Peer Support/Advocacy Specialist

At Mind and Body, we draw on our own lived experiences of mental distress, addiction challenges, and recovery to foster hope, build confidence, and inspire those we support to move forward in their journeys.

Are you ready for a challenging yet deeply rewarding opportunity to make a real difference?

We're seeking someone with lived experience of mental distress to walk alongside peers facing a variety of social challenges, including mental health and addiction. If you're passionate about supporting others, sharing your journey, and empowering people to take steps towards the life they envision, we'd love to hear from you!

He kōrero mō mātou | About Us

Mind and Body is proud to be part of the Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa Trust Group, a Tangata Tiriti organisation dedicated to strengthening communities across Aotearoa. As a national provider of mental health, addiction, disability, offender rehabilitation, well-being, and housing services.

At Mind & Body, our kaupapa is shaped by three strategic Pou:

• Māori Succeeding as Māori

• Privileging Lived Experience and Diversity

• Thriving Pacific Peoples

We are passionate about creating opportunities for people to lead full and meaningful lives in their chosen communities.

As a values-based, peer-led service, we bring a unique perspective to mental health support by drawing on our own lived experiences of recovery. This approach fosters hope, self-determination, and resilience—helping the people we support to reclaim their personal power and work towards the lives they envision for themselves.

He kōrero mō te tūranga | The Role

In this role, you'll provide community-based peer support and advocacy to people across the Wellington-Kapiti region. This is a permanent, full-time position, offering 40 hours per week.

While your core hours will typically fall between 8:00 am and 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, flexibility is essential, as the service operates between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. Occasionally, support may be required outside these hours, depending on individual needs and circumstances.

He kōrero mōu | About You

The person we are looking for will have the following:

• Hold a Level 4 Certificate in Health & Wellbeing (Peer Support) or Health, or Intentional Peer Support (IPS) training.

• Experience working with diverse cultures, especially Māori, Pasifika, and their whānau.

• Knowledge of Tikanga and Te Reo Māori.

• Proven leadership experience and the ability to inspire others.

• Positive, encouraging, and supportive, with a good sense of humor.

• Personal experience of mental distress and a demonstrated journey of taking charge of wellbeing.

• Commitment to maintaining personal holistic wellbeing.

• Skilled in time management and handling competing priorities.

• A reflective thinker and a role model for moving towards wellbeing.

• Willingness to learn and grow through training opportunities.

• Full NZ Driver's Licence.

• A genuine passion for making a positive impact.

Ko tā mātou mahi | We offer

• Opportunity for Career Progression

• Ongoing training opportunities

• Laptop and mobile phone

• 1-1 coaching/supervision and co-reflection

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

If you are interested in joining an organisation that is passionate about making a positive difference in your community, we would love to hear from you. Apply today. 

Please include a half page introduction/biography about yourself and what you have learnt from your personal experience and your journey to wellbeing. What value has it added in your life?

We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you are interested and would like to talk to someone about the role, please call Mere 027 243 2734