Join our Team
CALD Peer Practitioner
Utilise your lived/living experience and CALD expertise to support people on their recovery journey
- Permanent, Full-time position | 7-day rotating roster
- Salary from $76,372 (pro-rata) + Super 12% & Benefits
- Cairns Location
Mind strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with a lived experience of mental ill health and recovery, and applicants from all cultures, genders, sexualities, bodies, abilities, spiritualities, ages and backgrounds.
Mind Australia is one of Australia’s largest providers of community-managed psychosocial services, supporting people experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges to find help, hope and purpose in their lives. Operating for more than 45 years and employing more than 1,300 staff around Australia, Mind is a leading employer of people with lived experience of mental health challenges, recognising their unique ability to connect with and motivate clients and guide recovery.
About the service
The Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre, delivered in partnership with Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, provides a welcoming, low-stigma alternative to emergency departments for people experiencing psychological distress or crisis. Operating 7 days a week, the centre provides immediate support, telehealth, and outreach services.
About the role
We are seeking a compassionate and self-motivated CALD Peer Practitioner. In this role, you will draw on your lived/living experience of mental health and/or alcohol and other drug challenges, as well as your cultural and linguistic background, to walk alongside people experiencing distress. You will provide relational, recovery-oriented support grounded in mutuality, empathy, and shared understanding.
You will support people to explore their strengths, build hope, strengthen community connections, and take meaningful steps toward recovery and independent living. This role also champions CALD inclusion, cultural safety, and human rights, ensuring services are responsive to diverse cultural, linguistic, and spiritual needs.
Key responsibilities
- Provide peer support using lived/living experience in a purposeful and recovery-oriented way.
- Use Intentional Peer Support (IPS) approaches to walk alongside people in distress.
- Support people from CALD backgrounds through culturally responsive, inclusive practice.
- Design and facilitate group programs that support peer connection and wellbeing.
- Support people to connect with services and community supports that promote independence, wellbeing and participation in daily life.
- Participate in regular training, peer co-reflection, and professional development.
- Actively contribute to co-design and service improvement, championing the voice of people with lived experience.
What you’ll bring
- Lived or living experience of mental health and/or alcohol and other drug challenges.
- Experience or connection with CALD communities (e.g. migration, settlement, cultural identity).
- Tertiary qualifications (minimum Certificate IV) in Mental Health, Peer Work, AOD, or a related health field.
- Intentional Peer Support (IPS) training (desirable).
- Experience or passion for supporting people with mental health and/or AOD challenges.
- A strong commitment to person-centred, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practice.
- Willingness to work a rotating roster including evenings and weekends.
Benefits
- Generous not-for-profit salary packaging - up to $15,899 p.a.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and immediate family
- Fitness Passport access
- Workplace banking and lifestyle benefits
- Ongoing training, peer support, and professional development opportunities
Interested?
To apply visit Mind Careers - reference number 499599. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm, Monday 1 July 2026. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the advertisement may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.
For more information, please contact:
Rafia Marsh – Service Manager, Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre
Mind is committed to a barrier-free recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to complete your application, please email hr@mindaustralia.org.au
Position Description
PD CALD Peer Practitioner 20260424 (LE Approved).pdf
The successful applicant is required to complete comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and NDIS Workers Screening Check.
