The Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Services Early Careers initiative supports graduates of the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work to continue their development through a structured 12-month early career program. 

This new Victorian program supports emerging Lived and Living Experience Workers (LLEW) transition from study to paid roles within Victoria’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Local services. This 12-month paid program provides the opportunity for early career lived and living experience workers to strengthen capabilities, confidence and professional identity in a supported, structured, multidisciplinary team with dedicated peer mentorship, supervision and designated Lived Experience leadership.

Graduates are employed directly within Local services and supported through a statewide development framework coordinated by the Lived Experience Career Compass (LECC). 

What LECC Provides:

The Lived Experience Career Compass offers a coordinated statewide approach to learning, support and connection, including: 

  • Structured opportunities for participant cross-organisational co-reflection and peer connection 
  • Opportunities to connect with program participants across different Local sites 
  • Regular cross-organisation meetings to share learning and strengthen practice 
  • Support and guidance for peer supervisors and mentors 
  • Cross disciplinary learning spaces that bring together lived experience, clinical and community professionals 

This model ensures early career lived and living experience workers are part of a broad, supportive and connected workforce with opportunities for cross-organisational learning and collaboration.  

Program Features:

  • A 12-month early career pathway within a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local service
  • Experience working within multidisciplinary teams alongside clinical, community and allied health colleagues 
  • Supported transition from study into paid lived experience roles 
  • Peer mentorship and supervision that supports learning and builds confidence and professional identity 
  • Statewide connection with other early career lived and living experience workers and services through Lived Experience Career Compass
  • Structured development aligned with the needs of the emerging lived experience workforce 
  • Access to a calendar of regular online education sessions that support cross-disciplinary learning and knowledge sharing 


Training & Learning Calendar 

Throughout the year, program participants and host organisations take part in shared learning and development activities, including: 

  • Co-reflection sessions 
  • Supervisor and mentor development 
  • Cross-organisation and multi-disciplinary learning events 
  • Workforce development workshops 

Please follow this link to sign up for events. These sessions are intended for early career staff working within the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals only.  Training & Learning Calendar

Participating Locals