Peer Support Worker – Wellness and Planned Respite

Christchurch | Permanent Part-Time | 16 hours per week

Are you an experienced Peer Worker ready to use your lived experience and Intentional Peer Support (IPS) training to inspire hope in a beautiful, restful setting?

Stepping Stone Trust is seeking a compassionate and skilled Peer Support Worker to join our Wellness and Planned Respite service in Westmorland, Christchurch.

This is a permanent part-time position of 16 hours per week, with shifts rostered across service hours from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Sunday. Some extended hours may be required on Mondays and Fridays to support guest intake and exit.

Based in a peaceful, retreat-like home, the service uses the Intentional Peer Support model to support tāngata whai ora in their recovery journey, connection, self-determination and movement towards full citizenship.

Mō Te Tūranga | About The role

In this role, you will:

• Actively apply the core tenets of Intentional Peer Support, moving away from clinical "fixing" and focusing on relational growth
• Use your lived experience safely and purposefully to foster hope, connection and recovery
• Support tāngata whai ora to identify strengths, set wellness goals and plan for life beyond respite
• Contribute to a warm, welcoming and supportive home environment, including shared meals, household tasks and everyday activities.

Mōu | About you

We’re looking for someone who can bring:

• A Level 4 Certificate in Peer Support Work, IPS training or an equivalent peer-specific qualification, or be working towards one
• Well-established lived experience of mental distress, addiction or mental health service use, with the self-awareness to use this experience safely
• Strong relationship-building skills, including active listening, empathy, healthy boundaries and respect for mutuality
• Confidence supporting people in a range of situations, including group activities and everyday routines
• Good organisation, communication and administration skills, with a commitment to manaakitanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Tā mātou mahi | We offer

• A peaceful and supportive working environment in Westmorland
• A small, professional and passionate team that values peer-led perspectives
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives
• Paid sick leave, available from commencement (provided eligibility criteria are met)
• Paid birthday leave (after six months permanent employment).

Mō mātou | About us

At Stepping Stone Trust, we provide community and residential services that support over 700 people each week across Canterbury and Otago. With more than 275 staff across a wide range of roles, our team is committed to supporting people with compassion, professionalism, and hope.

Our work is grounded in our core values of Faith, Grace, Hope, Love and Integrity.

Me Pēhea te Tono | How to Apply

Applications close: Sunday, 27th September 2026

If you are passionate about peer support and using lived experience to foster hope, connection and recovery, we’d love to hear from you.

Click Apply Now and submit your CV and a cover letter through our online recruitment system, outlining your experience with IPS and how your lived experience informs your approach to peer support.

Applications will be reviewed as they're received, and interviews may take place before the closing date.

** Our organisation has a strong commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people; and any employees will be vetted to a level appropriate to the role for which they have applied.