About the role

As a Peer Support/Lived Experience Worker within South West Healthcare's Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit, you will play a vital role in supporting consumers through their recovery journey. Drawing primarily on your own lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery, you will offer unique insights and empathetic support that complement the clinical expertise of the multidisciplinary team.

This role is centred on building meaningful connections with consumers, fostering hope, and promoting recovery-oriented practices. You will actively participate in treatment and recovery planning, provide peer support, and contribute to consumer education. Your presence and perspective are essential in creating a collaborative, person-centred environment that values lived experience as a key component of holistic mental health care.

Position overview

• Employment Type: Ongoing full time or part time positions available, please note preferred hours in your cover letter
• Location: Warrnambool Campus
• Classification: Lived Experience Worker Level 1 or 2 – Depending on experience
• Salary Range: $62,082.80 - $73,065.20 pro rata, plus superannuation

What you bring

• Lived experience of self-defined recovery and/or mental, emotional, or social wellbeing, as a consumer or carer, with knowledge and skills in peer work.
• Ability to meaningfully and appropriately draw on personal experiences to support others, particularly those at risk of re-admission.
• A warm, approachable, and accepting attitude, demonstrating behaviours aligned with South West Healthcare's values and the principles of peer work.
• Strong ability to build effective partnerships with consumer networks and service providers across the organisation and community. Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, including computer literacy.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.

What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions
• Internal and external professional development opportunities
• A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership programs
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment

Who we are

As an organisation SWH prides themselves on their values; Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership and their overall dedication to the local community. Learn more about SWH here.

SWH respects all individuals and promote equity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds and socio- economic status.

SWH is the major specialist referral centre for the Barwon South West sub-region, and provides a comprehensive range of acute, sub-acute, specialist, community, mental health and aged services.

With a population of 39,000 and a catchment of 100,000 Warrnambool is the regional centre to Victoria's Great South Coast.

To learn about the vibrant town and region please visit: http://www.warrnambool.com/

How to apply

Submit your application by selecting the Apply button below and include a cover letter and resume by 23 November 2025. Please ensure you address the selection criteria as outlined in the position description.

Employment Terms and Conditions will be in line with the Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2020-2024.

The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:

• Police Record Check
• Employee Working with Children's Check, where required
• Current Immunisation status

Note: If you experience any difficulties with this website, please email: humanresources@swh.net.au