Senior Peer Support Specialist

• Hold NZCHW L4 (or equiv) and your own lived exp of mental health + recovery
• Leadership/managerial experience is essential + Wed - Sat 3pm – 11.30pm
• Enjoy extra annual leave and wellbeing days

We’re looking for someone who’s been on their own mental health journey and is now ready to use that experience to support others on theirs.
Summary
This senior role uses your own lived experience of mental health and strong leadership skills to guide a small team and support people in our 24/7 Peer Acute Alternative Service, based in Christchurch.
The role is 32 hours per week working Wednesday to Saturday 3pm – 11.30pm.
The benefits | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

• Increased Employer Kiwisaver contribution
• An extra week of annual leave after 12 months
• Two paid wellbeing days each year
• HealthNow Payment Card - $250 per year to support  Health and Wellbeing for you and your whanau
• Access to a wide range of discounts through our employee app
• Specsavers discounts for you and your whānau

The role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi
Are you an experienced Senior Peer Support Specialist, or a Peer Support Specialist ready to take the next step? Use the strength of your own lived experience to support people in our 24/7 Peer Acute Alternative Service — an alternative to hospital admission.
In this senior role, you’ll coach and guide 3–4 team members, provide leadership on shift, and help shape a supportive, recovery-focused environment. Strong leadership, delegation skills, and confidence in managing others are a big part of what will help you thrive here.
As a Senior Peer Support Worker, you will:

• Coach and mentor Peer Support Specialists alongside the Team Coach
• Provide culturally safe, person-centred support
• Complete admin tasks, write comprehensive notes, communicate clearly in handovers, and work closely with the wider team
• Provide medication support when needed
• Support people with day‑to‑day living skills — whatever it takes

About you | Mōu
Your lived experience is central to this role. You’ll use your own recovery tools and insights to support people on their journey.
You’ll also bring:

• Previous leadership, team‑leading, or management experience
• Working well under pressure
• Effective conflict resolution skills
• Resilience
• Peer Employment Training (PET) or Intentional Peer Support (IPS), plus Crisis Prevention Intervention training
• WRAP training
• NZ Certificate in Health & Wellbeing Level 4 (or working towards it)
• At least 18 months of wellness with no hospitalisations
• A full NZ driver licence
• A current first aid certificate (or willingness to get one)
• Eligibility to work in Aotearoa

About Pathways | Mō mātou
At Pathways, we support people across Aotearoa to live full, meaningful lives in their communities. Mental health and overall wellbeing are at the heart of what we do, and strong whānau connections guide our work. Our ‘whatever it takes’ wairua is all about personalised, compassionate support.
Closing date: 16 October 2026. Please note, this advert may close if a suitable candidate is found prior to the closing date.
Position description: https://www.wisegroup.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PW-Senior-Peer-Support-Specialist.pdf

Contact: Tina Sheveleva, Team Coach on [email protected] if you have any questions.

For further information, visit our website www.pathways.co.nz

Pathways is committed to healthy lifestyles and actively supports a smoke free environment. We encourage people with lived experience of mental illness & addictions to apply.