We have an exciting Peer Support Worker opportunity. Are you passionate about using your own lived experience to assist vulnerable people navigating housing and mental health systems & support? Join our Pathways program shaping a new navigation function, enabling access to long term housing.

• Provide impactful non-clinical support and service navigation to facilitate independence & wellbeing
• Join an inclusive & flexible organisation with a strong record of lived experience integration in the mental health space
• Full or Part time | Office Hours | Surry Hills | to December 2025

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our Pathways program provides transitional supported shared accommodation for people with a mental health condition and/or psychosocial disability and facilitates their transition into long-term housing. As a Peer Navigator, you will provide peer support and service navigation to people with lived experience of houselessness and complex needs.

We have two 12-month positions available – one Full-time (5 days, 38 hours) and one Part-time (4 days, 0.7 FTE). The roles are based in our Surry Hills office, with some flexibility for hybrid work depending on work requirements. Remuneration starts from $37.35 per hour ($73,804 per annum full-time) plus leave loading, superannuation & salary packaging, in line with the Level 3 SCHADS Award.

Responsibilities:

• Providing one-on-one peer support to people, using lived experience safely and reciprocally to build trust and understanding (in-person & virtual)
• Assisting people in navigating housing and mental health service systems, offering warm handovers and active follow-ups to reduce barriers to access
• Undertaking intake screening sessions with prospective participants to assess risk, and safety plans and determine if needs are within the scope of the program
• Linking participants with services and activities to support goal achievement
• Supporting people in developing essential independent life skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and self-advocacy
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including mental health professionals and housing services, to deliver integrated, person-centred care
• Using trauma-informed practices to deliver safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive support
• Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and service outcomes.

ABOUT YOU

Essential Criteria:

• Experience working within housing, mental health, or community support sectors
• Experience utilising lived experience to support others using peer-based practices
• Experience applying trauma-informed and person-centred practice principles
• Experience building trust and rapport with diverse individuals living with mental health concerns and/or other complex needs.
• Excellent time management skills and demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously & flexibly
• Functional IT skills, including MS Office suite (i.e. Outlook, Word, and Excel)
• Current NSW driver’s license & own vehicle
• Current NDIS worker screening check or willingness to complete prior to commencing
• Unrestricted right to work in Australia

Desirable:

• Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work or equivalent qualification
• Experience delivering virtual support sessions using online platforms
• Experience in case management, care coordination, or similar, including persuasive writing skills.
• Leadership experience or capabilities

HOW TO APPLY

If this sounds like a great opportunity for you, please select “Apply Now” to submit your application, including a Cover Letter addressing the essential criteria 1-6. Applications will be reviewed as received, so we encourage you to apply promptly for broadest shift availability.

BENEFITS

ICLA offers:

• Inclusive and committed culture where everyone’s contribution & diverse experiences are valued
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities across diverse programs
• Charity salary packaging for permanent staff to pay benefits and living expenses from pre-tax salary
• Flexible working practices
• Paid Parental Leave

ABOUT US

Independent Community Living Australia (ICLA) is a not-for-profit community organisation delivering mental health recovery services and personalised support to individuals with psychosocial, intellectual and other disabilities as well as those seeking support at difficult times in their life. ICLA offers a wide range of services across the greater Sydney region, from supported residential services to supported mental health services, empowering individuals with independence and inclusion in the community.

ICLA’s mission to deliver personalised support, enabling individual choice to improve people’s lives is achieved by living our values: Respect for all; Integrity in what we do; Accountable for all we do; and Results for those we serve.

At ICLA we believe that a diversity of people and experiences is critical to our work and our success. We strive for a team culture that is welcoming, inclusive, supportive, and committed. ICLA is an Equal Opportunity employer. We encourage applications and expressions of interest from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. We also acknowledge the lived expertise of those who have provided care and support for others in a non-paid role. ICLA acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of the country in which we work and thrive, empowering people to have agency and autonomy.