CCLHD - Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Peer Worker

Applicants for this position must be of Aboriginal descent through parentage, identify as being Aboriginal and be accepted in the community as such. An applicant’s race is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14(d) of the NSW Anti Discrimination Act 1977. 

At Central Coast Local Health District, our strategic vision is Trusted Care. Better Health for Everyone.
A key priority in achieving this vision is strengthening cultural safety and delivering more responsive care for Aboriginal people on the Central Coast.

This begins with you!

 We’re seeking a proud and passionate Aboriginal person with lived experience of suicide recovery to take on a vital and deeply meaningful role: Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Peer Worker.

 Based at our CCLHD Safe Haven Services, this role is about more than individual support — it’s about walking alongside community, fostering healing through connection, culture, and compassion, and helping build a system where people feel heard, safe, and supported.

About the Role

As an Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Peer Worker, you will offer culturally grounded, trauma-informed, person-centred peer support to people experiencing suicidal distress. Drawing on your lived experience, cultural knowledge, and strong community connections, you’ll be a guide, a support, and a voice of hope for those navigating tough times.

This is more than a job — it’s a chance to use your story, strength and cultural values to create change and support recovery.

Your responsibilities will include

• Direct Peer Support: Provide one-on-one peer support to people at risk of suicide. Use your own lived experience to promote hope, social connection, and reduce isolation — always in a way that is safe, respectful, and empowering.
• Cultural Healing & Support: Weave cultural knowledge and practices into every interaction. Promote the importance of culture, identity, and connection to Country as critical elements of mental wellbeing and suicide recovery.
• Community Engagement: Actively involve Aboriginal community members in support processes, ensuring their voices, traditions, and perspectives are respected and reflected. Maintain strong local connections that guide culturally safe responses.
• Recovery-Oriented Practice: Support individuals using a recovery-focused, trauma-informed approach that empowers people to take control of their healing journey, honouring their strengths, cultural identity, and personal goals.
• Safe Storytelling: Share your experiences in a way that offers insight and connection, while ensuring emotional safety for both yourself and the person you're supporting.

Why This Role Matters

Your work will directly support CCLHD’s vision for Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing. You will:

• Be a cultural connector between services and community.
• Help ensure that care is culturally safe, person-led, and healing-focused.
• Contribute to truth-telling, respect, and reconciliation in how we respond to suicide in Aboriginal communities.
• Reduce shame, stigma and disconnection by walking beside people with strength and compassion

For more information about this role, please view the  Position Description

About You

You are a proud Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person with lived experience of suicide recovery and a deep understanding of the strength of culture, connection, and community.

You’re someone who:

• Brings cultural knowledge and wisdom, grounded in community and Country.
• Understands the importance of peer connection, especially in times of distress.
• Is ready to use their experience to inspire hope and healing in others.
• Can engage safely in difficult conversations with warmth, courage, and care.
• Believes deeply in culturally safe, strengths-based mental health care.
• Is willing to obtain a Cert IV in Mental Health Peer Work while employed in this role

Applicants must have current work rights in Australia or be a permanent resident or citizen. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applicants who do not meet this requirement.  

What You’ll Love About This Role

• Be part of a growing Aboriginal Workforce that is leading change and creating safer spaces.
• See the impact of your work in real time — in lives, families and communities.
• Work in a team that respects and values your lived experience and cultural knowledge.
• Access wellbeing programs, flexible work options and ongoing development opportunities.
• Help build a system where Aboriginal people feel culturally respected, connected and cared for.

Working With Us at CCLHD

At Central Coast Local Health District, we’re committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace that welcomes all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We embrace cultural diversity and are actively working to strengthen cultural safety across all levels of our service.

Aboriginal applicants can access support through the Stepping Up initiative, which provides guidance on the NSW Health recruitment process.

For more information, please visit Benefits at CCLHD

Central Coast Local Health District is committed to implementing the Child Safe Standards.

 NSW Health strongly recommends all workers stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations as per the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation guidelines. However, COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment.

Additional Information

An Eligibility List (E-List) or talent pool may be created from this recruitment episode to assist in filling future permanent, temporary, or casual full-time and part-time positions.

 Need More Information?

For support or if you have any questions about what it’s like to work at CCLHD, please contact:

Niki Wardrop - Mental Health Emergency and Suicide Prevention Team Leader

Phone: 02 4320 30 29

Email: niki.wardrope@health.nsw.gov.au


Or Nathan Bramston -, Aboriginal Workforce Development Team

Phone: 0407 498 675

Email: CCLHD-AboriginalWorkforce@health.nsw.gov.au 

Click here to find out more about applying for this position.

 You are encouraged to complete applications on a weekday where Technical Support is available Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm by phoning ROB Help Desk on 1300 679 367.

Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up to date with career opportunities and the latest updates.