Background Information
Peer Mentoring potentially assists people living with brain injury to:
- support adjustment to injury
- build a sense of hope and self-worth living a changed life
- create and sustain social relationships and circles
- re-integrate into the community
- expand awareness of community resources
- cope with feelings of depression and sadness
- adapt to changing relationships with family members
- develop self-advocacy skills and confidence
- reduce the risk of alcohol and substance abuse
- protect against feelings of hopelessness, isolation and a feeling of being lost in the world
- reducing dependencies on systems
- support Brain Injury SA participants and the wider community by raising awareness of brain injury
At Brain Injury SA (BISA) Peer Mentors may be involved in:
- BISA group work – Reconnect Transition Program (RTP), Brain Injury Support and Education Group (BISE Group), Catch Up groups, Social events
- Assist in bridging between sub-acute and community service access through one on one support
- Include engagement in virtual support – safe online communication, sharing platforms
This will operate as follows:
- Appointment – through application and selection process
- Appointment duration – the successful applicant will be appointed for a two-year traineeship, following which they may be interested in seeking appointment as a full Board member
Peer Mentor Responsibilities:
- Attending agreed appointments with allocated participants
- Working to parameters of role
Criteria for selection
Essential:
- Successful candidates must have lived experience of brain injury
- Applicants must be over 18
- Commitment to complete Peer mentoring training and required screening processes
- A strong commitment and passion in achieving excellence in service delivery to people living with brain injury
- A demonstrated capacity to understand and adhere to principles necessary for this role including confidentiality and informed diligence
Desirable:
Applicants should be able to demonstrate:
- Insight into experience of living with brain injury
- A commitment to expanding opportunities for others living with brain injury in the community
Note: In line with all Board appointments, this is a voluntary position and is not paid, although expenses incurred in meeting attendance can be paid as agreed at appointment.
Selection process
All applications will be reviewed by the Governance Committee using the above criteria. Interviews may be conducted with short listed candidates and will be in person.
A completed application should include:
- Full Name, Address, date of birth, contact details – email and telephone number as a minimum
- How did you find out about this role?
- Why you would like to be appointed as a Peer Mentor with Brain Injury SA?
- What do you think are the strengths you would bring to the role?
- What support or assistance would you be looking for to fulfil your role as a Peer Mentor?
plus
- Any other information you would like to contribute in your application
Making an Application
An application can be made online using the Volunteer Application Form. Applications to become a Peer Mentor at BISA can be made any time. Engagement as a Peer Mentor will depend on opportunities and when they become available.
A bit about Brain Injury SA…
Our Vision:
Embrace life after brain injury
Our Purpose
Brain Injury SA is for people with Acquired Brain Injury
Acquire Brain Injury (ABI) is the “multiple disabilities arising from damage to the brain acquired after birth. It results in deterioration in cognitive, physical, emotional or independent functioning. It can be as a result of accidents, tumours, infection, poisoning, lack of oxygen, degenerative neurological disease etc.”
– National Community Services Data Dictionary (Australian Institute of Health and Well Being, Canberra, 2012)
As a Peak Body and a Service Provider, Brain Injury SA works with and for the ABI community to:
- Empower people to determine and work towards their goals
- Provide tailored and accessible therapy services to maximise quality of life
- Assist in addressing barriers and issues arising from living with disabilities
- Support families and carers
- Advocate for and work to deliver increased community and government awareness, inclusion and assistance for people living with ABI
- Continuously improve the value and quality of services through research, evaluation and development
Our Values
