Make a real difference in the lives of people experiencing mental health and/or alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges, supporting recovery, wellbeing, and connection to community services.
* Deliver evidence-informed, trauma-informed counselling and brief interventions
* Permanent, part-time (3 days per week) | 7-day roster
* Base Salary from $88,090 + 12% Super & Salary Packaging
* 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
We are seeking two dedicated and compassionate practitioners to join the Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre:
* Counsellor (Mental Health Focus)
* AOD Counsellor (Alcohol and Other Drugs Focus)
Both roles provide confidential, trauma-informed counselling, brief intervention and care coordination to people experiencing distress or crisis, as well as their families and carers. You will work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver recovery-oriented, person-led support that strengthens wellbeing and connection to community services.
The AOD Counsellor will have a specific focus on supporting people experiencing alcohol and other drug concerns and working closely with AOD services and pathways.
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. The centre offers an alternative to emergency departments and supports access to early intervention and ongoing services, including AOD, housing and social supports. Services operate 7 days per week with extended hours, telehealth options and outreach capacity.
Key responsibilities
* Deliver trauma-informed counselling and brief interventions.
* Conduct risk assessments and safety planning for people in distress.
* Develop and review person-led support plans using recovery-oriented practice.
* Provide support, education and referrals for families and carers.
* Facilitate group-based mental health programs as required.
* Build and maintain strong referral pathways and community partnerships.
* Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
What you’ll bring
* Tertiary qualifications in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and current registration with ACA (minimum Level 3) or PACFA.
* Experience supporting people with mental health and/or AOD challenges.
* Demonstrated use of evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
* Strong risk assessment and safety planning capability.
* Excellent communication skills and a compassionate, non-judgmental approach.
Benefits
* Generous not-for-profit salary packaging - up to $15,899 p.a. to reduce taxable income and cover living expenses.
* Workplace Banking Portal - access to a variety of banking and lifestyle benefits through our CommBank program.
* Hybrid work options – opportunity to combine on-site and telehealth work.
* 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 499167. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm, Thursday 28 May 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:
Rafia Marsh – Service Manager, Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre
***********@onedoor.org.au
Mind is committed to a barrier-free recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to complete your application, please email **@mindaustralia.org.au
Position Description
PD Counsellor (CMMHC) - 20260220.pdf
PD Counsellor AOD (CMMHC) - 20260326.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.