Join our Team
Peer Practitioner
Use your lived experience to inspire recovery!
Empower people recovering from mental health challenges to rebuild confidence and achieve their recovery and independent living goals
- Part-time (15.2 hours/week) until 30 June 2026 | 7-day rotating roster
- 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 and living experience of mental distress 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 seeking a compassionate and empathetic Peer Practitioner for a part-time role (15.2 hours/week) at the Community Care Unit (CCU) in Cairns. Drawing on your lived or living experience of mental health and/or alcohol and drug challenges, you will provide person-centred, recovery-oriented support, empowering clients to identify their goals and take steps toward recovery. The role involves working on a 24/7 rotating roster, including nights, weekends, and sleepovers.
About the service
The Community Care Unit (CCU) is a longer-term residential service that provides intensive treatment and recovery support for people experiencing serious mental health challenges. It supports individuals whose lives have been disrupted, making independent living difficult. Clients can access staff 24/7 whilst being supported to stabilise their mental health and gain the skills necessary to safely transition back into the community from a hospital environment.
Key responsibilities
- Use your lived/living experience of mental ill health and recovery to build connection, offer hope, and support others on their recovery journey.
- Deliver high-quality services to respond to the unique needs of people, offering a flexible and person-centred approach.
- Provide resources and support to help people foster positive relationships with those important to them.
- Plan and facilitate group programs that build skills, focus on recovery, and support community reintegration.
- Support people to navigate services and connect with community supports that help them build confidence, independence, and meaningful participation in daily life.
- Actively contribute to co-design and service improvement, championing the voice and leadership of people with lived experience.
What you’ll bring
- Tertiary qualifications (minimum Certificate IV) in Mental Health, Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or other health-related field.
- Current First Aid and CPR certificates.
- 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.
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 497257. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm, Thursday 18 December 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:
Emma Sansom –Service Manager - Cairns CCU and ASUSD
Emma.Sansom@mindaustralia.org.au
Position Description
PD Peer Practitioner (CCU) - 20251117.pdf
Mind is committed to a barrier-free recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to complete your application, please email hr@mindaustralia.org.au
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.
