Peer Support Specialist, Christchurch
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Pathways

Peer Support Specialist

  • Posted Today
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Christchurch

Job Description

  • You must hold the NZCHW L4 (or equiv) + Tues – Sat 3pm – 11.30pm
  • Own lived mental health exp and 18+ months of wellness before applying
  • You’ll enjoy extra annual leave and 2 wellbeing days annually

We’re looking for someone whose had their own mental healthjourney through to recovery to support others on their mental health journey


Summary

You’veexperienced mental health challenges yourself and your lived experience is yourstrength. Having experienced mental health challenges yourself and maintained aperiod of wellness for at least 18 months before applying, you bring a uniqueability to relate to others who may be going through similar experiences ontheir recovery journey.


Inour 24/7 Peer Acute Alternative Service, you’ll draw on your own livedexperience to build meaningful connections, offer compassion andnon-judgemental support, and help tāngata whai ora feelunderstood, respected and hopeful about their recovery.


Thebenefits | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

  • An extra week of annual leave after 12 months
  • Two wellbeing days each year
  • $250 per year on a HealthNow card
  • Access to a wide range of discounts through our employee app
  • Specsavers discounts for you and your whānau
  • Southern Cross medical insurance discounts

The role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

Tuesday– Saturday 3pm – 11.30pm, based in Christchurch.

You know from your own experiencethat mental health challenges can affect everyone differently. As a PeerSupport Specialist in our 24/7 Peer Acute Alternative Service, you’ll use thatunderstanding to connect with and support tāngatawhai ora during challenging times.

Our service offers an alternativeto hospital admission, providing a safe, supportive environment where peoplecan focus on their wellbeing and recovery. You’ll join a team of 24 staffworking across a range of shifts, bringing compassion, connection and a whateverit takes approach to your work.

As a Peer Support Specialist, youwill:

  • Make it personal – understand each person’s individual needs, build genuine connections and provide culturally safe, compassionate support.
  • Support everyday independence – help tāngata whai ora with daily living skills, encouraging confidence, choice and independence.
  • Be there when it matters – offer encouragement, reassurance and practical support as people navigate challenges and work towards recovery.
  • Work together as a team – keep accurate notes, complete handovers and administrative tasks, and collaborate with colleagues to provide consistent, quality support.

About You | Mōu

You’lldraw on your own understanding of mental health and the tools that support yourwellbeing to help others navigate their own recovery journey.


You’llalso:

  • You’ll have Intentional Peer Support training (IPS) or Peer Employment Training (PET) Certificate or be willing to study towards one.
  • Hold the New Zealand Certificate Level 4 in Health and Wellbeing (or a recognised equivalent).
  • Had a period of wellness of 18 months before applying
  • A full New Zealand drivers licence
  • You must hold a current comprehensive first aid certificate or be willing to obtain one.

AboutPathways | Mō mātou

AtPathways, we support people across Aotearoa to live full, meaningful lives intheir communities. Mental health and overall wellbeing are at the heart of whatwe do, and strong whānau connectionsguide our work. Our ‘whatever it takes’ wairua is all about personalised, compassionatesupport.


Closingdate: 6 November 2026.  Please note, this advert may close early if asuitable candidate is found.


Position description: https://www.wisegroup.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PW-Peer-Support-Specialist.pdf

Contact: TinaSheveleva, Team Coach on tina.sheveleva@pathways.co.nz if you have anyquestions.

For further information, visit our websitewww.pathways.co.nz


Pathways is committed to healthy lifestyles and actively supports a smokefree environment. We encourage people with lived experience of mentalillness & addictions to apply.

Desired Hard Skills

  • First Aid Certificate
  • Intentional Peer Support training
  • Peer Employment Training

Desired Soft Skills

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Compassion
  • Cultural Safety
  • Empathy

Benefits & Perks

Culture

  • 🩺 Health Insurance
  • 🌿 Wellness Program
  • 🎉 Employee Discounts and Rewards
  • Increased Kiwisaver contribution
  • Paid Wellbeing Days (2 days a year)
  • Perk & Perk Plus discount app
  • Fifth Week of Annual Leave
View All
  • 🌐 INZ Accredited Employer

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