P: (03) 9537 3177| E: info@firststep.org.au | W: www.firststep.org.au
ABN: 51 093 661 995 | Endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the ATO
PEER SUPPORT COORDINATOR POSITION DESCRIPTION
This position description outlines the key responsibilities, duties, qualifications, and expectations for the Peer
Support Coordinator in the ResetLife program at First Step. It includes a position overview, information about
First Step, the ResetLife program and the Peer Support Coordinator role, reporting relationships, required skills
and experience, and performance criteria. This position description serves as a reference for both the Peer
Support Coordinator and ResetLife Manager to understand the scope and purpose of the position alongside First
Steps policies and procedures.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Position Title: Peer Support Coordinator
OUR MISSION
Ensure that people seeking support for alcohol and other drug use or mental distress get all the help they want
and need in a welcoming, hope-filled environment.
Provide integrated care and support, maximising each person’s self-agency, resilience and connection.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work, Intentional Peer Support training; or similar.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Lived Experience
- Personal lived experience in the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) community, demonstrating resilience
and a commitment to AOD recovery, health and wellbeing.
- Personal lived experience of engaging with ResetLife rehabilitation or a similar program and
graduated.
- Professional, optimistic, self-driven and autonomous team member who is positive role model for the
ResetLife community.
- The ability to use initiative and work within a rapid changing environment.
Empathy and Support
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, establish rapport, and maintain
compassionate and supportive relationships with ResetLife participants and their families/support
person(s).
- Experience offering support and active listening to individuals experiencing AOD concerns within the
ResetLife community in a respectful, compassionate and positive manner.
- Proven ability to provide effective and empathetic peer support, drawing from personal experiences
to inspire hope and recovery in a professional boundary context.
Advocacy and Peer Support
- Advocacy for the rights and wellbeing of the ResetLife participants through peer led experience,
support and empowerment.
Administration
- Excellent administration skills including data collection and entry, preparation for groups and
maintaining documentation to a high standard.
- Proficient in the use of MS Suit
First Step | 18 Mitford Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
P: (03) 9537 3177| E: info@firststep.org.au | W: www.firststep.org.au
ABN: 51 093 661 995 | Endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the ATO
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Client Contact – to provide
relevant, timely and peer
appropriate support to
participants of the First Step
ResetLife program without
prejudice, discrimination, or
injustice.
a. Role model recovery attitudes and behaviours. Using
lived experience openly, appropriately and effectively to
build therapeutic relationships.
b. Provide a psychologically safe, familiar and less-
structured experience with participants through lived
experience in various settings, including formal and
informal one-on-one settings, group sessions, and ad
hoc conversations when appropriate.
c. Provide a welcoming, empathic and optimistic space to
reduce stigma and shame for participants and their
families.
d. Maintain professional communication and interpersonal
skills and provide a non-judgemental approach to all
participants and their support person(s).
e. Participation in the ResetLife Induction process when
required.
First Step | 18 Mitford Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
P: (03) 9537 3177| E: info@firststep.org.au | W: www.firststep.org.au
ABN: 51 093 661 995 | Endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the ATO
f. Actively engage with participants and family members
(when possible) to help build cohesive and supportive
relationships.
g. Actively promote attendance to the ResetLife program
either by shared lived experience of the program and/or
similar setting.
h. Liaise with Primary Therapists and Family Therapist when
orchestrating peer support for participants.
i. Provide information and resources to participants to
strengthen recovery skills in the community.
j. Facilitate Social Support group sessions according to the
Matrix Model and co-design sessions.
k. Assisting in the team’s management of crisis intervention
while maintaining professional boundaries of a peer.
l. Work alongside the Senior Peer Support Coordinator in
providing guidance and support for Peer Volunteers and
keeping them engaged in the ResetLife program where
possible.
m. Actively follow up with Peer Volunteers to check in after
non-attendance, book in peer volunteer shift, workshop,
or mentoring. - External Relationships a. Engage in Peer Communities of Practice with other
ResetLife sites and through SHARC, when possible.
b. Promote First Step and all programs offered at First Step
in a positive manner at all times. - Record keeping – to maintain
accurate case notes on all
participant engagement
competently and professionally.
c. Maintain all engagement records, including case notes.
d. Comprehensively document participants’ attendance as
required by First Step, ResetLife’s funding body and the
ResetLife team.
e. Contribute to the team’s communication whiteboard and
keep it up to date.
First Step | 18 Mitford Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
P: (03) 9537 3177| E: info@firststep.org.au | W: www.firststep.org.au
ABN: 51 093 661 995 | Endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the ATO - General duties – to undertake
other relevant duties as required
by the CEO or their delegate
f. Meaningfully engage with our Lived and Living Experience
Reference Group, ensuring their contributions are
considered and integrated into the daily running of the
ResetLife program and First Step as a whole, where
appropriate.
g. Prepare participant folders, updating materials, and
organising documentation for both existing and new
attendees.
h. Replenishing food and drink items to maintain a
welcoming and inclusive environment.
i. Arranging the physical group spaces to create an
engaging, safe and comfortable environment for all
participants.
j. Engage in pre and post group meetings with the ResetLife
team (including peer volunteer(s).
k. Demonstrate an open mind to learning from the support
offered by the team, particularly the Senior Peer Support
Coordinator and Primary Therapists.
l. The ability to use initiative and work within a rapid
changing environment.
m. Work collaboratively with the broader multidisciplinary
team at First Step to ensure the efficient, effective and
responsive operation of the Intensive Outpatient
Rehabilitation Program.
n. To attend, when possible, all staff meetings, Clinical
Case Reviews, Health Justice Partnership meetings and
participate in discussion regarding the delivery of care
across programs at First Step.
o. Ensure appropriate communication between other First
Step Services either internally or externally.
p. Maintain professional development and clinical
supervision with the ResetLife Program Manager and
group supervision with the ResetLife team.
First Step | 18 Mitford Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
P: (03) 9537 3177| E: info@firststep.org.au | W: www.firststep.org.au
ABN: 51 093 661 995 | Endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the ATO
q. To engage with training recommended by the team, CEO
or their delegate.
r. All other relevant duties or projects as directed by the
CEO or their delegate.
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