Lived Experience Operational Lead - Mental Health and Wellbeing at Uniting

Job Description:

Latest job information from Uniting for the position of Lived Experience Operational Lead - Mental Health and Wellbeing. If the Lived Experience Operational Lead - Mental Health and Wellbeing vacancy in Sydney matches your qualifications, please submit your latest application or CV directly through the updated Jobkos job portal.

Please note that applying for a job may not always be easy, as new candidates must meet certain qualifications and requirements set by the company. We hope the career opportunity at Uniting for the position of Lived Experience Operational Lead - Mental Health and Wellbeing below matches your qualifications.

About the role

This is a dynamic, full-time position (38 hours per week) on an initial 12-month contract with excellent prospects for extension beyond the first year.

• Flexibility to WFH

• Willingness to travel to other mental health and wellbeing sites across NSW/ACT when required
• Office is based in Oatlands, NSW (Position location can be negotiated)
• Willingness to travel to Oatlands weekly (or as negotiated)

This newly created role will lead the implementation of our Lived Experience Workforce Framework championing the recognition of peer workers and ensuring that their voices are heard and amplified across our services.

You will have the influence and requisite leadership skills to embed a lived experience workforce framework into day-day practices. In this role, you will elevate the peer workforce, highlight their unique contributions, and drive initiatives that enhance their influence and strengthen their role and impact.

You will work closely with peer workers, senior leaders, and operational teams to embed lived experience meaningfully across all programs and systems, enhancing recovery-oriented, person-centred care

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation and integration of the newly developed workforce framework into everyday practice
• Support and build the capacity of our lived experience workforce and programs
• Ensure lived experience perspectives shape policies, co-design services, and strengthen recovery-oriented approaches
• Advocate for professional development and recognition of lived experience contributions within all services.

• Contribute to the development and integration of policies, procedures and programs that embed lived experience leadership throughout the organisation.

What you will need to succeed:

• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the mental health sector, with a strong track record of lived experience contribution.
• Demonstrated experience using lived experience to inform, influence, or contribute to meaningful change or improvement within teams, communities, or projects
• Personal lived experience of mental health or psychological distress or lived experience supporting someone with mental health challenges.
• Understanding of the mental health system, including the challenges, barriers, and opportunities for people accessing services, and the ability to navigate it confidently.
• Ability to purposefully apply lived experience into professional practice.
• Strong facilitation skills and the ability to contribute to developing policies and governance frameworks that support and strengthen peer work.
• Strong English communication skills and proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• A valid NSW Employee Working with Children’s Check / WWVP Check
• A valid Driver’s Licence

Desirable

• Certificate IV in Mental Health, Peer Work, or a related discipline (or working toward completion).
• At least two (2) years of experience leading a team, with the ability to inspire, guide and develop others
• Relevant lived-experience specific training or certification
• Demonstrated experience leading projects, programs or change management initiatives within the mental health or community services sector.

Why Join Us?

At Uniting, we’re committed to creating an inclusive and values-driven workplace. We offer:

• Salary Packaging – up to $18,550 per year (less tax) increase your take-home pay
• Fitness Passport – support for your wellbeing
• U Rewards – discounts from top retailers
• 4 Me Days – extra paid leave each year to rest, recharge, and focus on what matters most
• Training and mentoring - to support your professional growth

How to apply and to be considered for this opportunity, you MUST:

Click “Apply Now” and submit your resume along with a cover letter responding to the two targeted questions below (max. 2 pages):

TQ1: Please describe your personal lived experience of mental health recovery and how it has shaped the way you support, guide or influence others in your work or community.

TQ2: Please describe a time when you used your lived experience to challenge or promote inclusive practices in your team, service, or community.

If you have any questions, please contact Alex Sullivan, Talent Acquisition Specialist, at / .

Employment with Uniting is subject to background checks, including a National Police Check, Working with Children Check, and Reference Checks.

Closing Date: 11:55pm, Monday 2^nd February 2026

About Uniting

When you’re part of Uniting NSW.ACT, you’re part of a diverse, purpose-led team of people making a real difference in the world around them. We contribute to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Uniting acknowledges the continuing sovereignty and rich cultural diversity of Australia’s First Peoples. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Peoples on whose lands we live and work.

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

Job Info:

• Company: Uniting
• Position: Lived Experience Operational Lead - Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Work Location: Sydney
• Country: AU

How to Submit an Application:

After reading and understanding the criteria and minimum qualification requirements explained in the job information Lived Experience Operational Lead - Mental Health and Wellbeing at the office Sydney above, immediately complete the job application files such as a job application letter, CV, photocopy of diploma, transcript, and other supplements as explained above. Submit via the Next Page link below.