Use your lived experience to inspire recovery!

Empower people recovering from mental health challenges to rebuild confidence and achieve their recovery and wellbeing goals

• Part-time (30.4 hours per week, Monday to Thursday) | Contract until 30 June 2027
• Base salary from $76,372 + 12% superannuation + salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• Group Based Recovery Support Program (GBRSP) | Cairns Location

Mind strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with a lived and living 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

Use your lived or living experience of mental health and/or alcohol and drug challenges to empower others on their recovery journey.

As a Peer Practitioner with Mind Recovery College® in Cairns, you’ll provide person-centred, recovery-focused support to help people build life skills, strengthen social connections, and find purpose. You’ll be part of a supportive, values-driven team that champions lived experience, promotes human rights, and offers a genuine alternative to traditional mental health approaches through mutuality and connection.

About the role

The GBRSP, funded by Queensland Health, offers peer-led, recovery-focused courses and group activities designed to support participants in achieving their wellbeing goals. Delivered both face-to-face and online, the program covers topics such as self-care, communication, parenting, tenancy, and work-readiness. Participants choose sessions based on their interests and needs, fostering social connection, skill development, and community integration. Informed by lived experience, the program bridges mental health support with education, creating a safe and empowering space for personal growth.

Key responsibilities

• Draw on the broader Lived Experience knowledge base to inform your practice.
• Support people to return to a place of residence and pursue a meaningful life using the Intentional Peer Support approach.
• Assist people in actioning their recovery and wellness plans, including mental health management, daily living skills, crisis support, and community participation.
• Develop and deliver peer-led group programs that promote recovery, skill-building, and social connection through co-production and lived experience practice.
• Work collaboratively with a range of services and community agencies to help participants overcome barriers and connect with the right supports.

What you’ll bring

• Lived or living experience of mental health and/or AOD challenges, and a desire to use this to support others.
• Certificate IV or higher in Mental Health, Peer Work, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) or other health-related field.
• Completion of Intentional Peer Support training (desirable).
• Previous experience in a dedicated Peer role strongly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with participants, families, and carers.
• A commitment to person-centred, evidence-informed, and recovery-oriented practice.

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 498538. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Thursday 6 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:

Toni Hines, Service Manager - Mind Centre for Wellbeing/IRSP & GBRSP

[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 (GBRSP) - 20250305.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.