Peer Support Specialist
Do you have lived experience of mental health or addictions challenges and strong people skills?
Are you keen to help others by walking alongside and supporting them to achieve their goals?
Are you seeking further development opportunities within a supportive environment?
Then we have your ideal job! Odyssey is setting up a new peer-led service that will operate within in community café in central Hamilton.
We are seeking to recruit two fulltime Peer Support Specialists, working 40 hours per week, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 730am to 4pm. You will be helping to create a friendly, safe space where people with mental health or addiction-related distress can drop in for coffee, connection, and receive support or be referred to other services for ongoing care as appropriate. As the café will is open to the general public, you will also work several rostered shifts in the café each week serving customers under the guidance of a Café Manager.
Our ideal candidate will have:
- Personal lived experience, a story of recovery from mental health or addictions challenges and the ability to be a positive role model to others
- 1+ years’ relevant work experience, including prior experience in a peer role
- Completed specialist or intentional peer support training
- Experience of working in the social services, addictions and/or mental health sectors
- An interest in and/or knowledge of Māori tikanga and the customs and cultures of Pacific peoples
- Computer skills e.g. data entry/word processing skills (we can provide further support if needed)
- Hospitality/barista experience would be useful
In return we offer:
- A competitive salary from $61,339 to $68,619 per annum, depending on the qualifications and experience
- 22 days annual leave and 5 days study leave per annum
- Skills and professional development opportunities
- A varied role and supportive team environment
More about us:
Odyssey has supported thousands of New Zealanders whose lives are affected by alcohol, drug or other addiction challenges. We wholeheartedly believe that everyone living in New Zealand should have the opportunity to live life to the fullest, to feel hopeful about their future and to have meaningful relationships with friends and whānau.
To apply, please send us your CV and a cover letter, and complete the additional information questionnaire online. For all enquiries, please contact Michelle in the People and Capabilities team on 021 578262.
Closing date: 29 September 2026
Police and Oranga Tamariki clearance checks are required for this role.
Odyssey is an equal opportunity employer and a smoke free organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We particularly encourage applications from Māori and Pacific peoples.
