Recreation - Kaya Peer Worker

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia’s community services sector. Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA’s biggest Peer support workforces. Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated and embraced.

By choosing to work with us, you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and suitably qualified Good Days Recreation Kaya Peer Worker. The Kaya Peer Worker is often the first point for clients with Ruah Community services, engaging with people who are presenting for support. This role is a welcoming position that provides people with the information required to make informed choices of the supports available to them. The Kaya Peer Worker will be required to facilitate group activities and provide one to one support across various locations including the Rockingham/Mandurah area.

Promoting a culture of hope and optimism for personal recovery, a Kaya Peer Worker works alongside a client to identify their existing strengths and resources, as well as to support real choices and promote self determination. The Kaya Peer Worker position follows the values and principles of Peer practice as outlined in both the National Lived Experience (Peer) guidelines, as well as the WA Framework for the Lived Experience (Peer) workforce. 

This is a part-time permanent position, working 4 days per week (30.4 hours/week) with possible evening and weekend shifts.

What we’re looking for

The successful applicants will be required to meet the following criteria:

• Be confident both as a peer support worker and in facilitating recreation groups for people who face mental health challenges and/or challenges with alcohol and other drugs.
• Experience working in a similar or community work setting, including facilitating a range of recreational activities that involve physical health, social connection and creative expression (e.g. walking, cycling, gym, coffee and Art Groups).
• Be willing to identify as a person with Lived Experience working in a peer support role.
• Demonstrate a professional understanding of how Lived Experience informs work as a Peer.
• Openness to continuous quality improvement and learning in this role.
• A strong understanding of Trauma Informed Practice principles and ability to implement this in day-today practice with colleagues and clients.
• Ability to work independently with a high level of reliability and contribute to the functioning of the team.
• Have effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Good interpersonal and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to model personal wellbeing, safe professional boundaries and positive unconditional regard for the people you are supporting
• Intermediate computing and application skills including Microsoft Office and client reporting systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of diversity, gender and social inclusion, particularly Aboriginal culture

The following criteria are considered desirable:

• Desirable qualifications include tertiary qualifications in Human Services in particular a Certificate 4 Mental Health and/or Certificate 4 Mental Health Peer Work.

What do we offer?

• A annual base salary aligned with Level 2 of the Ruah Enterprise Agreement (and the SCHADS Award), ranging from $66,230 to $72,276 (pro rata) + 11.5% superannuation.
• 5 weeks annual leave + annual leave loading of 17.5%.
• 16 weeks paid parental leave, with flexibility to take at 32 weeks half-pay (uniquely, new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months’ service). 
• Free, independent and confidential access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program.
• Free Ruah-paid Journey Cover (insurance for when you're getting to and from work).
• Incredibly valuable Salary Packaging (to extend your take home pay) with:
• up to $15,900 core packaging
• an additional $2,650 in meal entertainment packaging
• benefits for salary packaging travel, accommodation, parking fees, education expenses and more!
• Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups, joining us at Pride events, being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much, much more! 

Required compliance documents:

• Current WA drivers’ license
• National Police Clearance Certificate (& National Criminal History Check, if applicable)
• WA Working with Children Check

How to apply 

We’d love to hear from you!

Please click apply, create your LiveHire profile, and submit your current CV along with a cover letter of no more than two pages, helping us understand your fit for this role.

Closing date for applications: 11 October 2024.

For further information please contact Crawford Olney, Team Lead at Crawford.Olney@ruah.org.au.

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right. 

Ruah has a zero tolerance against child abuse and are committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, and their right to feel safe and be safe across all areas of our organisation.

Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.