Mental Health and AOD Peer Worker

About the Opportunity

This Peer Worker role is part of the multidisciplinary Allied Health team within the Check-In Community Mental Health program at Frontyard Youth Services in Melbourne’s CBD.

The role draws on lived experience of AOD and mental health needs, including other co-occurring needs (e.g. homelessness, family violence etc) to build authentic relationships with young people aged 12–25.

With a focus on fostering trust, safety, and hope, the Peer Worker supports young people to explore their experiences, access appropriate services, and work towards their AOD, mental health and social goals.

About you

You bring lived experience of mental health and/or AOD challenges and a genuine commitment to using that experience to build trust, connection and hope with young people facing similar barriers. You work collaboratively, communicate with empathy, and contribute meaningfully within a multidisciplinary team to support young people towards recovery and social connection.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Purposeful lived‑experience practice — you share your experiences in a way that fosters trust, hope and identification, helping young people feel understood and supported.
• Strong interpersonal skills — you build authentic, respectful and non‑judgemental relationships with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Collaborative approach — you work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and with external services to support integrated care.

Benefits of working with MCM include:

• Diverse and inclusive organisation
• Attractive Salary Packaging benefits
• Supportive learning and development environment
• Culture of continuous improvement

Essential:

• Formal training in Peer Work (e.g. Intentional Peer Support/SHARC Peer Worker Training) and/or experience in formalised Peer Work role/s.
• Demonstrated lived experience of mental health & AOD needs, including other co-occurring needs (homelessness, family violence etc) as well as accessing the service system/s, preferably in Victoria.
• The ability to share lived experience in a purposeful and appropriate way that fosters trust, hope, connection and identification with young people.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build authentic, genuine, respectful and non-judgemental relationships with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively when implementing a lived experience perspective within multi-disciplinary teams, with internal and external stakeholders.
• An understanding of the key issues affecting people with co-occurring needs including mental ill health, homelessness, disabilities, alcohol and other drug issues, health and safety issues and social connection.
• A strong commitment to strengths and recovery-based, healing oriented practice.
• Knowledge of homelessness and other community services for young people.
• Willingness to undergo professional development and training to support your role.
• An understanding of the requirements for ensuring child safety.

Desirable:

• A basic level of computer literacy, including familiarity with Microsoft programs, is desirable. Support and training can be provided to develop skills as needed. 

Screening Criteria:

• National Police check
• Working with Children check and NDIS Worker Screening check or ability to obtain
• Valid Victorian Driver's license
• Right to Work in Australia

Applications for this role will close on 20 March 2026/or Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early.  Please include your current resume and cover letter.
Please review the position description to understand more about the role and responsibilities.  If you have any needs throughout the recruitment process that have not already been catered for, we encourage you to contact recruitment@mcm.org.au to let us know how we can better support you to apply.

About MCM

MCM is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to safety. MCM embraces differences because we know that diversity and inclusion help us to attract, recruit, engage and retain talented people. 
We are a leading not-for profit-for-purpose organisation that offer a broad range of services in Disability, Homelessness, Palliative Care and Education.

Our commitment to Safety

MCM is committed to the safety of its clients and employees, taking a zero-tolerance approach to violence within the workplace and abuse, including child abuse and abuse of people with disability. All employees are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards.

Our commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Equity of Access

At MCM we embrace our differences because we know that diversity helps us to innovate and make the biggest impact possible. Our DEI Strategy supports and drives an inclusive workplace culture. We embrace the learning opportunities that come with authentic commitment to equity of access for all. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.