Kaya Peer Worker

We're looking for a Kaya Peer Worker to join our Luminos team in Subiaco. In this rewarding role, you'll use your lived or living experience of recovery from suicide to provide face-to-face peer support, foster hope, and help young people navigate challenging periods in their lives. If you're committed to recovery-oriented practice and want to be part of a team that is creating safer and more supportive communities, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a part-time maximum-term opportunity working 30.4 hours per week until 30 June 2027. The role is rostered across Monday to Thursday, with shifts operating between 6:00am to 2:00pm and 2:00pm to 10:00pm. The team works collaboratively to ensure fair and equitable access to shifts that attract penalty rates.

You'll enjoy excellent salary packaging benefits, a supportive team culture, and the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people every day.

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia's community services sector. Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence, and create opportunities for people experiencing poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA's largest peer workforces. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated, and embraced.

By joining Ruah, you will help transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.

About the Role

The Kaya Peer Worker plays a vital role within Luminos, a short-term residential service supporting young people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, and mental health challenges.

Using your lived or living experience of recovery from suicide, you will provide authentic face-to-face peer support that promotes hope, connection, resilience, and recovery. You will build meaningful relationships with young people, support their day-to-day wellbeing, and help create a safe, welcoming, and recovery-focused environment.

Working alongside the Team Lead, Peer Lead, and broader service team, you will empower young people to recognise their strengths, develop coping strategies, and work towards their recovery goals.

This role is based in Subiaco and is a part-time maximum-term contract position working 30.4 hours per week until 30 June 2027. Shifts are rostered Monday to Thursday between 6:00am to 2:00pm and 2:00pm to 10:00pm, with roster arrangements designed to ensure equitable access to penalty-bearing shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide face-to-face peer support to young people experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress, and suicidal thoughts
• Draw on your lived or living experience of recovery to inspire hope and humanise experiences of suicidal thoughts
• Build authentic, trust-based relationships that promote connection and wellbeing
• Support young people to identify strengths, develop coping strategies
• Assist with the day-to-day operations of the residence and contribute to a safe and welcoming environment
• Encourage participation in meaningful activities, daily routines, and community connections
• Contribute to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centred practice
• Work collaboratively with peer workers, team leaders, clinicians, and external stakeholders
• Support young people experiencing distress using engagement and de-escalation approaches
• Maintain professional boundaries and complete documentation in line with organisational requirements
• Participate in supervision, reflective practice, training, and continuous improvement activities
• Promote inclusion, cultural safety, and the rights of young people

What We're Looking For

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Lived or living experience of recovery from suicide, including experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or surviving a suicide attempt, and a willingness to use that experience within the role
• Understanding of peer work principles and the value of lived experience in supporting recovery
• Experience supporting young people experiencing mental health challenges and/or emotional distress
• Ability to apply an intersectional and inclusive approach when working with young people
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and its application in daily work
• Strong interpersonal, engagement, communication, and de-escalation skills
• Ability to work independently and contribute positively to team outcomes
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while modelling wellbeing and recovery
• Knowledge of diversity, social inclusion, Aboriginal cultural awareness, and gender equity
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Desirable

• ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
• Intentional Peer Support Core Training
• Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work, Peer Skillset, or a related qualification

What We Offer

• Salary aligned with SCHADS Award Level 2, starting at $71,800 plus superannuation (pro rata for part-time hours)
• 5 weeks annual leave plus 17.5% annual leave loading
• 16 weeks paid parental leave, with flexibility to access 32 weeks at half pay
• Access to a free and confidential Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
• Free Ruah-paid Journey Cover for travel to and from work
• Generous salary packaging benefits including:
• Up to $15,900 in general salary packaging
• Up to $2,650 in meal entertainment packaging
• Additional benefits for travel, accommodation, parking, education expenses, and more
• Opportunities to participate in employee-led working groups, Pride events, reconciliation initiatives, and other community activities

Required Compliance Documents

• Current Driver's Licence
• National Police Clearance
• Working with Children Check
• Current First Aid Certificate

How to Apply

We'd love to hear from you.

Please click Apply, create your LiveHire profile, and submit your current CV along with a cover letter of no more than two pages outlining your suitability for the role, including how your lived or living experience of recovery from suicide (including experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or surviving a suicide attempt) would inform your work in this role.

Applications close: 25 September 2026

Please note that this advertisement may close earlier if a suitable applicant is identified.

For further information, please contact Clayton Pearson, Service Lead - Mental Health and Wellness Danjoo, at clayton.pearson@ruah.org.au.

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.  Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs. 

We are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All applicants will undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.