Inclusion Peer Mentor

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Location: North Perth

Employment Type: Permanent Permanent part time – 46-week contract

Hours: 6 hours/week

About the Playgroup WA

Playgroup WA supports families and communities across Western Australia by facilitating opportunities for children and families to connect, learn, and thrive through play. We are committed to fostering inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environments where every family feels valued, respected, and empowered.

About the role

Support families of children with disability and/or developmental differences to access and participate in community playgroups and other community-based activities. Draw on lived experience as a parent or carer to provide encouragement, practical support and guidance to families experiencing barriers to participation, including concerns about acceptance, judgement, understanding or inclusion. Help families build confidence, develop social connections and experience a sense of belonging within their local community. Share lived experience and provide reassurance and peer connection to help families feel they are not alone in their journey and reduce feelings of isolation. Support community playgroups to strengthen their capacity to include children with disability and/or developmental differences and their families.

Key Responsibilities

Family Peer Support

• Build trusting, supportive relationships with families of children with disability and/or developmental delay.
• Provide peer support informed by lived experience as a parent or carer.
• Support families to access and participate in community playgroups and other community activities.
• Assist families to overcome barriers to participation and build confidence in attending new environments.
• Share practical strategies and experiences that promote inclusion, belonging, and participation.
• Encourage families to identify their strengths and advocate for the needs of their child where appropriate
• Provide emotional support, understanding, and reassurance through shared lived experience.

Playgroup Inclusion Support

• Support playgroup committees and volunteers to create welcoming and inclusive environments for children with disability and/or developmental delay and their families.
• Share practical information, resources, and strategies that promote inclusion and participation.
• Assist playgroup committees to build confidence in supporting families with diverse needs.
• Foster positive relationships between families and playgroup committees.
• Promote understanding of disability, neurodiversity, developmental delay, and inclusive practices within community playgroups.
• Support playgroups to identify and address barriers to participation where appropriate.

Facilitation and Engagement

• Attend playgroups as required to support inclusion and participation.
• Facilitate discussions, information sharing, and informal peer support opportunities.
• Represent Playgroup WA in a professional and respectful manner.

Administration and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records and documentation as required.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and professional development activities.
• Adhere to Playgroup WA policies, procedures, privacy requirements, and confidentiality standards,

Community Connection

• Assist families to connect with community services, supports, programs, and resources.
• Encourage social connection and peer networks among families.
• Promote opportunities for participation, belonging, and community engagement.

Selection Criteria:

Essential Qualifications

• Lived experience as a parent, guardian, or primary carer of a child with disability and/or developmental delay/differences
• Understanding the barriers families may experience when accessing community activities and confidence in supporting families to navigate these challenges
• Demonstrated ability to use lived experience appropriately to support, encourage, and empower other families
• Commitment to disability inclusion, family-centred practice, and community participation
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship building skills
• Ability to build rapport with both families and volunteer-led playgroup committees
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Understanding confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical practice
• Current Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain)
• Current National Police Clearance (or willingness to obtain)

Desired Criteria

• Experience volunteering or working in peer support, community services, disability services, family support, education, or early childhood settings.
• Knowledge of disability, developmental delay, early intervention, and community support services.
• Experience facilitating groups, workshops, or community activities.
• Relevant qualification or training in peer work, community services, disability education, family support, or related field.

Key attributes

The successful applicant/s will demonstrate:

• Empathy and compassion
• Reliability and professionalism
• Respect for diversity and inclusion
• Strong listening and relationship-building skills
• A collaborative and solution-focused approach
• The ability to empower families through encouragement, shared experience, and connection
• Understanding that each family's journey is unique

How to Apply

To apply, please submit to recruitment@playgroupwa.com.au.

• A current resume outlining your employment, volunteer experience, and any relevant qualifications or training.
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) addressing the Essential Selection Criteria and explaining your interest in becoming a Inclusion Peer Mentor with Playgroup WA.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their lived experience as a parent or carer of a child with disability and/or developmental delay has shaped their understanding of the challenges families may face and how they would use this experience to support others in a respectful, strengths-based manner.

Playgroup WA is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences who are passionate about supporting families and strengthening inclusive communities.