Peer Navigator

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the biggest autism-specific school programs in the world. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum, and their families to deliver evidence-informed solutions that are person-centred, family-focused and customer driven.

At Aspect we recognise a different brilliant®, where we seek to understand, engage and celebrate the strengths, interests and aspiration of people on the autism spectrum.

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new national Side-by-Side initiative, supporting autistic young people to confidently navigate one of life’s most significant transitions - from school into adulthood.

The Side-by-Side Peer Navigator is a lived experience role supporting autistic young people aged 16–25 as they explore and move into adulthood pathways. We are currently seeking 4 Peer Navigators to join the team, with a planned start date of 3 August.

Peer Navigators provide autistic lived-experience, strengths-based guidance to help young people and their families/carers explore and plan pathways into:

• further education and training
• employment and volunteering
• independence and daily living
• community participation

Working within a supported decision-making framework, Peer Navigators assist users to navigate services, build confidence, and develop personalised transition goals through a combination of online 1:1 sessions, group facilitation, and digital engagement via the Side-by-Side microsite.

This role is not clinical or therapeutic and does not provide case management. Instead, it focuses on relational support, information sharing, coaching, and navigation to help users connect with the right supports at the right time.

This is a part-time (0.6 FTE), fixed-term contract (concluding December 2027). The salary range is $44.58 – $47.97 per hour, equating to approximately $88,000 – $95,000 per annum (plus superannuation), dependent on skills and qualifications.

The role is designed as fully remote, with work performed from a home-based setting within Australia. For candidates based in Sydney, there is the option to work from Aspect’s National Office in Chatswood.

Please click here to view the Position Profile.

What you bring:

Lived experience

• Lived experience of autism, with the ability to reflect on and appropriately use personal transition experiences to support others in a structured, strengths-based way
• Understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by autistic young people transitioning from school to adulthood

Peer support & engagement capability

• Experience providing peer mentoring, coaching, facilitation, or capacity-building support (formal or informal)
• Ability to build trusting, respectful relationships with young people and families in an online environment
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a warm, clear, and neuro-affirming way

Knowledge of systems and transition pathways

• Understanding of services relevant to young people transitioning to adulthood (e.g. education, employment, community supports, NDIS)
• Ability to support people to explore options and make informed, self-directed decisions

Digital facilitation and remote working

• Experience or confidence delivering online 1:1 sessions and/or group facilitation
• Strong computer literacy including Microsoft 365 and ability to work independently in a remote team environment

Boundaries, safety, and professionalism

• Understanding of professional boundaries in a peer support context
• Awareness of confidentiality, privacy, risk identification, and mandatory reporting obligations
• Ability to recognise when to escalate concerns and connect people to appropriate services

Desirable

• Qualification in Community Services, Education, Allied Health, or related field
• Experience supporting autistic people or neurodivergent communities in formal or informal settings
• Familiarity with supported decision-making approaches
• Experience working within virtual service delivery models

Requirements

• Willingness to obtain required checks (NDIS Worker Screening, Working with Children Check, Police Check as applicable)
• Alignment with Aspect’s values and neuro-affirming practice principles
• Commitment to reflective practice and supervision

Why join Aspect?

In this role, you will be part of a pioneering national program supporting autistic young people through one of the most important transitions in their lives.

We offer:

• A meaningful, purpose-driven role where your lived experience directly shapes positive outcomes for others
• The opportunity to be part of a national, innovative digital peer support program supporting autistic young people across Australia
• Flexible, remote working arrangements with autonomy to manage your working hours within agreed service delivery requirements
• A supportive supervision and reflective practice model, including regular clinical/professional guidance and team connection
• Ongoing opportunities for learning and development in peer work, neuro-affirming practice, and supported decision-making approaches
• Access to salary packaging benefits (up to $18,550 per annum)
• A culture that values neurodiversity, inclusion, and strengths-based practice
• The opportunity to contribute to the growth and evolution of a first-of-its-kind peer navigation and transition support model

To apply: To apply, click the "I'm Interested" button, upload your CV, and complete the candidate questionnaire. A cover letter is optional, and we encourage you to use the questionnaire to tell us about your relevant lived experience, skills, and interests.

Please note that applications must be submitted through our online application process; we are unable to accept CVs sent directly via email.

Aspect reserves the right to interview and appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.

Enquiries should be directed to: Alex Grantham, Side-By-Side Coordinator, [email protected].

Aspect is committed to increasing the number of Autistic staff and providing an inclusive workplace where everyone can feel that they belong. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds including, but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, neurodivergent people, people with a disability, the LGBTQIA+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, to apply. We have a range of universal strategies to meet the needs of different people in our hiring processes, and are happy to individualise these.

Learn more about us: www.autismspectrum.org.au