Peer Support Specialist

**Peer Support Specialist - Maternal services.**

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 Aronui Ora Maternal Mental Health team who has lived experience.**
- The Aronui Ora service specialises in maternal 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