Peer Practitioner

Use your lived/living experience to support young people’s recovery journey and create meaningful connections within their community.

• Permanent full-time role | Monday to Friday
• Base Salary from $80,008 + Super 12%, with salary packaging options to boost your take-home pay
• Outreach-based role supporting young people across Mackay

Mind strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with a lived 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 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 Peer Practitioner to support young people aged 12–25 years who are experiencing, or have recently experienced, a first episode of psychosis.

Drawing on your lived/living experience of mental health and/or alcohol and other drug challenges, you will walk alongside young people to build hope, strengthen connections and support their recovery journey. This is a recovery-focused, outreach-based role where you will use your lived expertise to develop meaningful peer relationships, support self-determination and empower young people to explore what is possible in their lives.

You will champion the voice of lived experience, advocate for human rights and contribute to a service environment where young people, families and carers are valued as partners in recovery.

Key responsibilities

• Provide individual peer support using your lived/living experience in a safe and purposeful way to build hope, connection and support recovery.
• Utilise the Intentional Peer Support (IPS) framework to walk alongside young people experiencing distress.
• Support young people to navigate systems and connect with services, education, employment and community supports.
• Work in a family-inclusive way, supporting young people to strengthen connections with families, carers and natural supports where appropriate.
• Champion co-design and co-production practices, contribute to service improvement activities, and participate in ongoing professional development including regular peer co-reflection.

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 another relevant health-related field, or currently working towards a relevant qualification in one of these areas.
• Completion of Intentional Peer Support Core and/or Advanced Training is desirable.
• Previous experience in a dedicated Peer role is highly desirable.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed approaches and family-inclusive practice.
• A current unrestricted driver's licence and access to a roadworthy vehicle for outreach work (kilometre reimbursement provided).
• Ability to provide proof of vaccination against vaccine preventable diseases or willingness to obtain required vaccinations per Queensland Health partnership.

Benefits

• Generous not-for-profit salary packaging - up to $15,899 p.a.
• 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.
• Workplace Banking Portal - access to a variety of banking and lifestyle benefits through our CommBank program.
• Professional development - ongoing training and career growth opportunities.

Interested?

To apply visit Mind Careers - reference number 500215. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Monday 24 August 2026. We encourage you to apply promptly as the advertisement may close early should a suitable applicant be sourced. Please contact the person below for more information.

For more information, please contact:

Suzie Black, Service Manager

*************@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 Peer Practitioner (EPPS) - 20260423 (LE approved).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.