Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist

We're looking for someone who's had their own mental health journey through to recovery and is ready to support others on theirs.

Summary: You've experienced mental health challenges yourself and your lived experience is your strength. Having maintained a period of wellness for at least 18 months before applying, you bring a unique ability to relate to others who may be going through similar experiences on their recovery journey.

In our 24/7 Peer Acute Alternative Service, you'll draw on your own lived experience to build meaningful connections, offer compassion and non-judgemental support, and help tāngata whai ora feel understood, respected and hopeful about their recovery.

The role: Tuesday to Saturday, 11.00pm – 7.30am, awake nights shift based in Christchurch.

You know from your own experience that mental health challenges can affect everyone differently. As a Peer Support Specialist in our 24/7 Peer Acute Alternative Service, you'll use that understanding to connect with and support tāngata whai ora during challenging times.

Our service offers an alternative to hospital admission, providing a safe, supportive environment where people can focus on their wellbeing and recovery. You'll join a team of 24 staff working across a range of shifts, bringing compassion, connection and a whatever it takes approach to your work.

As a Peer Support Specialist, you will:

• Make it personal - understand each person's individual needs, build genuine connections and provide culturally safe, compassionate support.
• Support everyday independence - help tāngata whai ora with daily living skills, encouraging confidence, choice and independence.
• Work together as a team - keep accurate notes, complete handovers and administrative tasks, and collaborate with colleagues to provide consistent, quality support.
• Keep things running overnight - while people are asleep, you'll carry out important tasks including cleaning, preparing paperwork, checking supplies such as first aid and emergency kits, and supporting the wider team to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

About You: You'll draw on your own understanding of mental health and the tools that support your wellbeing to help others navigate their own recovery journey.

You'll also:

• Hold Intentional Peer Support (IPS) training or a Peer Employment Training (PET) Certificate, or be willing to work towards one.
• Hold the New Zealand Certificate Level 4 in Health and Wellbeing (or a recognised equivalent).
• Have had a period of wellness of at least 18 months before applying.
• Hold a full New Zealand driver's licence.
• Hold a current comprehensive first aid certificate or be willing to obtain one.

About Pathways: At Pathways, we support people across Aotearoa to live full, meaningful lives in their communities. Mental health and overall wellbeing are at the heart of what we do, and strong whānau connections guide our work. Our "whatever it takes" wairua is all about personalised, compassionate support.