Wellways is committed to reconciliation, lived experience and inclusivity. We strongly encourage and warmly welcome people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with a lived experience of mental health and disability and people who identify as LGBTIQA+ to apply. Even if you only meet some of the criteria, we'd love to hear from you.
Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through culturally safe, recovery-focused practice.
Build meaningful connections with families, communities and local services.
SCHADS Level 3 ($***** - $***** per hour) + Salary Packaging + Leave loading
First Nations Recovery Worker | Community Living Support (CLS)
Walk alongside people on their recovery journey while strengthening connection to culture, community and wellbeing.
At Wellways, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone. As a First Nations Recovery Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing mental health challenges, psychological distress and/or substance use concerns to achieve their goals and live meaningful lives.
Community Living Support (CLS) is a NSW Government-funded program providing person-led, community-based psychosocial support for people aged 16 years and over living with severe mental health challenges. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will provide culturally safe, recovery-oriented support that empowers participants to build independence, strengthen natural supports and reconnect with culture, family and community.
What You'll Be Doing
Provide practical, culturally safe and recovery-focused support to participants in the community.
Support people to identify their strengths, aspirations and goals and develop plans that support their recovery journey.
Build and strengthen connections with families, communities,



services and cultural supports to promote wellbeing and belonging.
What You'll Bring
You are passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and understand the importance of culture, connection and self‐determination in recovery. You bring strong communication and relationship‐building skills, a collaborative approach to working within multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to provide practical support that promotes hope, healing and independence. You are confident maintaining accurate records and documentation and are comfortable travelling across the region.
Main responsibilities of the role include:
Support first nations participants to develop and work towards their recovery goals and aspirations.
Provide practical, strengths‐based support that promotes independence and wellbeing.
Foster connections with Country, families, communities and natural support networks.
Complete recovery plans, assessments, file notes and program documentation.
Travel across the region to meet participant needs.
You will also need:
Is acknowledged by First Nations community and leadership
Demonstrated strong connection with First Nations communities and demonstrated strong understanding of the lived experiences of First Nations communities on Country
Certificate IV/Diploma in Mental Health,



AOD or tertiary qualification in social science or 1+ year relevant work experience in the Mental Health Sector or Intentional Peer Support Training
100 points of identification and Birth Certificate/Passport
Drivers Licence
National Police Check
Working with Children Check and NDIS Workers Screening Check
NDIS Workers Orientation Modules – free online course
What We Will Offer You...
A purpose driven culture where people can thrive, everyone is respected, and differences are valued
An equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work workplace
Salary packaging up to $15,899 enables you to spend a portion of your salary before it is taxed to pay for things like rent, mortgage repayments, car leasing
Meal and Entertainment allowance via salary packaging up to $2,650 per annum
Receive 17.5% leave loading every time you take annual leave
Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
Access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Jenna Van Hees, Program Coordinator ******
Wellways is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. Successful applicants must undergo a comprehensive screening process prior to their commencement.
Job Description Summary
Support recovery, culture and community as a First Nations Recovery Worker. Make a real difference through culturally safe, person‐led support.
Culture
We're passionate about our work, which is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. All of our teams work to ensure everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential. We know that people are unique and the experts on their life and are not defined by impairments, diagnosis or labels. We aim to specifically promote safety and inclusivity for LGBTIQ+ and First Nations communities.
Applications Close
09/08/2026
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📌 First Nations Recovery Worker (Wollongong)
🏢 Wellways Australia
📍 Wollongong