Peer Recovery Worker

About the role

Wellways Australia is seeking a Peer Recovery Worker to join its Community Living Support (CLS) program in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. This role is suited to someone who can draw on their own lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery to encourage hope, strengthen connection, and help others work toward their goals. The position is available on a full-time basis, with part-time opportunities also mentioned.

You will be part of a values-led organisation that places importance on wellbeing, inclusion, professional development, and connection to community. The team culture is described as supportive, diverse, socially inclusive, and grounded in reconciliation and respect for lived experience.

The pay for this position is SCHADS Level 3 at $38.65 per hour, with salary packaging and leave loading included. Additional benefits mentioned include cultural leave, parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment, and access to an Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.

What you will do

In this role, you will support participants in a person-centred and recovery-focused way. You will work alongside people as they identify strengths, set goals, build confidence, and develop practical skills that support greater independence and community participation.

You will also collaborate with an integrated team to help deliver consistent, high-quality support, while keeping accurate records and documentation that contribute to positive outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Use your lived experience to connect with, encourage, and support people in their recovery journey.
• Deliver practical, strengths-based assistance aligned to each person’s goals and needs.
• Support peer learning activities and help promote hope, recovery, and self-determination.
• Work in partnership with participants, families, community members, and external service providers.
• Keep clear and accurate participant records, recovery plans, and program documentation.

About you

The organisation is looking for someone who is passionate about supporting people with mental health challenges and who values recovery-oriented, person-led practice. You should be able to work collaboratively, communicate well, and bring empathy, respect, and practical support to the role.

Wellways strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with lived experience of mental health or disability, and people who identify as LGBTIQA+. Applicants who meet only some of the criteria are still encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Completion of Certificate IV in Mental Health, Certificate IV in Peer Work, or Certificate IV in Community Services, or current enrolment and active progress toward one of these qualifications.
• 100 points of identification.
• Proof of the legal right to work in Australia.
• Current driver’s licence.
• National Police Check.
• International police check, if applicable.
• Working with Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check.
• Completion of the NDIS Worker Orientation Modules, which are available as a free online course.

Benefits

• Values-based workplace that prioritises respect, wellbeing, inclusion, and growth.
• Paid cultural leave.
• An equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment.
• Salary packaging up to $15,899, allowing part of your salary to be used before tax for eligible expenses such as rent, mortgage repayments, or car leasing.
• Meal and entertainment salary packaging up to $2,650 per year.
• 17.5% leave loading on annual leave.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment.
• Employee Assistance Program access for employees and their families.

Additional information

This role is based in Coffs Harbour and is offered as a full-time onsite position, with part-time availability also noted. Applicants are asked to submit an updated resume and a cover letter describing relevant experience. Early applications are encouraged, as interviews may start before the closing date. The closing date listed is 12/07/2026.

Wellways is committed to reconciliation, lived experience, inclusivity, and the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. Successful applicants will need to complete a comprehensive screening process before starting work. The organisation also notes that it is a growing, innovative, nationally recognised provider with more than 2,000 staff across 93 sites.

The job summary describes the role as one that uses lived experience to inspire hope, build confidence, and support people to achieve recovery goals and live independently. The workplace culture is described as enjoyable, challenging, rewarding, and focused on helping people recognise their own strengths, hopes, and potential.

For a confidential discussion, the contact person listed is Tom Apin, Regional Manager, at Tapin@wellways.org.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to applicants who meet the qualification, screening, and work-rights requirements. People with lived experience of mental health challenges or disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people who identify as LGBTIQA+ are especially encouraged to apply.