Peer Worker - Community Supported Residential Worker

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading, values‑driven employer in Western Australia’s community services sector. Our people go boldly — not only supporting individuals in need, but working to end homelessness, prevent domestic and family violence, and create opportunities for people experiencing poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional workforce is supported by one of Western Australia’s largest peer support teams. We are deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated and embraced.

Ruah is proud to have been appointed by the Mental Health Commission to deliver the Community Supported Residential Units (CSRU) program, reflecting a sustained investment in stable, high‑quality residential mental health support in regional Western Australia through to June 2028.

About the Role

The Peer Worker – Community Supported Residential Units (CSRU) is a lived‑experience role focused on promoting hope, self‑determination and personal recovery for people living with complex mental health needs.

Working alongside residents, you will draw on your lived experience to support choice, strengths‑based goal setting and connection to services that align with what matters most to the individual. The role follows recognised National and WA Peer Workforce frameworks and plays a key part in creating a safe, inclusive and recovery‑focused residential environment.

You will assist residents with daily living tasks, support them to navigate internal and external services, promote self‑care and wellbeing, and work collaboratively with the broader CSRU team. Supervision, peer mentoring and reflective practice are core parts of this role.

This is a full‑time, fixed‑term position offered on an initial maximum term contract of 24 months, with the possibility of extension subject to ongoing funding and operational requirements.

What we’re looking for

The successful applicant will bring:

• Willingness to identify as a person with lived experience in a peer support role
• A professional understanding of how lived experience informs peer practice
• Experience working in community or human services settings
• Strong alignment with recovery‑oriented and trauma‑informed practice
• Ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with people accessing support
• Good communication and de‑escalation skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment
• Capacity to model personal wellbeing and healthy professional boundaries
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and client systems
• Understanding of diversity, inclusion and Aboriginal culture

Desirable

• Understanding of food safety standards and regulations

Mandatory requirements

• Current driver’s licence
• WA Working with Children Check
• National Police Certificate
• International Police Clearance (if applicable)
• First Aid Certificate

What do we offer?

• Salary aligned to Level 2 of the Ruah Enterprise Agreement (SCHADS Award), commencing at over $68,000 + Super
• 5 weeks annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading
• 16 weeks paid parental leave, with flexible half‑pay options
• Free, confidential Employee Assistance Program
• Ruah‑paid Journey Cover insurance
• Generous salary packaging, including up to $15,900 core packaging and $2,650 meal and entertainment packaging
• Opportunities to engage in peer networks, working groups, Pride events, cultural activities and reconciliation initiatives

How to apply 

If you’re passionate about using lived experience to support recovery and connection, we’d love to hear from you.

Click Apply, login/create your LiveHire profile, and submit:

• Your current CV, and
• A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages outlining your suitability for the role.

Applications close: Friday 15 May 2026

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For further information, please contact Alicia Roche, Service Lead

alicia.roche@ruah.org.au | 0422 386 565

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.