Peer Support Specialist

• Permanent, Full-time (40 hours per week) Monday to Friday. Saturday work may be required.

• Services located at Auckland Hospital Emergency Department.

Ember values our people – they’re our secret sauce. We’re committed to doing our best for our kaimahi and recognise their irreplaceable skills and experience. To support this, we offer an attractive remuneration package, comprehensive leave entitlements and ongoing professional development.

Ember Korowai Takitini | Nga Matapono

Ember Korowai Takitini are leaders in The Peer & Lived Experience mental health and addiction sector, dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Our Peer & Lived Experience services blend professional expertise and lived experience to offer a range of services and support for anyone with mental health, addiction, or intellectual disability needs.

At Ember we support people to live the lives they choose, and we challenge the systems that hold them back.

We desire a society that better understands and responds to mental distress, addiction, and intellectual disability

Ember:

• Offers additional leave – Recreation days & study leave.

• Provides a comprehensive Health & Wellbeing programme, including health checks, flu vaccinations and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and more.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and workshops.

• Supportive and inclusive work environment, fostering personal growth and work-life balance.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Comprehensive service induction

• Phone for work purposes.

• Monthly Peer Coaching and Supervision.

The Service | Ko Te Whare O Toroa

We’re excited to offer an opportunity to join Auckland Hospital’s Emergency Department as a Peer Support Specialist, working alongside ED staff to provide emotional support, guidance, and reassurance during stressful and overwhelming times.

The Role | Nga Mahi

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) in the Emergency Department provides non-clinical support, guidance, and resources to patients and families experiencing mental health or substance use crises. This role involves leveraging personal lived experiences to build trust, provide emotional support, and advocate for patient needs within the emergency setting

PSS will work as a functional member of an Emergency Department team providing a recovery approach to walk alongside people in their recovery journey, role-modelling hope for recovery, contributing to a positive recovery-oriented environment where relationships, interaction and communication are present.

You will have | Nga Pukenga

• Relevant lived experience of going through Emergency Department as a whaiora

• Preferably level 4 National Certificate of Health & Wellbeing or higher qualification

• A strong desire to support others in times of need.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Empathy, resilience, and a calm presence and

• The ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

• Full NZ Driver’s License

• Valid/Current work visa, residency, or citizenship

When applying please have | Kia Whakauru

• An up-to-date CV prepared

• A Cover Letter detailing

o Why you’re interested in the role?

o What skills, competencies and experience you would bring to the role?

“He aha te mea nui o te ao? Maku e ki atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata”

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

Ember is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace and are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all. We particularly welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific and Rainbow communities.

We will interview candidates as applications come through rather than waiting until the advertisement closes. The vacancy may be filled earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.