Facilitator of LGBTQIA+ & Neurodivergent Pain Support Group

Chronic Pain Australia is seeking a compassionate, community-minded facilitator to co-lead our LGBTQIA+ & Neurdivergent pain support group in Melbourne (location TBC). This monthly group will provide a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ & neurodivergent folk living with chronic pain to connect, share, learn, and support one another.

We are accepting applications from LGBTQIA+ community members, or strong allies with a deep understanding of neurodivergence and neuro-affirming practices.

About the Role:

The Pain Support Group (PSG) Facilitator plays a key role in helping group members:

• Share their lived experiences of chronic pain
• Learn and discuss self-management tools
• Navigate and effectively use healthcare settings

To be eligible, you must have lived experience of chronic pain and either:

• Have completed a Chronic Pain Management Program, or
• Have well-managed chronic pain enabling you to facilitate consistently.

You will be mentored by an experienced Peer Mentor Manager and our Painlink Program Manager, who will support you as you settle into the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with co-designing a culturally appropriate Pain Support Group framework for our LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent folk, including preparing materials and topics for monthly sessions (with help from our internal team and designer)
• Deliver engaging discussions and/or coordinate guest speakers (with CPA support)
• Facilitate the group meetings at least monthly, and to attend our 6 week Art Therapy sessions which will coincide with the group program
• Communicate with group participants via a closed Facebook group or email (minimum one platform)
• Contribute to creating a respectful, inclusive, and affirming group culture

🤝 What We Provide

All volunteers are supported through:

• Extensive onboarding, mentoring and support
• Access to educational resources and training, along with external workshops and training opportunities throughout the year, including Accidental Counsellor Training, Suice Prevention Training, and more!
• Insurance coverage
• Certificates and references (as appropriate)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – includes participation in monthly CPA-wide debrief sessions with a Psychology Clinic and access to free 1:1 support sessions
• Ongoing guidance from your established co-chair and ongoing supervision and mentoring from you Peer Mentor Manager

Important Notes:

• Lived experience with chronic pain is essential.
• CPA facilitators do not provide medical, pharmaceutical, legal, or industrial relations advice.
• This is a volunteer role with meaningful impact in the LGBTQIA+ community and for neurodivergent folk.