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. Be the difference. Lead through lived experience.
Have you walked the road of recovery?
Do you now feel ready to walk beside others and offer what once felt out of reach—hope, connection, and belief in change?
At The Salvation Army, we believe that lived experience is powerful. It’s transformative. It’s a bridge to understanding that no textbook can teach. We’re looking for a Lived Experience Peer Worker who can use their personal journey of recovery to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people navigating alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges.
About the Role
You will be a vital presence in our Non-Residential AOD and Intensive Services team in Bendigo—supporting, encouraging, and empowering others as they move through their recovery journey. Working alongside experienced AOD professionals, you’ll provide individual support, co-facilitate group sessions, share your lived experience in a safe and purposeful way, and create opportunities for connection, growth, and belonging.
This is more than a job. It’s a role that holds space for others to be seen, heard, and supported—by someone who truly gets it.
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

• Provide one-on-one peer support to individuals on their recovery journey
• Co-facilitate peer-led groups and activities that promote healing, connection, and self-care
• Use your lived experience to build trust, reduce stigma, and inspire hope
• Support participants with service access, goal setting, and relapse prevention strategies
• Welcome and orient new participants, fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment

You Will Have

• Lived experience of AOD use and recovery (essential)
• Empathy, resilience, and authenticity
• Strong communicator who can listen deeply and share honestly
• Collaborative team player attitude that values respect, diversity, and inclusion
• Commitment to learning, being ready to grow your skills and share your insights
• Knowledge of harm minimisation, trauma-informed practice, and the AOD landscape in Victoria
• Completion of Peer Training (e.g., SHARC or DEN)
• Preferred Cert IV in Community Services (or willingness to obtain)
• Understanding of harm minimisation and trauma-informed care
• A current Employee Working with Children Check Card

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;
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives
• 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.
• A role where your story is your strength
• A culture grounded in integrity, compassion, respect, diversity, and collaboration

Your journey matters—and it could change someone else’s.
If you’re ready to use your lived experience to help others find light in their darkest days, we invite you to apply. At The Salvation Army, your voice and story can be a powerful tool for healing
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