ABOUT YOUR ORGANISATION

Red Tree Foundation, an initiative of SIDS & Kids SA, has been providing support to South Australian families since 1977. We provide compassionate, free bereavement support to families navigating the devastating loss of a baby, child, or teen, from conception to 17 years. We offer professional grief counselling, a range of support groups, and community events that honour and remember loved ones while fostering connection and understanding. Red Tree Foundation creates safe spaces for families to share their grief, find hope, and travel their grief journey. In addition to supporting bereaved families, we are committed to reducing stigma around child loss, we work to educate the community on the complexities of grief and provide meaningful, ongoing support when it is needed most.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Peer Support work draws on lived experience of bereavement to encourage confidence and hope in others about their grief journey and living life after loss. The role requires lived experience of baby, child or teen bereavement. This experience may be as a parent or family member. Your lived experience will provide an understanding that is experiential, as we understand the loss of a baby, child or teen is not something that can be explained and felt without going through and knowing profound grief.

As the Peer Support Work Lead, you will use your lived experience of bereavement to provide understanding and support to parents and families in collaboration with the rest of the Red Tree Foundation team.

You will facilitate peer support groups and participate in community events to provide memorial and honorary space for bereaved families. In collaboration with the team, participate in educating the community on grief and loss to help support families navigating the devastating loss of a baby or child to foster a more compassionate, empathetic community and reduce stigma.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you will have lived experience of bereavement. If you have accessed Red Tree Foundation services for support, you must not be currently engaged with our counselling service and have had at least 3 months since your last session. Participants in our peer support groups are welcome to apply.

We’re looking for someone with a deep understanding of grief and loss, with the ability to hold space for others as they navigate their own bereavement journey. You’ll need strong interpersonal skills and a natural ability to connect with people in a compassionate and empathetic way. Experience in providing peer support or working in similar roles where you’ve walked alongside others during difficult times will be invaluable.

Organisation and time management will be key, as you’ll be balancing peer support groups, community events, and working alongside our team to ensure families feel supported in the moments they need it most. You’ll also be involved in recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers, so the ability to guide and support others in their work will be essential. While we work as a team to provide holistic support, you’ll also need to work independently, making sound decisions and managing responsibilities with confidence.

Confidentiality, professionalism, and clear boundaries are critical in this role, as is an understanding of privacy legislation and best practice in bereavement support. On occasion there may be some evening work required for planned after-hours events. A current driver’s license will be needed to support travel to community events and group sessions.

While formal qualifications aren’t required, a Certificate IV in Peer Support Work or an equivalent qualification would be highly regarded. If you have experience facilitating support groups, an understanding of trauma-informed practice, or lived experience as a bereaved parent or family member, you will bring an invaluable depth of understanding to the role. A National Police Check will be required before commencing.

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone with a genuine passion for supporting families through one of life’s most difficult experiences, creating a safe space for them to share, connect, and find hope. If you believe in the power of lived experience and the importance of peer support, we would love to hear from you.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

In addition to salary packaging, you'll be part of community making an impact.

Things we love about working at Red Tree Foundation are:

• Meaningful, purpose-driven work – Every day, you’ll make a tangible difference in the lives of bereaved parents and families, providing comfort, connection, and hope.
• A supportive and understanding team – Work alongside a compassionate team that values lived experience, encourages genuine connection, and supports your wellbeing.
• Opportunities to co-design peer support initiatives – Your lived experience and insights will directly shape the way we support families navigating grief.
• Be part of a respected organisation with a long-standing impact – Red Tree Foundation is an initiative of SIDS & Kids SA and has been supporting grieving families for over 45 years.
• Engage with a caring and connected community – Through peer support groups, memorial events, and community outreach, you’ll play a key role in fostering a space of understanding and remembrance for families.

A position description is attached.