad impact of mental illness on consumers and carers/families.


• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team including ability to respectfully express own viewpoint and respect the views of others.


• Understanding of the need to be sensitive to the needs of people from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait people, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, LGBTQI+ people.


• Effective communication skills.


• Ability to manage time and resources effectively.


• Ability to work in a challenging environment; may be required to work extended hours.


• Basic proficiency in computer skills.


• A satisfactory Police Check is required prior to appointment.

Please refer to the attached position description for further details of the role.

Vaccination against infectious disease is a mandatory requirement of this role.  An offer of employment is conditional on you providing evidence that you are currently vaccinated against COVID-19 with booster & Influenza, prior to commencing employment.

What we offer

Eastern Health offers a variety of fantastic Employee Benefits, view the extensive range here!

• Diverse and engaging career opportunities


• Friendly & supportive team


• Flexible working hours


• Salary packaging options


• Career progression in our teaching hospitals

Next Steps

If you believe you have the ability to make a difference in this rewarding industry, apply today!

Please note:

• All applications must be submitted online via E-Mercury


• All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Fit2Work Check, where preferred candidates will be required to complete a Criminal History Check at the expense of Eastern Health.


• You must have Australian work rights to apply for this position.


• Recruitment agency applications will not be accepted.

Eastern Health Values:  Patients First | Agility | Humility | Respect | Kindness | Excellence

**Please note applications will be screened upon receipt and advertising may close prior to the closing date.**