Join our Team

Make a real difference in people’s lives!

Join our new Forensic Transitional Recovery Program in Cairns and lead a compassionate team supporting people with complex mental health challenges as they transition from long-term clinical care into independent community living.

• Full-time |Fixed-term until 31 July 2026| Monday to Friday
• Base Salary from $110,102 + NFP Salary Packaging
• 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 passionate Team Leader to join our new Cairns program. In this role, you will guide and inspire a team delivering trauma-informed, recovery-oriented support to people transitioning from clinical care into community living. You will provide practice leadership, coaching, and mentoring to staff while overseeing the daily operations of the service.

 About the service

The Forensic Transitional Recovery Program (FTRP) supports people subject to forensic orders to transition safely from clinical care into community living. The 12-month residential program provides 24/7 support within a home-like environment, helping clients develop confidence, social connections, and the skills needed for independent living.

 Key responsibilities

• Lead and model effective recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practice to staff.
• Provide supervision, mentoring, and coaching to support professional growth.
• Deliver direct support to people, fostering independence and recovery.
• Oversee daily operations, including rostering, administration, and monitoring budgets.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clinical partners to ensure coordinated care.
• Maintain a safe and high-quality service aligned with Mind’s Model of Recovery Oriented Practice.

What you’ll bring

• Tertiary qualifications (minimum Certificate IV) in Mental Health, Peer Work, Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or other health-related field.
• Experience leading teams in community services, mental health, or related sectors.
• Strong knowledge of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and family-inclusive practice.
• Hold a current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to provide proof of vaccination against vaccine preventable diseases or willingness to obtain required vaccinations per Queensland Health partnership.

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 online visit Mind Careers - reference number 498461. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Friday 31 October 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

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 (FTRP) - 20250929.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.