Join our Team

Make a real difference in people’s lives! Join our new Forensic Transitional Recovery Program to support adults leaving acute mental health services to achieve recovery goals, build independence, and thrive in the community.

• Part-time positions until 30 June 2026 | This role requires flexibility to work on a 24/7 rotating roster, including nights, weekends, weekdays, and sleepovers
• Hourly rate $38.65 - $41.45 + 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 role

We are looking for empathetic and motivated Community Mental Health Practitioners to join our new Transitional Recovery program in Cairns. You’ll play a vital role in helping people on forensic orders to build independence, develop life skills, and work towards their personal goals in a safe and supportive environment. 

In this role, you will:

• Deliver personalised, recovery-focused support to people experiencing mental health challenges.
• Collaborate with people, families, and carers to support recovery through one-on-one sessions, shared supports, workshops, and group facilitation.
• Work a flexible 24/7 rotating roster, including nights, weekends, and sleepovers, to provide consistent and responsive care.

About the service

The Forensic Transitional Recovery Program (FTRP) is a 12-month residential service in Cairns that helps people on forensic orders move from clinical settings to independent living. With 24/7 support in a home-like environment, the program promotes recovery, social connection, and building skills for safe independence.

Key responsibilities

• Engage clients using motivational interviewing, brief interventions, trauma-informed care, and family-inclusive practices.
• Develop and facilitate group programs to build skills and support recovery goals.
• Support families and carers with information, education, and referrals.
• Collaborate with community services to ensure coordinated support.
• Contribute to day-to-day operations, including housekeeping duties.

What you’ll bring

• Tertiary qualifications (minimum Certificate IV) in Youth Work, Mental Health, Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or other health-related field.
• Experience working with people with mental health challenges and complex needs, including families and carers.
• Proven capability to implement therapeutic, recovery-oriented frameworks and practices including risk mitigation, trauma- informed care and family inclusive practice.
• Current First Aid and CPR certificates.
• Ability to provide proof of vaccination against vaccine preventable diseases or willingness to obtain required vaccinations per Queensland Health partnership.

Benefits

• Generous not-for-profit salary packaging - up to $15,899 p.a. to reduce taxable income and cover living expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - support for you and your immediate family.
• Fitness Passport - access to a wide range of fitness facilities for you and your family.
• Professional development - ongoing training and career growth opportunities.

Interested?

To apply online visit Mind Careers - reference number 497857. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Thursday 23 October 2025. 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:

Leonie Heness, Service Manager

Leonie.Heness@mindaustralia.org.au

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 Community Mental Health Practitioner (FTRP) - 20250702.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.