Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist - Māori mental health.

Are you passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to mental health and recovery? Do you have personal experience in navigating the challenges of mental health issues and a strong desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others? We have an exciting opportunity for a Peer Support Specialist to join our new service located in Auckland Central.
- ** Permanent, Full-time (40 hours per week)**
- ** General working hours 8:00am-4:30pm/8:30am-5:00pm, Monday - Friday**
- Ember Korowai Takitini have the privilege to establish a new Peer Support Specialist service within Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland Kahui o te Ihi.

**We are looking for someone to work within the Manawanui clinical team who has lived experience from a Māori perspective.**
- The Manawanui service specialises in Māori mental health._
- ** Pay Equity: $24.00ph - $29.25ph **(service falls under Pay Equity. Pay is determined by qualification and equivalence to the National Certificate of Health and Wellbeing L4). Ember will pay an additional $1 above current Pay Equity rate.

**Ember Korowai Takitini**:
Ember Korowai Takitini are leaders in The Peer & Lived Experience mental health and addiction sector, dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Our Peer & Lived Experience services blends professional expertise and lived experience to offer a range of services and supports for anyone with mental health, addiction, or intellectual disability needs.

**Ember**:

- Offers additional leave - Recreation days & study leave
- Provides a comprehensive Health & Wellbeing programme, including health checks, flu vaccinations and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and more.
- Professional development opportunities, including training and workshops.
- Supportive and inclusive work environment, fostering personal growth and work-life balance.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive service induction
- Individual allocated car
- Laptop and phone for work purposes.
- Monthly Peer Coaching and Supervision

**The Service**:
As a Peer Support Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in our clinical services team, providing invaluable support to individuals with mental health conditions You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals, ensuring a holistic and person-centred approach to care.

**Role**:
Peer Support Specialists bring more than their own personal lived experience to the role. Their approach is shaped by a knowledge base and practices derived from individual and collective understandings of what is needed for recovery and sustained wellbeing.

**Responsibilities**:

- Provide one-on-one peer support to individuals with mental health conditions, fostering hope, empathy, and trust.
- Assist individuals in identifying and setting personal recovery goals, promoting self-determination and autonomy.
- Facilitate peer-led support groups, creating a safe and inclusive environment for sharing experiences and building a sense of community.
- Collaborate with clinical staff to develop and implement individualized treatment plans, based on the unique needs and goals of everyone.
- Advocate for the rights and needs of individuals, ensuring their voices are heard and respected within the healthcare system.
- Serve as a resource to clinical staff, providing insights and perspectives from the lived experience of mental health challenges.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all interactions, ensuring compliance with confidentiality and regulatory requirements.

**Qualifications**:

- Personal lived experience with mental health challenges and successful recovery is essential.
- Previous experience within the Mental Health sector.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Preferably level 4 National Certificate of Health & Wellbeing or higher qualification.
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to balance multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, while also demonstrating initiative and independent judgment.
- Proficient computer skills for documentation and data management purposes.
- Demonstrated commitment to ongoing personal and professional growth.
- Full NZ Drivers Licence
- Valid/Current work visa, residency, or citizenship