Join our Team
Peer Practitioner
Utilise your lived/living experience of mental health and/or alcohol and drug challenges to support people in achieving their recovery goals and independent living
- Permanent, Full-time & Part-time opportunities | 7-day rotating roster
- Multiple positions available
- 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 self-motivated and empathetic Peer Practitioners to join our new service in Cairns. These permanent full-time and part-time roles will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting people experiencing distress or mental health challenges.
Drawing on your lived or living experience of mental health and/or alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges, you will walk alongside service users, supporting them to explore their strengths, identify goals, and take meaningful steps toward recovery and independent living.
As a Peer Practitioner, you will champion the voice of lived experience, advocate for human rights, and provide an alternative to traditional mental health responses through the practice of mutuality, empathy, and shared understanding.
Key responsibilities
- Provide individual peer support grounded in your own lived/living experience of mental health and/or AOD challenges.
- Utilise the Intentional Peer Support (IPS) framework to walk alongside individuals in distress.
- 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 AOD challenges, with a willingness to share your learnings to support others.
- Tertiary qualifications (minimum Certificate IV) in Mental Health, Peer Work, AOD, or a related health field.
- Completion of Intentional Peer Support (IPS) Core and/or Advanced Training, or Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (highly desirable).
- Experience, interest, or passion for supporting people experiencing mental health and/or AOD challenges, and their families or carers.
- A strong commitment to person-centred, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practice.
- Availability to work a rotating roster including evenings and weekends.
Benefits
- Generous not-for-profit salary packaging - up to $15,899 p.a. to reduce taxable income and cover living expenses.
- Workplace Banking Portal - access to a variety of banking and lifestyle benefits through our CommBank program.
- 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 visit Mind Careers - reference number 499263. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Tuesday, 31 March 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 Peer Practitioner (CMMHC) - 20260310 (LE reviewed).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.
