• Part time role, 3 days per week, contract for 10 months
• Gain experience within the community mental health sector while studying
• SCHADS Level 2 plus salary packaging benefits

The program was created in response to the Royal Commission's recommendation to increase the number of entry points into the lived and living experience workforce (LLEW) and provide a supportive and structured learning environment.  

About You
Are you an enthusiastic self-starter with a passion for learning and collaboration? Do you want to use your own lived or living experience to support others navigating mental health challenges? If you're looking to build a career in peer work and want hands-on experience in a supportive environment, this could be your ideal first step.
To be eligible for the Peer Cadet Program, you must:

• Be currently undertaking or enrolled to commence the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work at the start of the cadetship.
• Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and able to obtain and maintain a Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check, and hold a current driver’s licence.

About the Role
The Lived Experience Peer Cadet Program is a unique, paid opportunity for individuals with lived and living experience of mental health challenges to gain hands-on experience while studying. As a Peer Cadet with ermha365, you’ll join one of Australia’s leading community mental health organisations and contribute to meaningful, person-led support in a structured and nurturing environment.
What the program includes:

• Two days of paid work placement per week in a community mental health setting.
• One day of paid study day each week to support your completion of the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work and other training opportunities.
• A chance to develop practical skills and confidence in peer work through real-world experience.
• Opportunities to deliver support that draws on your own lived experience to empower others.
• Access to supervision, reflective practice, and peer-specific training to support your personal and professional development.

This is more than just a placement—it’s a stepping stone into the growing peer workforce, where your voice and experience truly matter.

What we can offer you
ermha365 is non-profit organisation that is part of The Disability Trust Group with a growth agenda across Australia. As an employee you will be offered:

• Support as needed utilising our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• Industry-leading induction and on the job training provide with access to free continuous online learning modules at your own pace
• Flexibility in working hours to suit work life balance
• Financial benefits including salary packaging to reduce your taxable income, novated leasing and discounts with a variety of Australian retailers
• A supportive team environment that is engaging and inspiring
• Access to Fitness Passport, making it easier to stay active and healthy as we care about your health and wellbeing

About ermha365
This job isn’t for everyone. At ermha365 we work with clients with some of the most complex mental health and disability support needs in Victoria. We’re a lifeline for people who often feel like a “square peg in a round hole” - those who experience stigma and discrimination, and are ostracised or excluded from the simple things that most of us take for granted. In many cases we have become the provider of last resort, although we see ourselves as the provider of first choice. We believe in the potential of everyone. We never give up, and we never give in.
ermha365 is committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children. Further information at https://www.ermha.org/child-safe-statement/

Diversity and Inclusion
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. If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@ermha.org noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.

Further information can be found here: https://www.ermha.org/peer-cadet-program/