Starting out in the sector: Jodie’s Journey into AOD Peer Work

Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

We recently held a webinar on people’s rights at work when working in living and lived experience roles in the AOD sector. We were blessed with the presence of Jodie Stevenson, an AOD peer worker who works out of Hunter New England Local Health District.  

As well as being on the webinar panel, Jodie kindly answered some questions for us around the process of getting a job in the sector, what it takes, and supports you can access in the workplace.  

UN: What the process was like securing a peer worker job at a NSW Local Health District? How long was the interview and onboarding process, and do you have any advice regarding the onboarding process for someone wanting to work at NSW Health?  

Jodie: When you apply for a job, they will ask you for a lot of documentation. Have all of your documents ready to go if you’re considering working as a peer worker. Don’t waste time having to prepare them when you go for the job, get them ready now in advance. 

I would advise someone who is wanting to work for NSW Health to ensure you have your ID ready, which can include needing your Birth Certificate (a new one if yours doesn’t have the bit they can scan at Service NSW) because you will need it when proving ID for your working with children check (WWCC). Do some research about any criminal history that may come up in a criminal record check and speak to NUAA about what to do if you have any concerns. I also needed to prove my immunisations were up to date plus have the hep B and Covid vaccinations. I would tell my former self to reach out if I needed a hand and not try and appear as if I had it all together, because the hiring manager in the onboarding process wanted to assist me as much as they could – they even paid for my WWCC! 

When I applied and responded to selection criteria questions, the fact I had recently studied helped me to know what was expected. If you are having trouble with answering the selection criteria questions, google how to structure your response or contact NUAA for a copy of their resume and cover letting writing guide. 

Read past or current job descriptions advertised to peer workers for NSW Health. I felt the job description was really thorough and detailed for my position. It gave me a clear run down of what duties I was expected to fulfill. I felt and believe that, especially now, as I now know that my role was very well designed being a new role for NSW Health. Hunter New England Health really knew the value they would get from having Peer Support workers on the team. I know from speaking to others with different experiences that I had a very positive experience and I am grateful for this. 

In regards to the interview, my tip is to look tidy and presentable. You don’t need to wear a suit, but know that workplaces would like you to be tidy and respectful, so nothing like swear words on shirts or holes in clothes/ripped jeans. 

After my application and interview, my onboarding was about 3 months.  

UN: Tips or advice for someone who is starting a new role on how to find or access this information? 

Jodie: My advice would be to make sure you research the organisation or company where you are wanting to work. Also, try reaching out to where you would like to work and let someone (preferably a manager in the department you want to apply for) know your goal of working for them. Ask them if there is someone you can be put in touch with so you can stay on an email alert for any positions that may come up. 

In general, it’s important that you do your research around the AOD peer work roles. YouTube and other online sources have some info on the different roles, or you can reach out to NUAA for guidance. Work out exactly the position you are applying for and research what types of tasks you will be expected to undertake. You can find this out by studying the position description. Have an honest check in with yourself. Is this where you want to be right at this point in your life? Is this what you want to do? Is this going to impact you in any way other than a positive one? Will it be detrimental to any previous work you have done on yourself? These are all important questions to consider before going for the role. 

UN: What sort of qualifications do you think are helpful in securing a position? What was your experience with tertiary qualifications prior to your employment in the AOD sector? 

Jodie: If you are in a position to be able to do a course with a registered training organisation or TAFE, you should consider taking it. You could think about the Certificate 4 in Mental Health Peer Work, or a certificate or diploma in Community Services and/or certification in Alcohol and Other Drugs. I am currently completing my Diploma in Community Services and I am really enjoying the course. It really allowed me to understand and comprehend the challenges our service users and we face.  

When I started my Cert 4 I looked at the subjects and took a deep breath as I started to prepare myself mentally for a very hard 12 months, as I had lived experience in every single subject that I was about to study. TAFE gave me a safe space to practice my skills and become proficient before using them in the workplace. Most importantly it allowed me to work through them myself at my own pace rather than being confronted by them at a new job. 

I think checking in with a trusted therapist before commencing this type of work is a good idea for your own protection. Many of the topics covered in our work can bring up a lot of unsealed trauma and having an honest chat with a therapist that knows you well can really help you prepare for the role and decide if this is the right role for you for the point in your life. 

UN: These suggestions are all great. A lot of workplaces offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is where, through your work, you can access a free counsellor or debrief following difficult work experiences. We also know that workplaces can help out by letting employees take time off as needed for family and caring commitments. What other supports and accommodations are there for workers, and what tips do you have for anyone seeking workplace accommodations and supports? 

Jodie: Have an honest and frank discussion with your onboarding team or manager about your needs. You should also reach out to organisations like NUAA who can assist you and advocate for your needs. When you get your job, join a union. 

Ideally, if the company you are wanting to work with is advertising for a Peer Worker, then they should be understanding. Remember: you will do your best work when you are supported so it is 100% worth it for you to ask for what you need. I would also say people don’t know what they don’t know. Your workplace can’t be a mind reader. If you don’t tell them what you need help with, whether it's family or carer’s leave, time off for medical appointments or afternoons off to pick up the kids, they can’t assist you. 

Note: You can also call NUAA’s PeerLine on 1800 644 413 for support and advice around accommodations in the workplace for AOD-sector peer workers.