RTO 91296
Exploring Training Options for the AOD Lived and Living Experience Workforce – Pilot Program
Help shape the future of peer work in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services: join a new pilot program supporting the growth of the Lived and Living Experience (LLE) workforce across NSW.
People with lived and living experience of alcohol and other drugs play a vital role in improving the quality of care. Strengthening this workforce is key to delivering better health outcomes, enhancing service experiences, and reducing stigma across the sector.
Mental Health Coordinating Council, The Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies, and NSW Users and AIDS Association are collaborating on the Exploring Training Options for the AOD Lived and Living Experience Workforce – Pilot Program, a new initiative aimed at building a strong, supported and sustainable LLE workforce in AOD services.
Overview
Funded by NSW Health, the AOD Lived and Living Experience Workforce – Pilot Program, responds to two key recommendations from the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug Ice, which aims to address treatment gaps and improve health and social outcomes for people with lived and living experience of AOD.
The two key recommendations are:
- That NSW Health grow and better utilise a peer workforce in the delivery of AOD services, including by investing in the development of an AOD peer workforce;
- That NSW Health, in collaboration with the NGO sector, develop an AOD workforce strategy, including a focus on strengthening the peer workforce.
Demand for AOD services is growing rapidly, yet workforce shortages and persistent stigma continue to limit access to care. This presents a clear opportunity to engage and support newly recruited AOD LLE workforce through relevant and accredited training tailored to the AOD sector.
This pilot project aims to contextualise units of competency from the current CHC43515 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work, leveraging mental health and AOD cross sector expertise and learnings to support consumers with co-occurring needs.
We are looking for expressions of interest from participants to engage in robust evaluations and provide valuable insights to inform the development of national accredited training for the AOD LLE workforce.
This pilot will also allow a cohort of AOD peer worker to attain three (3) accredited units of competency.
Units of competency
The pilot will include the contextualisation of the following accredited units of competency from MHCC’s CHC43515 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work qualification:
- CHCPWK001 Apply peer work practices in the mental health sector
- CHCPWK003 Apply lived experience in mental health peer work (including 80 hours of work placement)
- CHCPWK004 Work effectively in consumer mental health peer work
Participants will have the opportunity to receive a Statement of Attainment for these units.
Expressions of Interest
We are seeking expressions of interest to form a waitlist* of eligible participants to attend this training pilot if a spot becomes available. This may require commencing training face to face in Sydney at short notice. This is open to participants from anywhere across NSW.
If you are interested in joining the waitlist and would like to learn more about the opportunities available, please submit an expression of interest and we will be in contact with you.
*Please note that being successful in joining the waitlist does not guarantee you a spot in this training pilot. You will only be contacted if a spot becomes available.
Pilot Participant Group (applications close 19 March 2026)
Expressions of interest for AOD lived and living experience workers to join the Exploring Training Options Pilot Participant Group waitlist.
| Eligibility | Applicants must have AOD lived and living experience, and currently working (paid or unpaid) in the AOD sector with a minimum of six months full time equivalent work experience. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Workload | The Exploring Training Options Pilot Participant Group (ETO PPG) will participate in the course delivery including an evaluation session one day / week over fifteen weeks face to face at NUAA in Sydney between March 2026 – July 2026 as follows:
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| Role | Attend, participate in and provide input to PPG activities scheduled across March – July 2026. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Timeline | March – July 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Terms of Engagement | Until 31 July 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Location | Face to face in Sydney at NUAA offices | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Support while you are in this role | The ETO Project Steering Group is fortunate to have Alice Pierce on our team. Alice identifies as a living experience worker and has over a decade of professional experience in the AOD sector, and she is currently the Director of Programs at NUAA. Alice will be available to chat about your role on the ETO PPG. You might want to ask Alice questions to make sure you understand everything. If you feel more comfortable, you can also provide your input to the ETO Project Steering Group directly through Alice. All members of the ETO Project team will be available for questions or support throughout the project. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Payment | There is no payment for participation in the 15-week pilot delivery. In exchange for your time and contributions to the pilot delivery, you have the opportunity to achieve a Statement of Attainment for three completed units of competency at no cost to you. For those living more than 100kms outside of Sydney, the project may be able to cover travel or any other expenses associated with attending training. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Conflicts of Interest | We think that any member of the PPG who has lived or living experience of AOD use or treatment and/or mental health distress, recovery or service access, would be suitable to participate in this opportunity. We do not predict any conflicts of interest to arise. If you can predict any, please let us know. |