Peer support

[Theodorea]

I’m  interested in becoming a peer support worker

I have a degree in psychology and 3/4 degree in counselling (from like 10 years ago ish) and a lived experience of schizophrenia, but I have not worked in the industry yet.

I’m wondering, how common is peer support work? I’m not seeing a lot of advertising for workers in my area, anyone got any tips for how to get into it? 
thanks! 

[avant-garde]

Hey @Theodorea great to have you on the forums! 

Best people to ask are probably some of our peer support workers on here

@tyme @RiverSeal @Jynx @Ru-bee @rav3n @moderator 

(There's more but they're the ones I know off the top of my head) 

This might be able to help too

https://www.sane.org/about-us/careers-at-sane

[ElephantEar3]

Hi Theodorea,

If you look through the events tab you'll find a couple of webinars that I would recommend if you have the time! One is on peer worked and the power of lived experience and another one is a discussion on Hearing Voices from a SANE peer worker.

The jobs that do come up often have different names but searching Peer Work is the best bet. They often ask for Peer Work training which you can also look up to see if that's of interest?

let me know if you want to discuss further.

[rav3n]

hey @Theodorea there are definitely peer support jobs out there! i've noticed that in the last few years there's been more opportunities open up, and i have my fingers crossed that it will continue growing.

jobs vary on their criteria - some want to hire those with a psychology/counselling/social work/peer work qualification, some don't mind as long as the person as lived experience and/or experience supporting others. 

i'll link in those peer support webinar and threads that ElephantEar3 mentioned, feel free to check them out and ask questions! 😊

• Recording // Mental Health Webinar 8 // The Power ... - SANE Forums
• Are You Thinking of Peer Work - Have your questions answered here thread 

[Theodorea]

Thanks! 

[blue_wren]

Hi Theadora, 

Lived experience / peer support workers are definitely gaining more traction. If you are in the Sydney area, specifically the South Eastern Local Health District, I know they have a college called The Recovery College at their Safe Haven Hub. They have short courses / lived experience worker run workshops on getting into the space and it's free. There is a need for it within the public health system, and in support work for NDIS, youth work, aged care, and many other fields. It's not so much about your qualifications, though that will obviously help, but more about you sharing your story on recovery and offering hope when the people you support may not be able to hold hope for themselves. Empathy and compassion and judgement free are most important, and from what I read on your post, I feel that you have all of that and more. Most roles will pay for you to go through the Cert III Peer Worker TAFE course. 

I hope this has been helpful for you and wish you all the best on your journey! 

[tyme]

Hey @Theodorea , the post above was for you. From @blue_wren 

[GonePirate]

I've worked as a peer worker last 5 years 

suss out ethicaljobs.com

good place to start 

We need more people on the industry who give a sh!t to be completely honest 

[tyme]

Thanks for sharing @GonePirate ,

It's good to connect with other peer workers. 

I find peer work invaluable. But it's certainly important to have that balance between caring and setting boundaries.

What do you find most beneficial (or the best part) of being a peer worker or having a peer worker to connect with? @GonePirate @Theodorea @blue_wren 

[GonePirate]

The silent understanding that come with the title knowing that this person gets it.

how it can encourage and inspire people when they see someone who is doing well and managing it thriving in their life and recovery journey

But ultimately it's the working shoulder to shoulder with someone when working face to face