Join our Team

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, Part-time (22.5 hours/week), 24/7 Rotating Roster
• $40.49 - $43.42 per hour (SCHADS Level 3) + Super + Benefits
• Aitkenvale, Townsville

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 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 self-motivated and empathetic Peer Practitioner to join our Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service (YRRS) in Townsville on a permanent, part-time basis. YRRS is a recovery-focused residential program supporting young people aged 16–21. Delivered in a safe, home-like environment, the service supports young people to develop life skills, build resilience, strengthen social connections, and increase their confidence to live independently.

Drawing on your lived or living experience of mental health and/or alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges, you will walk alongside young people, 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 young people in distress.
• Design and facilitate group programs that support peer connection and wellbeing.
• Support young people to connect with services and community supports that promote education, 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.
• Completion of Intentional Peer Support Core and/ or Advanced Training, or a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work, is desirable but not required.
• Current First Aid and CPR certificates.
• Ability to provide evidence of Vaccination Preventable Diseases (or willingness to obtain vaccinations) in line with requirements under our partnership with QLD Health.
• Flexibility to work across a 24/7 rotating roster, including weekdays, weekends, night shifts and sleepovers.

Interested?

To apply visit Mind Careers - reference number 500096. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Wednesday 5 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:

Tracey Hocking, General Manager, Complex Care National Services

Tracey.Hocking@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 (YRRS) - 20260713 (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