• Reporting to: ​Executive Manager Wellbeing Services  

Position Overview 

As a Mental Health Peer Worker at Meridian, you will utilise your lived experience to provide culturally safe, inclusive, affirming and trauma-informed psychosocial and mental health support to LGBTIQA+ individuals, their families and carers. In addition to working with individual clients, you will design and facilitate mental health support groups including arts and recreation-based activities, health promotion and educational groups and cognitive behavioural support groups as part of Meridian’s team of mental health professionals. 

Position Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support to individuals with mental health conditions and mental ill-health, using your lived experiences to assist clients in setting and achieving personal wellbeing goals that encourage self-management and independence through a strength-based approach.
• Design and deliver regular mental health support groups that meet the intersectional needs of Meridian’s communities.
• Work closely with mental health professionals including Meridian Psychologists, Counsellors and Clinical Care Coordinator to integrate peer support into treatment plans.
• Working with the Clinical Care Coordinator to support clients with self-advocacy and service navigation including accessing community resources and supports. This work involves working collaboratively with internal Meridian services and programs, external organisations and services, and carers.
• Attend Meridian stalls and events to promote the work of Meridian alongside service updates and referral opportunities with key stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of peer support activities and client progress within the client record management system – Salesforce - and report any concerns or significant changes in a clients' presentation to the Clinical Lead and Executive Manager Wellbeing Services.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to enhance skills and knowledge in peer support and mental health, while sharing insights and experiences with colleagues to contribute to the team’s growth and effectiveness.
• Undertake other tasks and responsibilities as requested, commensurate with skills, knowledge and experience.
• Work within Meridian’s organisational policies and procedures. 

Qualifications, Key Attributes and Skills 

Essential:

• Lived experience in navigating mental health services or supporting others in navigating mental health services, with a demonstrated commitment to recovery and wellness. 
• Cert IV in Mental Health or related field.
• Experience in the design and delivery of psychosocial and mental health support groups and activities
• Understanding and adherence to professional and ethical boundaries when using lived or other experience.                                               
• A nuanced understanding of the diverse identities, experiences, and intersecting health and wellbeing needs of the LGBTIQA+ people.
• Understanding of and commitment to supporting Meridian’s communities.  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport and trust with clients, along with empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude.
• Demonstrate a high level of ethics and ability to adhere to the relevant codes of conduct and ethical standards for mental health, LGBTIQA+ health, and gender affirming care.
• Capacity to network and build partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders, including carers.
• Ability to take direction and work independently to contribute to the success of the team.
• Strong time management and organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple and competing demands.
• ACT Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Registration.

Desirable:

• Experience in peer support or a related field.
• An understanding of risk assessment and management in a mental health context, particularly the provision of 1:1 client support.
• Knowledge of supports and challenges in navigating the current ACT mental health system and the mental health services and supports from other ACT community organisations.
• Fluency in using computer applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Canva, to design and develop community resources and relevant materials.

For a confidential discussion about the position please email [email protected].

Learn more about working at Meridian in the attachment below.