Title:  First Nations Lived Experience Peer Support Worker

First Nations Lived Experience Peer Support Worker Trainee

• Turning Point Eastern Treatment Services (TPETS) – Inner-east location
• Fixed Term Full Time | Combination of study with on-the-job learning/work experience
• Designated Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) role | Identified First Nations role

Turning Points Lived Experience Workforce are looking for our next group of lived experience peer support worker trainees to join our team in providing support for individuals accessing our AOD services across Box Hill and Ringwood.

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.

Turning Point

Turning Point was established in 1994 to provide leadership to the alcohol and drug field in Victoria. Turning Point is now a national treatment, research and education centre that provides leadership in the alcohol and drug, gambling and mental health sectors. Combining research with service innovation, surveillance, system enhancements, education, capacity building and specialist support, Turning Point is a recognised centre of excellence that assists services, communities and governments to respond to current and emerging issues. Turning Point is part of Eastern Health and is affiliated with Monash University. 

About the role

In collaboration with the Department of Health, the AOD traineeship program has been developed to provide paid study and work experience to assist people to enter the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector across a variety of settings within Victoria.

The trainee will undertake structured learning and on-the-job training over a 12-24-month period within Turning Point Eastern Treatment Services (TPETS), who provide a variety of AOD specialist services including, but not limited to, intake and assessment, case management, withdrawal services, counselling, support groups and harm reduction services.

The trainee will also complete a paid Certificate IV in Alcohol and Drug work while undertaking the traineeship. NOTE: Trainees who have completed a Certificate IV in AOD or other relevant qualifications can still apply for this traineeship and other study options will be agreed to.

NOTE

Applicants for the traineeship must not have had previous employment history in the AOD sector. Please note that this does not include volunteers or students who have done placements in AOD sector.

Individuals form the LGBTIQ+ community, people with refugee and migrant experiences and Aboriginal people are especially encouraged to apply.

About you

To be successful in this role you will possess:

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Person.
• A passion and drive to work in the AOD sector.
• An enthusiasm to build knowledge and learn about the broader AOD Sector with a vision to have a career within AOD.
• Capacity to complete a paid Certificate IV in Alcohol and Drug Work, while undertaking the traineeship Note: Trainees who have already completed a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Drug Work or other relevant qualifications will engage in other training opportunities agreed to with and the Manager for Lived Experience Workforce and Advocacy.
• Lived experience of substance use who has accessed public AOD services.
• Understanding and appreciation of the principles of recovery.
• Willingness to undertake training including, but not limited to, Intentional Peer Support and SHARC peer worker training.
• Demonstrated understanding and empathy of the broad impact of AOD and mental distress on consumers and carers/families.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team including ability to 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 people.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to manage time and resources effectively.
• Ability to work in a challenging environment.
• Basic proficiency in computer skills.
• A satisfactory Police Check is required prior to appointment.
• Working with Children’s Check.

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

Healthcare workers are strongly recommended to follow COVID vaccination recommendations provided in the Australian Immunisation handbook (based on ATAGI advice). Seasonal vaccination against influenza is a mandatory requirement of this role and an offer is conditional on this being up to date prior to 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

Apply online if you feel we are a good match, you have the skills and qualities to make a difference, and are eligible to work in Australia.

We review all applications when we receive them, and we notify unsuccessful candidates.

If you are shortlisted, we will be in touch to arrange an interview, and you must complete a National Police Check (which we will pay for). We will notify unsuccessful candidates.

Good to know:

• We are an equal opportunity employer and actively promote equality for people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and for people living with disability – within the communities we serve and our Eastern Health team.
• We provide a culturally safe and welcoming environment for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees.
• As a child-safe organisation, we ensure child safety and wellbeing is embedded in our everyday culture.
• Vaccination and screening for immunity to vaccine-preventable disease is a mandatory requirement of this role.
• Advertising may end before the closing date.
• We do not accept recruitment agency application

Please click here for position description 

Contact Person: Benn Veenker

Contact Number: 0410499256

Contact Email: benn.veenker@easternhealth.org.au

Job Posting End Date: 30/04/2025

Need help submitting your application?

Just contact the Hiring Manager in the advertisement or call the Talent Acquisition Team on (03) 9955 7555

Our Values in Action:

Respect for all | Safe always | Partnering in care | Learning and improving every day