Peer Support worker
Permanent Part-time, 38 hours per fortnight | Rockingham/Mandurah

This role requires working evenings and Saturday.

Make a Real Impact at Palmerston Association

Since 1980, Palmerston has been a leader in AOD support across WA, helping people improve their wellbeing. We offer specialised services in alcohol and other drug treatment, mental health, and wellbeing, through counselling, group support, residential rehabilitation, and education—reaching communities across the Perth metro, Peel, South West, and Great Southern regions.

About the Role

Here’s your opportunity to be part of a passionate, purpose-driven team that’s making a genuine difference every day.

📌 We are seeking a Peer Support Worker to join our team and play a vital role in supporting client engagement and recovery. Drawing on lived experience, the Peer Support Worker will offer meaningful connection and insight to individuals accessing our services, helping to enhance participation in group programs across Metro CADS sites. A key part of the role also involves facilitating SMART Recovery meetings, fostering a supportive environment for clients on their recovery journey.

This role is classified at Level 3 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010.

This role requires confidence, compassion, and a steady presence. Working alongside vulnerable individuals means facing complex situations, high emotions, and occasional setbacks. That’s why we’re looking for someone who embodies compassion, connection, acceptance, and respect—someone who can offer unwavering support while maintaining the ability to navigate difficult moments with confidence and care. With a commitment to excellence in service, you’ll provide the stability and encouragement that empowers individuals on their journey toward change.

What We’re Looking For

You’re more than your qualifications—you’re someone who brings heart, empathy, professionalism and a strong commitment to supporting clients in improving their wellbeing. The ideal candidate will meet the following selection criteria:

Have personal experience of recovery from substance use and have been free from substance use problems for a minimum of 2 years.

Enthusiasm for sharing experiences of recovery and maintaining wellness and the ability to inspire others towards recovery.

Have a positive, non-judgmental attitude towards people with drug use and mental health problems, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds and Aboriginal people.

Strong interpersonal and effective communication skills and the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.

Experience in working in a peer support role and/or environment either in the mental health or drug and alcohol sector.

Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and ability to work with Aboriginal and culturally diverse people.

Why Join Us?

At Palmerston, we value people—our clients, our communities, and our staff. Here’s what you can look forward to:

✨ Great Benefits:

Salary packaging up to $15,900 + $2,650 for meals/entertainment

5 days of life & wellness leave (pro rata)

9 weeks paid parental leave for the primary carer

2 weeks paid partner leave for non-primary carers

Option to purchase an additional week of leave each year

Partial access to long service leave after 5 years

Flexible, family-friendly work arrangements

17.5% annual leave loading (award-based staff)

5 days paid gender affirmation leave

🌏 Inclusive Culture:

Cultural leave (2 paid + 8 unpaid days) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff

Staff-led working groups (RAP, Rainbow, Environmental, Disability Access & Inclusion)

Aboriginal Staff Forum to connect and collaborate

Our annual Big Day Out brings staff together from all sites to relax, connect and celebrate our work

We’re Rainbow Tick accredited—the first and only AOD provider in WA to achieve this!

How to Apply

Ready to bring your passion to Palmerston? We’d love to hear from you.

Click “Apply” on Seek! Or, if its more convenient for you, drop off your application at one of our sites.
Be sure to include:

Your resume

A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

Answers to all application questions

⏳ Applications close: 12th June 2025
We’re reviewing applications as they come in—so don’t wait!

A Few Final Details

You’ll need a valid WA Working with Children Check and a National Police Clearance (issued within the last 3 months).

📞 Got questions? Contact Alex Markos at 0456 357 537or email [email protected]

Diversity makes us stronger. We seek and welcome diversity and a breadth of experience and backgrounds in our teams. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people who identify as LGBTIQ+ are encouraged to apply.

If you would like to have a yarn on what it’s like to work at Palmerston as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander employee at Palmerston please contact Wayne Ryder on 08 9399 5344 or [email protected].