Champion cultural safety and recovery by sharing your lived experience to empower others!

• Bring your cultural knowledge and lived experience to support people in their mental health recovery
• Part-time (26.6 hours/week) until 30 June 2026 | 7-day rotating roster
• Based in Cairns (Gimuy, on the lands of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people)

This position is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only under Section 7 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

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 Peer Practitioner – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander to walk alongside people on their recovery journey. Drawing on your lived and living experience of mental health and/or alcohol and drug challenges, you will share your story to inspire hope, build connection and support self-determination.

You’ll champion the voice of lived experience, advocate for human rights, and offer an alternative to traditional mental health responses through Intentional Peer Support and Mind’s Recovery Oriented Practice and My Better Life model.

This role also plays a key part in delivering Mind’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) by promoting cultural safety, building strong community partnerships, and supporting culturally responsive practice.

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 and safe space for people experiencing distress or crisis. Offering clinical and non-clinical support, the centre provides an alternative to hospital emergency departments and helps people access early intervention and ongoing supports, including alcohol and other drug, housing, and social services.

Key responsibilities

• Walk alongside people using your lived experience to build authentic, trusting relationships.
• Support people to identify their goals, build confidence and connection, and strengthen community ties.
• Plan and facilitate group programs that build skills, focus on recovery, and support community reintegration.
• Partner with families, carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and local services to deliver a coordinated, holistic approach to wellbeing.
• Contribute to a culturally responsive and inclusive environment for all staff, service users, families, and carers.

What you’ll bring

• Applicant must identify as an Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander.
• You have a lived or living experience of mental distress, recovery and/or alcohol and other drug challenges, and can draw on that experience to support others.
• Ability to share your personal story appropriately to foster hope, empowerment, and recovery.
• Expertise supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with mental health issues, homelessness, complex needs and interacting with families and carers.
• Certificate IV or higher in Mental Health, Peer Work, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) or other health-related field (or willingness to work toward this).
• Completion of Intentional Peer Support training (desirable).

Benefits

• Generous not-for-profit salary packaging - up to $15,899 p.a. to reduce taxable income and cover living expenses.
• Access to ceremonial/cultural leave - 3 days personal leave + up to 10 days unpaid leave.
• 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 498460. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Tuesday 18 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

[email protected]

Mind is committed to a barrier-free recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to complete your application, please email [email protected]

Position Description

PD Peer Practitioner - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Slander (CMMHC) - 20251016.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.