Lived Experience Peer Cadet Program

Are you enrolled or wanting to study the Certificate IV Mental Health Peer Work?
Are you self-reflective, curious, and willing to learn?

Keen to use your lived experience in mental health to help others?
What is the Lived Experience Peer Cadet Program?

The Lived Experience Peer Cadet Program is an employment opportunity for people with lived/living experience undertaking the Cert IV in Mental Health Peer Work, to enter paid employment across participating Victorian non-government community mental health services.

The program was created in response to the Royal Commission’s recommendation to increase the number of entry points into the lived and living experience workforce (LLEW) and provide a supportive and structured learning environment.

What does the program involve?

Peer Cadets are employed three days per week (one of which is a paid study day), paid part-time over a 10 month program. During this time they will develop knowledge, skills, and confidence in a structured and supported environment. Throughout their employment, cadets will receive supervision and training that is discipline specific. Opportunities for learning include (but are not limited to): shadowing telehealth, outreach, one-to-one support, attending group programs, team meetings, internal core training, reflective practice (peer and non-peer), Community of Practice, and supervision.

2024 – 2025 Peer Cadet Program update

Applications for the 2024-25 program are now closed.

Program updates

Department of Health webpage
Phone (03) 8633 4967
Email livedexperienceworkforce@health.vic.gov.au

Email careers@ermha.org