- Full-time role, based on site in North Ryde (Hybrid options and alternative locations available)
- SCHADS Level 7
- Full, permanent Australian work rights are required

About us

With over 55 years of experience, New Horizons is a leading provider of disability, aged care, and community support services. We are committed to delivering person-centred, recovery-oriented care and empowering people to live meaningful and connected lives.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Lived Experience Lead to lead and champion a meaningful, recovery-oriented approach to lived experience practice across New Horizons.

This is a strategic leadership role responsible for embedding a consistent, high-quality Lived Experience Framework across New Horizons. You will strengthen the capability, sustainability and impact of our lived experience workforce by developing and supporting high-quality, protected and meaningful practice approaches grounded in recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care.

Working closely with the General Manager, Clinical Excellence & Governance, you will play a key role in shaping how lived experience informs service design, delivery and culture across New Horizons.

Your responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Framework Development

- Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of the organisation’s Lived Experience Framework
- Develop and support systems that enable high-quality, safe and meaningful lived experience practice across New Horizons
- Partner with senior leaders to inform decisions related to lived experience work

Workforce Development & Support

- Develop and implement a formal supervision model to support and strengthen people in lived experience roles
- Design onboarding, orientation and training frameworks to enable peer workers to provide high-quality, safe and meaningful supports
- Support recruitment and workforce growth in lived experience roles
- Build capability of leaders and managers to effectively partner with and strengthen peer workers
- Model safe, authentic and reflective use of lived experience in leadership and practice

Practice Development & Quality Improvement

- Drive continuous improvement of peer work practice across programs
- Enhance and continuously improve workforce experience,



onboarding and ongoing support structures
- Facilitate communities of practice and peer work forums

Training & Sector Engagement

- Deliver Intentional Peer Support (IPS) training and “train-the-trainer” programs
- Represent Recent Horizons in sector forums and maintain awareness of emerging best practice
- Build partnerships with peer-led organisations and peak bodies

About you:

You are an experienced lived experience practitioner with a passion for strengthening peer workforce practice at a system level.

You bring:

- Lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery (or as a carer), with the ability to use this intentionally in leadership and practice
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a peer worker or lived experience role
- Solid understanding of peer work, recovery-oriented practice and trauma-informed care
- Experience in workforce development, supervision, mentoring or training
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills
- Relevant qualifications (Cert IV in Peer Work or tertiary qualification in a related discipline)
- Willingness to undertake supervision training and completion of IPS training

Desirable

- Accreditation in Intentional Peer Support and a “Train the Trainer” qualification
- Experience in community-based psychosocial support models like CLS
- Knowledge of the NSW Mental Health Act

Pre-employment Checks:

Current Police Check (issued within the last 3 months)

Current NSW Drivers License

NDIS worker Check (or willingness to obtain)

NSW WWCC (or willingness to obtain)

Why work with us

Above award pay and great benefits

Your work matters. And so does your pay. At New Horizons, enjoy above-award pay, penalty rates, and salary packaging options that can increase your take home pay by up to $15,900. Plus, get access to novated leasing, paid parental leave, and for full time employees, RDOs.





Grow with us

Did you know our CEO Luke Buckley started out as a support worker with us, 15 years ago? That’s proof your career can go anywhere here. We invest in your future with ongoing training and mentoring, clear career advancement pathways, opportunities to specialise in aged care and disability support, and a rewards and recognition program that celebrates your wins.

Perks for your wellbeing

On top of meaningful work, you’ll enjoy extras like Fitness Passport and our confidential Employee Assistance Program, giving you access to fitness, counselling, and wellbeing support when you need it.

Work your way

At New Horizons, you’ll get flexible scheduling and work arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance. You can also purchase extra annual leave, and if you work 10 weekends a year, you’ll enjoy an additional week of leave on top.

A supportive community

Join a collaborative and respectful team, where diversity is celebrated and every individual is valued. Build meaningful relationships with clients and their families, fostering belonging and making a real difference in the community.

Strong leadership

At New Horizons, you’ll be backed by experienced leaders who put your success and well-being first. With tailored coaching and mentoring, you’ll have the support you need to grow and thrive.

How to Apply:

To register your interest, please click ‘Apply Now’ and let us have your resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you have any questions about this role or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustment you may require throughout the recruitment process, or require alternative method of submitting your application, please email [email protected]

IMPORTANT: New Horizons is an equal Opportunity Employer, and our people represent the community which we serve. We invite all the applicants to apply, including First Nations People, and people from diverse social, cultural and gender backgrounds.

New Horizons acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the land.

📌 Lived Experience Lead (Australia)
🏢 New Horizons Enterprises
📍 Australia