Join our Team

Champion the voice of lived experience whilst providing leadership and operational support

• Part-time (30.4 hours/week) until 30 June 2026 | Monday to Friday
• Base salary from $110,102 (pro-rata) + Super 12% & 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.

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 passionate and self-motivated Team Leader (Lived Expertise) to champion the voice of lived experience and lead service delivery across the Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre and the Forensic Transitional Recovery Program.

This role provides leadership, coaching and operational oversight to a multidisciplinary team while modelling lived experience practice grounded in mutuality, human rights, and co-production. You will guide recovery-oriented service delivery, support staff to embed relational and trauma-informed care, and work collaboratively with internal and external partners to ensure high-quality, person-centred outcomes.

About the services

Delivered in partnership with Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, the Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre offers a welcoming, low-stigma space providing immediate, short and medium-term clinical and non-clinical support for people in distress or crisis.

The Forensic Transitional Recovery Program supports people transitioning from forensic settings into community living, providing recovery-focused, strengths-based support to build independence and wellbeing.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and support a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, recovery-oriented services aligned with Mind’s values and frameworks.
• Model lived experience leadership, drawing on personal and collective experience to inspire hope, connection and growth.
• Provide practice leadership, supervision, coaching and mentoring to develop staff capability.
• Foster co-design and co-production in all aspects of service planning, evaluation and delivery.
• Build strong partnerships with stakeholders, including hospital, health, and community services.
• Promote culturally safe, inclusive and destigmatising practice for consumers, carers and families.

 What you’ll bring

• Lived or living experience of mental health and/or AOD challenges, and a desire to use this to support others.
• Tertiary qualifications (minimum Certificate IV) are required in Mental Health, Peer Work, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) or other health related field as designated by Mind.
• Completion of Intentional Peer Support Core and/ or Advanced Training, or Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work, is desirable but not required.
• Experience in a designated lived experience role and/or leadership within Community Services, Mental Health, Disability, Social Welfare, Housing, Healthcare or Government sectors.
• Proven leadership ability to coach, mentor and develop a team to achieve the provision of service that best supports the community’s needs.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, family-inclusive, and anti-oppressive practice frameworks.

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 498459. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Monday 3 November 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:

Leonie Heness - Service Manager, National Complex Care

Leonie.Heness@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 Team Leader (Lived Expertise) 20250917.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.