Use your lived experience to inspire recovery!
Empower people recovering from mental health challenges to rebuild confidence and achieve their recovery and independent living goals
* Part-time (30 hours/week) until 30 June 2026 (with possible extension)
* Base salary from $76,372 + Super 12% & Benefits
* 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 compassionate and values-driven Peer Practitioner to join our Adult Step-Up Step-Down residential service (ASUSD) in Cairns on a part-time basis (30 hours per week).
Drawing on your lived or living experience of mental health and/or alcohol and other drug challenges, you will walk alongside people accessing the service, offering hope, understanding, and non-clinical, relationship-based support. You will support people to explore what matters to them, build confidence, and take steps towards recovery and independent living, while championing mutuality, co-design, and the voice of lived experience.
The role operates on a 24/7 rotating roster, including nights, weekends, and sleepovers.
About the service
The Adult Step Up Step Down (ASUSD) is a short-term (up to 28 days) 24/7 residential service delivered in partnership with Queensland hospital networks and the local health service. It supports adults with a psychosocial disability to transition from an acute hospital setting or prevent hospital admissions.
Key responsibilities
* Use your lived/living experience of mental ill health and recovery to build connection, offer hope, and support others on their recovery journey.
* Deliver high-quality, person-centred support that responds to each individual's strengths, goals, and needs.
* Support people to build positive relationships with those important to them.
* Plan and facilitate group programs that build skills, focus on recovery, and support community reintegration.
* Support people to navigate services and connect with community supports that help them build confidence, independence, and meaningful participation in daily life.
* Actively contribute to co-design and service improvement, championing the voice and leadership of people with lived experience.
What you'll bring
* Lived/living experience and willingness to support clients through sharing your own learnings and recovery-oriented practice.
* 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 working in a dedicated peer role (highly desirable)
* Understanding of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and family-inclusive practice
* First Aid and CPR (or willingness to obtain)
Benefits
* Generous not-for-profit salary packaging - up to $15,899 p.a. to reduce taxable income.
* Workplace Banking Portal with access to banking and lifestyle benefits through CommBank.
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your immediate family.
* Fitness Passport with access to a wide range of fitness facilities for you and your family.
* Ongoing professional development, training, and career growth opportunities.
Interested?
To apply visit Mind Careers - reference number 499053. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm, Monday 2 March 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:
Emma Sansom – Service Manager - Cairns CCU and ASUSD
Emma.Sansom@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 Peer Practitioner (ASUSD) - 20250220.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.
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