ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia’s largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.
Bring Hope. Share Your Journey. Empower Others.
At The Salvation Army, we believe that lived experience is powerful. It brings hope, breaks down barriers, and inspires meaningful change.
We are currently seeking a Lived Experience Peer Worker to join our compassionate AOD team at the Bendigo Bridge Residential Program.
About the Role
As an AOD Residential Lived Experience Peer Worker, you’ll use your personal journey to inspire hope and connection, supporting individuals in the Bendigo Bridge Residential Program. Working with the AOD team, you’ll help participants access services, co-facilitate groups, and walk alongside them in their recovery.
This role contributes to a compassionate, trauma-informed, and recovery-orientated environment where participants are encouraged to build resilience and find new pathways forward.
Reporting to the Program Manager, this is a fixed-term part-time position, 22.8 hours per week contracted for 12 months, based in Bendigo, VIC.
Compensation is in accordance with SCHADS Award Level 3.

You Will Successfully

• Use your lived experience to inspire hope and empower others on their recovery journey, sharing your story in meaningful ways that promote healing and connection
• Support participants in navigating community health services, offering guidance, advocacy and emotional encouragement every step of the way
• Foster belonging and trust by welcoming new participants, facilitating group activities, and modelling self-care, resilience and personal growth
• Drive real impact through one-on-one and group support, helping individuals set goals, prevent relapse, and embrace positive change
• Champion dignity, inclusion and respect, working collaboratively within a diverse team and engaging in regular training and supervision to continually grow in your role

You Will Have

• Lived or living experience of substance use and recovery, and a desire to support others with similar experiences
• A strong understanding of the challenges faced by individuals within the AOD space
• Knowledge of harm minimisation and trauma-informed care
• Peer support training (e.g., via SHARC) and/or a Certificate IV in Community Services, AOD or Mental Health (or willingness to obtain)
• A collaborative, team-focused approach and a genuine commitment to helping others
• A current Working with Children’s Check

What We Offer

The Salvos offer eligible employee’s a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including:

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit
• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts

Apply Now
If you’re ready to use your lived experience to inspire hope, empower recovery, and contribute to lasting change, we’d love to hear from you.
Join us in walking alongside people as they reclaim their lives.
The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboratio

Please refer the Job description for details