Peer Worker - Mobile Drug Safety Worker

Monash Health exists to reimagine care, so that people can live their best lives.

We provide safe and equitable care, for every stage of life, delivered with world-leading expertise and over 175 years of experience. Our team of 24,000 people are full hearted, open minded and all in. Together, we provide more than 250 integrated services for every stage of life at over 50 locations and in the community across south-east Melbourne, Victoria, serving 1.2 million residents in the South Metro Local Health Service Network.

To see first-hand what our colleagues think about working here, take a look at the following short videos monashhealth.org/careers.

About the Role

Join our team as a Peer Worker – Mobile Drug Safety Worker (MDSW), on a full time, fixed term basis until June 2027, working in the Drug & Alcohol Services as part of Monash Health.

This role will sit within the multidisciplinary of the Primary Health Clinic (PHC) and Needle Syringe Program (NSP) which offer the provision of basic health interventions, equipment, information and referral within a harm minimisation framework as it applies to people who use drugs in the Greater Dandenong area. This includes covering/supporting the Springvale area.This work will include basic knowledge of infection control, vein and wound care, HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections. The PHC provides an Opioid Replacement Therapy that the Care and recovery team support in providing assistance to the Addiction Medicine Specialist, Nurse Practitioners and other health care workers and clients of this services.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Reduce public health harms associating with injecting drug use
• Draw on their own lived experience of substance use and/or mental ill health and recovery to support others.
• Seek to improve the outcomes of those clients at risk of
• Provide mobile outreach and community engagement to people who use alcohol and other drugs
• Deliver targeted drug-strategy information, brief interventions and referrals
• Work closely with the Mobile Overdose Response Service worker and Proactive Overdose Response Initiative Peer worker in dealing with overdose and providing harm reduction education and treatment pathways for people who use drugs.
• Provide reflective discipline-specific supervision to other Lived and Living Experience Workforce employees, and offer guidance and support to Peer Workers on best practice and resolving complex consumer needs.

Peer Workers act as recovery champions, and practice within the Intentional Peer Support (IPS) values of mutual respect, shared experiences and collaboration. They seek to create authentic connections that foster personal growth and healing. As a non-clinical workforce Peer Workers complement the work of clinical staff without undertaking clinical duties.

Team & Program Contributions include:

• Participate in program development and continuous improvement from a consumer perspective.
• Collaborate with service staff and stakeholders; engage in reflective supervision and peer workforce development.
• Contribute to community engagement efforts that reduce stigma and promote community safety.

This is a meaningful opportunity to support others through your own lived experience and be part of a team dedicated to compassionate, non-judgemental care.

About Us

The Monash Health Drug & Alcohol Service (MHDAS) operationally reports through to the Mental Health Program and is committed to providing opportunities for change and growth by reducing drug use, the harms from drug use, improving physical and mental health, and reconnecting and or maintaining people’s connections to their family and the community. The principle catchment areas are the Cities of Greater Dandenong, Casey and the Shire of Cardinia with sites located in Dandenong, Pakenham, Cranbourne and Berwick.

About You

You are a compassionate, approachable and motivated individual who is passionate about using your lived or living experience to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. You understand the importance of harm minimisation, reducing stigma and creating safe, non-judgemental spaces where people feel respected, heard and empowered to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.

To thrive in this role, you will bring:

• Personal lived or living experience of substance use and/or mental health challenges and recovery, with the ability to draw on this experience to support others
• A genuine commitment to harm reduction, recovery-oriented practice and the principles of Intentional Peer Support
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds
• Confidence working independently in community outreach settings while contributing to a supportive multidisciplinary team
• An understanding of the challenges and barriers experienced by people who use alcohol and other drugs
• A collaborative approach and passion for advocacy, reducing stigma and improving access to health and community services

Above all, you believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect, regardless of where they are in their journey.

Why Join Us?

Your lived experience has value. Your voice matters. And your ability to connect with others could make all the difference.

At Monash Health, we recognise the unique contribution Peer Workers bring to our services. By sharing your experiences and building genuine connections, you can help people feel understood, supported and empowered to take positive steps towards their health and wellbeing.

Joining our Drug & Alcohol Service means becoming part of a compassionate, multidisciplinary team committed to reducing harm, challenging stigma and improving outcomes for some of our community's most vulnerable people.

You'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful community outreach, advocate for people who may face barriers to accessing care, and help shape services through the valuable perspective of lived and living experience.

Because sometimes, knowing someone truly understands can be the first step towards change.

For a confidential discussion and to explore this opportunity further, please reach out to Christopher Cornish-Raley, Team Leader, Primary Health Clinic/Needle Syringe Program at 03 9792 7630.

Position Description Documentation can be found here.

Our Culture and Values

At Monash Health, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our culture is inclusive, supportive and future-focused, underpinned by clear values and a commitment to continuous improvement. Our teams play a critical role in bringing our new strategy to life, challenging traditional approaches, embracing innovation, and ensuring every appointment reflects our commitment to equity, transparency and excellence.

You’ll be encouraged to share ideas, contribute to improvement initiatives, and grow alongside experienced professionals who are passionate about what they do. We are Full Hearted, Open Minded and All In, enabling excellent service delivery and a positive candidate and employee experience every time.

We recognise the value of equal employment opportunity. We are committed to patient safety, promoting fairness, equity and diversity in the workplace and to Child Safe Standards.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted via the Monash Health online EHub system. For information including how to apply and probity check requirements, please click here for the ‘Application Guide’. Applications will be screened upon receipt and selection activity may commence prior to the closing date.

Applications close: 25 October 2026