Join our Team

Use your lived experience to inspire recovery!

Empower people recovering from mental health challenges to rebuild confidence and achieve their recovery and wellbeing goals

• Fixed-term, Part-time opportunity (28 hours/week) until 30 June 2027
• $40.49 - $43.42 per hour + Super 12% & Benefits
• Cairns Location

Mind strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with a lived and living 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 almost 50 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 seeking a compassionate and resilient Peer Practitioner to join our Cairns team on a fixed-term, part-time basis (28 hours per week) until 30 June 2027. Drawing on your lived/living experience of mental health and/or alcohol and other drug challenges, you will deliver person-centred, recovery-oriented support to people experiencing psychological distress.

In this role you will support clients to achieve their wellbeing goals, strengthen daily living skills, encourage connection to community networks, and foster hope, resilience and purposeful living.

About the service

Crisis Support Space (CSS) is a peer-led, non-clinical mental health service that provides flexible support for adults experiencing psychological distress, mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm concerns. Delivered in a welcoming, café-like space and culturally safe environment, Peer Practitioners use their lived experience to provide one-on-one support, counselling, group programs, information, and referrals, helping people improve their wellbeing, build life skills, strengthen connections, and achieve their recovery goals.

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.
• Intentional Peer Support (IPS) training and other Consumer Discipline training such as Hearing Voices or Alt2Su (desirable).
• Certificate IV or higher in Mental Health, Peer Work, AOD, or a related field (desirable).
• Previous experience in a dedicated Peer role strongly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with participants, families, and carers.
• A commitment to person-centred, evidence-informed, and recovery-oriented practice.
• 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 visit Mind Careers - reference number 500158. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm, Thursday 6 August 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:

Toni Hines, Service Manager - Mind Centre for Wellbeing/IRSP & GBRSP

Toni.Hines@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 Peer Practitioner (CSS) - 20260520 (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.