Every year, headspace centres support thousands of young Australians with their mental and physical health. With a strong focus on early intervention, headspace keeps young people at the heart of everything we do.

We are currently seeking a full-time Youth Peer Worker to join our team in Caloundra. This is a non-clinical role that does not require formal qualifications, but it does require a personal lived experience of significant mental health challenges and what recovery looks like.

In this role, you will work alongside a multidisciplinary team to support young people aged 12 to 25, helping to create a safe, inclusive, and youth-friendly environment where they feel heard, understood, and empowered.

We are looking for someone who not only understands what it’s like to seek support but who can also genuinely relate to the experiences and pressures facing young people today. To be successful in this role, you need to be able to relate to the realities of today’s generation—whether that means having experience navigating school, friendships, identity, mental health, or the ongoing impacts of COVID—and be able to use your own lived experience to build trust, offer hope, and create meaningful connections.

Under s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the incumbent to have a personal lived experience of substance dependence and or mental ill-health, service use and recovery.

The gross salary for this position ranges between $73,803 - $79,133 per annum plus superannuation. We offer lots of benefits including five extra days paid leave, an Employee Assistance Program, and discounted access to gyms, pools, and leisure facilities across the country. Our intranet, Wellspring, offers a huge range of discounted products and services – from supermarkets to electronics to fashion!

What we are looking for:

Although this is not an entry level role, it would ideally suit someone in the early stages of their career – someone with a passion for utilising their own lived experience of significant mental health challenges, to help others through their own recovery and wellbeing journey. The focus is on utilising your lived experience instead of having knowledge of clinical interventions.

If you have been a Youth Peer Worker previously, great! If not, you will be excited about learning how to facilitate groups and provide individual support in a safe, inclusive way. Along with the ability to mentor and guide, you will have the following:

• Personal experience of mental health challenges and recovery, with insight into what seeking support can look like
• The ability to relate to the current generation of young people (12–25 years), with lived experience of the kinds of challenges they face today (e.g., school, friendships, identity, social media, mental health, post-COVID impacts)
• Collaborative, open approach – this is a newly developed team and your opportunity to contribute to developing the culture and environment
• Strong communication and engagement skills - you will be having individual and group discussions with a range of young people
• The ability to appropriately and safely share your lived experience within professional boundaries
• Understanding of how to safely share your own mental health journey with peers
• You’re super organised – you know how to plan and manage your time and workload
• You can easily talk to your peers but also switch gears to talk and advocate within a team of clinical professionals
• Knowing the importance of self-care and self-reflection, and being open when you require support'
• Good computer skills, use of Microsoft Suite and Client Management Systems

A Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work would be highly regarded, but we can also provide internal training opportunities within the headspace Peer Support Work model. You will need to have an Australian Drivers Licence and a Working with Children Check (Blue Card).

About our team

The team is supported by an open and collaborative Team Leader who is personable, flexible, and works with an open-door policy. Our ideal candidate will have a passion for working with young people and mental health, be a team player, and be willing to offer ideas and suggestions.

The Centre is located near the beach, with on-site parking and surrounded by plenty of shops and cafes.

Other things you need to know

headspace Caloundra is run by Lives Lived Well, a progressive, for purpose organisation, delivering leading edge services aimed at supporting people to live their lives well. We live and work by our values, so it’s important to us that you do too!

What to do next

Please click “apply” to submit your application – you will be required to complete a few pre-screening questions online, where you can tell us your story and why you are interested in working with us.

If you have any questions about the role or to view the Position Description, please email [email protected]

Applications close Friday, 6th June 2025, however we will be conducting interviews throughout the process and may close applications early.

Lives Lived Well is an equal employment opportunity employer. We encourage applications from a diverse range of social, cultural and gender backgrounds that reflect our community including First Nations People.