Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Peer Support Worker / Navigator
The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Peer Support Worker will provide providing practical and emotional support for clients living in the community, whose lives are significantly impacted as a result of substance use. This involved both one on one direct client support, and the delivery of peer support groups. This role provides the opportunity to:
Share your experiences of your recovery
Engage and empower participants, their families, clinicians and the community to better understand the participant perspective
Improve outcomes for participants
In addition, the AOD Peer Support Worker will play a lead role in the service to support consumer and carer participation. AOD Peer Support Workers are integral members of the AOD Team at OAMS. Drawing on their lived experience of substance use and recovery, AOD Peer Support Workers instil confidence and hope in others about the journey of recovery. You will work collaboratively in planning and co-facilitating a peer support group program.
The primary components of this role include:
Co-facilitation of a weekly Peer Support group program at Access HC
Supporting consumer participation across the organisation, which may include consultation to the organisation regarding program development and participating in interview panels for AOD team candidates
Attending community development forums and participating in community development activities
Represent OAMS in local, regional and state-wide networks, forums and presentations as appropriate The AOD Peer Support Worker role is primarily centre-based, but may include some off-site work (e.g. attending health promotion activities or facilitating groups off-site).
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Identify as having a lived experience of substance use and demonstrate current stability in your recovery
Be willing to effectively, respectfully and appropriately use your lived experience of substance use issues in your every day work.
Demonstrated completion of relevant Peer Helper/Peer Facilitation training, such as the SHARC Peer Helper or Peer Support Group training, or SMART recovery training.
Experience and confidence to co-facilitate a peer support group, identify any risk issues and seek support from clinical staff where required.
Understanding of principles of confidentiality, and rights and responsibilities of consumers/clients within a community health context as part of the Privacy and Data Protection Act
Qualifications/experience in delivering community education or community development programs (Desirable).
Completion of or enrolment in the AOD Certificate IV or similar training (Desirable).
Benefits & Culture:
* Full-time employees receive an Additional Day Off (ADO) each 4 weeks once 120 hours worked.
* Full Salary Packaging services are provided – which means you save more tax.
* Discounted Fitness Passport
* Professional Development through access to experienced and quality leadership.
* Access to Corporate Wellbeing program and support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Orange Aboriginal Medical Service (OAMS) is making a difference to the health of Aboriginal families and the wider community of Central Western NSW. Commencing in 2005 with only a handful of staff members, OAMS has now expanded across 5 locations, providing a wide range of services to the whole community. For further information
How to Apply
Your application must include a cover letter and an up-to-date resume that details your capabilities and experience in relation to the above role. You will need to specify in your cover letter confirmation of your Aboriginality.
Remuneration: dependent on skills and quals
You will be required to undertake and pass a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, pre-employment wellness check (including drug and alcohol screening) and obtain an NSW Working with Children Check.
Closing Date: Tuesday 14th October 2025 at 11.59pm
Contact: Chloe Navin - People & Workforce Lead