Community Mental Health Practitioner - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander

• Bring your cultural knowledge to support people in their mental health recovery
• Fixed-term, part-time (30 hours/week) until 31 December 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, as the filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under Section 7 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) for the purposes contained in Section 25 of that Act.

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 almost 50 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 culturally grounded Community Mental Health Practitioner – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander to join our Adult Step-Up Step-Down team in Cairns.

In this role, you will provide culturally safe, recovery-oriented and trauma-informed support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as other individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Working alongside clients, families and carers, you will help people build on their strengths, achieve recovery goals, strengthen cultural and community connections, and develop the skills and confidence needed for everyday living.

You will play an important role in supporting connections to Country, Elders, kinship networks and culturally appropriate services, while contributing cultural and community-informed perspectives that strengthen culturally responsive practice across the service.

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 either transition from an acute hospital setting or prevent hospital admissions.

Key responsibilities

• Provide culturally safe, trauma-informed, person-centred and recovery-oriented support.
• Support people to identify strengths, set recovery goals and build skills for daily living and self-management.
• Facilitate individual and group-based recovery activities that promote wellbeing, resilience and community connection.
• Support clients to connect or reconnect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Country, Elders, kinship networks and culturally appropriate services.
• Work collaboratively with families, carers, community organisations and clinical partners to deliver coordinated and holistic recovery support.
• Support and promote culturally responsive practice within the multidisciplinary team.

What you’ll bring

• Applicant must identify as an Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander person.
• Tertiary qualifications (minimum Certificate IV) in Mental Health, Peer Work, Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or other health-related field.
• Experience supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiencing mental health challenges, homelessness, psychosocial disability and/or complex needs.
• Strong connection to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community, kinship networks or cultural knowledge systems.
• A commitment to recovery-oriented, culturally safe and person-centred practice.
• A current First Aid and CPR certification.

Benefits

• Generous not-for-profit salary packaging - up to $15,899 p.a. to reduce taxable income and cover living expenses
• Workplace Banking Portal that provides convenient access to a range of banking and lifestyle benefits offered through Mind’s CommBank program
• 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 500329. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Thursday 10 September 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 Residential Services

••••@mindaustralia.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 CMHP - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander (ASUSD Cairns) 20260824.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.