Overview
This cadetship is open to people with lived or living experience of mental health challenges who are currently studying, or enrolled to commence, the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work. The cadetship is part of the course requirements.
Role Summary
As a Lived Experience Peer Cadet, you will build your capability as a future peer worker by combining your studies with hands‐on experience in real‐world settings. You will learn how to use your lived experience safely, intentionally and purposefully to support others in their recovery journeys. You will work alongside experienced peer workers and lived and living experience staff, gradually building confidence to contribute to team environments and provide peer support.
Program Structure
Cadets are expected to be well‐progressed in their own recovery journey to support safe participation in placements and team environments. Throughout the program you will be supported by a Senior Peer Mentor and the Victorian Peer Cadet Program Coordinator to develop your practice, strengthen your skills and grow your professional identity as a peer worker.
The program is structured to support learning, growth and development as a peer worker and includes:
* Building practical skills in peer work
* Applying your studies in a supported placement
* Developing confidence using lived experience in practice
* Regular supervision, reflective practice opportunities and access to training such as Intentional Peer Support
Placement Locations
* Adult Mental Health and Homelessness
* Voices Vic (Hearing Voices groups and training)
* Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) programs
* Carer programs
* Outreach mental health services
Roles are based across St Kilda, Prahran, Coburg, Preston and Cheltenham.
Benefits of Working at Uniting
We are offering three part‐time Peer Cadetship opportunities over 10 months, designed to support your learning, growth, and development as a peer worker.
You will have one study day and two working days per week while completing your certificate, before transitioning to three working days per week once the certificate is completed.
Additional Perks
* Up to $15,900 in salary packaging benefits that can be used for living expenses such as groceries, bills, clothing and streaming services.
* Meal entertainment benefit of $2,650 annually.
* Employee discounts at Uniting Early Education services and Uniting op shops.
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for wellbeing and counselling support.
Qualifications Required
* Current enrolment in, or confirmed enrolment to commence, Cert IV in Mental Health Peer Work and commitment to completing the qualification during the cadetship.
* Personal experience of mental health challenges, trauma, AOD and recovery, and a willingness to draw on these learnings intentionally and purposefully to support others.
* A well‐developed recovery journey, enabling you to safely and meaningfully participate in team placements and contribute to the peer workforce.
* Emotional resilience, ability to sit with complexity and a commitment to self‐care, reflection and ongoing learning.
* Strong communication skills and the ability to build respectful relationships and maintain boundaries.
* Confidence working collaboratively in a team and a compassionate and non‐judgemental approach.
* Basic digital skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, Teams) and ability to work across sites and/or remotely as required.
Legal and Safety Commitments
Uniting is a child‐safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children at all times. Employment with Uniting is subject to a satisfactory national (and international where relevant) police check and relevant Working with Children Check in your State prior to commencement of any paid or unpaid work and/or participation in any service or undertaking.
Through the recruitment process, we will ask you for personal information. Disclosure is optional, however, it can help us support you better. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a diverse background or LGBTIQA+. You will be given an opportunity in the application form to request additional support. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can support you.
Contact
For questions about the opportunity, please email Jasmine McLennan, Program Lead: jasmine.mclennan@vt.uniting.org
About Uniting
At Uniting we are passionate about working together to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We have a workforce of over 5,000 employees and volunteers who deliver a diverse range of services across Victoria and Tasmania.
#J-18808-Ljbffr