Join a new Medicare Mental Health Centre and help create a welcoming, recovery-focused alternative for people experiencing distress or crisis. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you'll use your lived or living experience to inspire hope, build connection, and support people on their recovery journey.

• Full-time and part-time opportunities (30 - 38 hours/week) | 7 -day roster
• Multiple positions available | Permanent and fixed-term opportunities until June 2027
• Salary from $80,008 + 12% Super & 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.

About the role

We are seeking empathetic and self-motivated Peer Practitioners to join our team in Cairns. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will provide person-centred, recovery-focused support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, distress, or crisis, drawing on your lived or living experience to promote hope, connection, and empowerment.

You will work collaboratively with consumers, carers, families, and service providers to support recovery planning, strengthen community connections, and assist people in achieving their goals.

The service operates 7 days a week, with team members rostered across service hours from 8:30am to 9:30pm Monday to Friday and 11:30am to 7:30pm on weekends and public holidays.

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 delivers immediate, short and medium-term clinical and non-clinical support, connecting people with ongoing mental health, alcohol and other drug, housing, and social support services.

Key responsibilities

• Provide individual peer support using your lived/living experience to build hope and support recovery.
• 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.
• Contribute to service improvement and champion the voice of 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.
• A strong commitment to person-centred, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practice.

Benefits

• Generous not-for-profit salary packaging of up to $15,899 p.a.
• Supportive multidisciplinary team environment.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support for you and your immediate family.
• Fitness Passport membership for you and your family.
• Access to discounts and lifestyle benefits through Mind's Workplace Banking Program.

About 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.

Interested?

To apply visit Mind Careers - reference number 500827. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Tuesday, Thursday 3 December 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:

Emily Nelson – Team Leader Lived Expertise

Emily.Nelson@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

The successful applicant will be required to complete comprehensive reference and background checks prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check (Blue Card) and NDIS Worker Screening Check. A current Australian driver's licence is also required.

Position Description

 PD Peer Practitioner (CMMHC) - 20261112 (LE reviewed).pdf