Senior Peer Support Lead

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Te Whare Tāwharau

About our team/Mō te tīma

Te Whare Tāwharau is the University of Otago’s dedicated sexual harm and intimate partner violence, support, education, and prevention centre. Our small, close-knit team of staff and volunteers work together to address sexual harm and intimate partner violence across campus, combining compassion and expertise to meet the diverse needs of those who access our services. We provide comprehensive survivor support, including advocacy and assistance tailored to individual circumstances.

Our Peer Support Volunteer training programme equips students to provide empathetic, informed support to their peers. We also deliver a range of peer-led prevention and education programmes for staff and students, helping to foster a campus culture of safety, respect, and wellbeing.

The role/Te mahi

As the Senior Peer Support Lead, you will provide trauma-informed, survivor-led support to students and staff impacted by sexual harm and intimate partner violence. Through empathy, active listening, and skilled advocacy, you will help individuals understand their options, make informed decisions, and access the support they need to feel safe, supported, and able to thrive in their study or work environment.

This role requires someone who can confidently navigate sensitive and complex situations, using strong de-escalation, conflict resolution, and communication skills to achieve positive outcomes. Comprehensive training and ongoing supervision will be provided for this role, and you will be well supported through working alongside other Te Whare Tāwharau staff to ensure a safe and mana-enhancing work environment.

Working closely with students, staff, volunteers, and key stakeholders, you will contribute to a safer campus community through direct support, peer volunteer mentoring, and the delivery of prevention and awareness initiatives.

Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

We're looking for someone who is compassionate, actively practices self-care, and is dedicated to supporting others. You will champion a strong survivor-led approach, with the empathy, confidence, and interpersonal skills needed to support people through challenging and often complex situations. Comfortable navigating difficult conversations, you will be able to listen without judgement, help individuals explore their options, and empower them to make informed decisions that are right for them. Your ability to build trust, manage conflict, and respond calmly in emotionally sensitive situations will be key to your success in this role. Other key requirements include:

•    A qualification (or working towards) in Psychology, Social Work, Gender Studies, Law, Public Health, Education, or a related discipline.
•    Experience providing support, advocacy, crisis intervention, pastoral care, or similar people-focused services.
•    An understanding of sexual harm and intimate partner violence, with a commitment to survivor-led practice.
•    Strong communication, relationship-building, de-escalation, and conflict resolution skills.
•    Excellent organisation and time management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of people, particularly students and young adults.

This role offers a unique opportunity to further develop specialist advocacy and support skills while working alongside people to make a meaningful difference in their lives and contribute to a safer, more supportive campus community.

Further details/Pūroko

This is a part-time (22 hours per week), permanent role, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

We are open to this role being shared by two individuals. The role is semester-time only, working across the academic year (1st February – 30th November). 

Interviews will take place in early December 2026, with the successful candidate starting before Semester 1, 2027.

The appointment range for this role is $69,931 to $74,609 with the top of range is $80,285 per annum.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information or to discuss the roles in confidence - please contact Frankie Gaston via the contact details below.

Application/Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter), please click the apply button. 

Applications quoting reference number 2601661 will close on Thursday, 19 November 2026.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, the University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information 

Note: As a part-time position, the salary range for this role will be the pro-rata equivalent of the annual full-time salary range listed.

Contact: Frankie Gaston

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email

Location: About Dunedin