Bridges Health & Community Care's community-based mental health service has an exciting opportunity in Wide Bay Qld for a Lived Experience Practitioner (LEP) -to work with young people ages 12 to 25 showing early signs of psychosis. This position is based in Hervey Bay with part time roles/job share available if relevant or required.

The LEP will co-locate with our mental health and drug and alcohol staff to deliver the Early Psychosis Psychosocial Supports Program in partnership with the Wide Bay Hospital & Health Services specialised teams.

Purpose of the Position:

The key role of the Lived Experience Practitioner is to:

· Facilitate the inclusion of young people with early signs of psychosis in the community through evidence-based interventions and recovery-oriented practice.

· Promote the rights of people with a mental illness to have valued social roles, access to work and services and active participation in the community.

· Assist consumers in their recovery journey to minimise the harms associated with the misuse of substances or other barriers to recovery and quality of life.

· Provide psychosocial interventions including independent living skills, education and support for young people aged 12 to 25 to enable them to manage their mental health and wellbeing needs and enhance their independent functioning within the community.

· Assist and contribute to identifying the mental health support needs of young people and their families, develop an individual recovery plan and support the young person to carry out that plan in both individual and group settings in consultation with the young person and relevant stakeholders.





· Provide support to young people experiencing psychosocial barriers/issues, facilitating access to recovery–focused and socially inclusive activities in accordance with their individualised recovery plan to meet their individual needs and goals.

· Provide transport support to enable service users to access community and social activities, local facilities, and/or medical and specialist appointments.

· Engage, encourage and empower consumers to participate in recovery–focussed and socially inclusive activities.

· Act as a client advocate to ensure that the rights of people with mental ill health are recognised and upheld.

· Effective communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work both co-operatively and independently in a flexible and innovative multi-disciplinary team setting, collaboratively with community groups and other agencies, and contribute to the ongoing development of Bridges Health & Community Care.

Willingness to share personal journey with others, using an evidence-based practice framework for Lived Experience Practice e.g. intentional peer support.

Personal Attributes

· Empathetic and culturally aware with a passion for youth mentoring/support.

· Resilient, adaptable, flexible and solution focused.





· Cooperative and respectful in working with diverse teams and stakeholders.

· High level of integrity, strong boundaries, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Selection Criteria

· Certificate IV in Mental Health and/or Youth Work or higher

· Additional training in lived experience practice work with a minimum of 2 years' experience

· Hands-on experience supporting young people, with presentations of mental ill health and/or addictions

· Strong understanding of early intervention, and trauma-informed practice.

· Cultural connection such as CALD and First Nations in local communities is highly valued.

· Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

A requirement prior to commencement is the ability to obtain or currently hold the following:

· Current Working with Children Check (Blue Card) and NDIS Worker Screening Card

· National Criminal History Check

· Current Queensland Open Drivers Licence

· The right to Work in Australia

Attractive remuneration and additional benefits for permanent staff such as 4 weeks annual leave and 5 days extra of health and wellbeing leave, salary sacrifice benefits after the 1st year of service. Monetary assistance with relocation cost (with conditions), regular supervision and mentoring

To be considered for this role, please provide a cover letter outlining your suitability for this role and addressing the selection criteria.

Any questions regarding the role can be emailed to ••••@bridgeshcc.org.au

📌 Lived Experience Practitioner (Hervey Bay)
🏢 Bridges Healthmmunity Care
📍 Hervey Bay