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 wellbeing goals
- Fixed-term, Part-time opportunity (28 hours/week) until 30 June 2027
- Base 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 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 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 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
The Cairns Crisis Support Space (CSS) is a safe and welcoming place where people can voluntarily seek support during times of emotional, situational or mental health crisis. Delivered by Mind Australia peer workers and a Senior Mental Health Clinician, the service offers compassionate, peer-led support to help individuals find pathways to wellbeing.
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.
- Participate in regular training, peer co-reflection, and professional development to strengthen your practice.
- 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
- Lived or living experience of mental health and/or AOD challenges, and a desire to use this 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 or willingness to obtain required vaccinations in line with Queensland Health partnership requirements.
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 499595. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm, Thursday 4 June 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.
