What is peer navigation?

HIV Peer Navigation is an exciting new form of HIV peer support. HIV Peer Navigators use their lived experience, interpersonal skills and workplace training to support other people living with HIV to make the most of the clinical and community care and support services available to them. Navigators are often based at HIV community organisations but may also work at clinical services. They work closely with other providers of care and support including GPs and hospital-based physicians, psychologists, social workers, community workers, health promotion, and many more.

Join the training program

NAPWHA offers the training once per year.

The National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) has developed training for HIV Peer Navigators that reflects Australian and international best practice. It complements the workplace training offered by state and territory HIV community organisations.

Time commitment

There are four online modules:

  • HIV 101 for Workforce
  • Self work
  • Client work
  • Organisation work

Each module will take about 7 hours to read through, and assessment tasks will take another 3-5 hours to complete.

Certification

You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course, and NAPWHA will provide a written reference to current/future employers.

How to apply

Applications are currently closed and will open in the second half of 2025.

You need to complete a short application that describes how you meet the following criteria:

  1. You are a person living with HIV.
  2. You are currently working for an HIV community organisation, or you have the potential to work for one in future.
    1. If you are not working in an HIV peer support/navigation role, you need to attach a letter from an HIV community organisation supporting your application.
    2. If you are employed by an HIV organisation, you need to attach a letter from your line manager supporting your participation in the training.
  3. You have demonstrated the ability to use your own lived experience to communicate and connect with other people in the HIV-positive community.
  4. You have completed year 10 of a high school education and/or you will have ongoing practical support (e.g. mentoring) from your organisation around adult literacy and learning skills.
  5. You will have time (and time management skills) needed to complete the training.

Assistance is available

We strongly encourage potential applicants to get in touch to discuss the opportunity. If you have any questions or need support with writing your application, please contact:

Modules