Peer Support Mental Health jobs

Ready to Change Lives? Join UnitingSA as a Mental Health Worker / Peer Support Worker

At UnitingSA, we’re not just hiring, we’re inviting passionate changemakers to join a team that believes in the power of compassion, inclusion, and lived experience. Whether you’ve walked your own mental health journey or bring professional expertise, your story has value here.

We’re seeking an experienced Mental Health Worker/Peer Support Worker to make a meaningful impact in the vibrant community of Whyalla. In this Full-time role, you’ll support individuals with complex mental health needs while contributing to the wellbeing of this thriving town.

If you thrive on empowering others, love working collaboratively, and want to be part of a community that uplifts and supports, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

About the Role

This role calls for a collaborative spirit and the confidence to work independently across a range of psychosocial programs, including:

• NAPS Program (Non-Acute Psycho Social): Supporting individuals with ongoing psychosocial needs.
• IPS Program (Intensive Psycho Social): Providing intensive support for complex cases across UnitingSA.

You’ll be making decisions in partnership with individuals experiencing serious mental health conditions, often alongside co-morbidities such as alcohol and other drugs, personality disorders, physical health conditions, and homelessness. Your ability to engage respectfully with carers, families, and professionals across hospitals, community mental health, and allied sectors will be key to your success.

This position involves complex case management, assertive advocacy, and connecting and referring people to specialist services. You’ll also provide crisis support, requiring flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to unplanned situations. Occasional weekend work may be required.

What You’ll Do

This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to transform lives. In this role, you’ll:

• Be a guide: Support individuals to access housing, develop life skills, and find their place in the community.
• Be a motivator: Empower people to set and achieve personal goals, building confidence and independence.
• Be a navigator: Help clients access the NDIS, Aged Care systems, and other vital services.
• Be a collaborator: Work alongside clients, carers, and care teams to develop personalised plans and achieve lasting outcomes.
• Be a crisis responder: Use your skills in de-escalation and crisis work to support people in high-stress situations.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who’s not only skilled but passionate about making a difference. You’ll need:

• Qualifications: Degree/Diploma in Human Services or Certificate IV in Community Services, Disability, Mental Health, or Mental Health Peer Work.
• Checks: DHS Working with Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening.
• Experience:
• • Working with diverse client groups and people with serious mental health conditions.
  • Managing complex cases and providing crisis support.
  • Navigating NDIS and Aged Care systems.
  • Supporting people experiencing homelessness and co-morbidities.
  • Liaising with hospitals and community mental health teams.
• Skills:
• • Assertive advocacy and strong communication.
  • De-escalation techniques and working with complex clients.
  • Flexibility to respond quickly to unplanned situations.

If you have lived experience of mental health recovery, you’ll also bring:

• Inspiration: Instil hope and resilience through your personal journey.
• Connection: Build trust with a compassionate, non-judgemental approach.
• Cultural awareness: Support diverse communities with sensitivity and respect.
• Trauma-informed care: Bring empathy and understanding to complex situations.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

At UnitingSA, you’re not just an employee, you’re part of something bigger. For over 100 years, we’ve been building a society where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.

Enjoy:

• A meaningful role: Directly contribute to building a compassionate and inclusive community.
• A values-driven team: Join a supportive environment where diversity is celebrated.
• Growth opportunities: Access training and resources to support your development.
• Flexibility: Work across different programs and settings to expand your impact.

What We Offer

• Salary Packaging: Up to $15,900 tax-free, plus $2,650 for meals and entertainment.
• Leave Loading: 17.5% boost to your holiday pay.
• Wellbeing Support: Free professional and personal support.
• Career Growth: Ongoing training and upskilling.
• Parental Leave: 16 weeks of paid leave.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve been searching for a role where you can bring your whole self to work, make a real difference, and feel proud of what you do, this is it.

For a confidential discussion, contact Nicola Bennett, Program Manager Mental Health Services on 0439 391 162.

Need help applying? Reach out to our Talent & Acquisition team on 08 8440 2120.

We welcome applications from all community members, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally diverse backgrounds, and people of all abilities and diversities.

Applications close: Wednesday 25 November 2026.

Please note: We may close this advert early if we find the right candidate.

Our application process is mobile-friendly for your convenience.

Join UnitingSA and let’s create a flourishing community together.